Latest Airlines News

TASMANIA--The Island State of Australia

2009-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Island State of Australia is a famous tourist destination for visitors from all over the World. It was first discovered by a Dutch explorer "Abel Tasman" and originally named as Van Diemen Land.

Tasmania is also called "Tassie" for short, by many Australians. The other names are "Apple Island", "Treasure Island". Because of its delicious apples and historical and natural heritage.

Location and Connection: Tasmania is 240 km south of the Australian mainland. It is located between 40 and 43.3 meridians of the southern hemisphare surrounded by the Southern Ocean (to the south and west),Tasman Sea (to the east) and Bass Strait (to the north). Bass Strait is approximately 30-90 metre deep.

It takes 55 minutes fly from Melbourne (most southern city) to Launceston (second largest city after Hobart) and 90 minutes to Hobart (capital of the State). So the shortest and the cheapest flight connection (usually) from the mainland to Tassie is Melbourne - Launceston.

Size and Landscape:Tasmania is comparible in size with the Republic of Ireland, West Virginia (USA) and Hokkaido (Japan).

Despite being a small island, Tasmania boosts eight mountains that are greater than 1,500 m in heights and 28 mountains that are more than 1,220 m. high. Tasmania has more variation in landscape over short distances than any other part of Australia and New Zealand due to topographical variations such as mountains, hills and valleys.

Tassie is a gifted island with many rivers, lakes,wildlife and World Heritage listed National Parks. www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/index.html

It has its own unique flora and wildlife different than the Australian mainland and the bright blue sky (well, when not cloudy of course) that you might not have seen before as well as the cleanest air in the World. Hobart has the longest daylight in Australia.

Despite its size, Tasmania has different landscapes in the different regions-Eastern and Western regions are quite different, Midland plateau, Huon Region (south),Tasman Peninsula, North are all different which also affect the climate.

Food:Tassie is also well known for its fine food,locally,grown produce, cherries, orchards, crops, deliciously baked breads, salmon, trout, oysters, mussels, cheese and award winning cool climate wine.

First agricultural fair, in Australian history, was held in Ross, a midland village which is famous for its carved stone bridge, Wool Centre,colonial buildings and historical Ross Bakery.

Delta joins transpacific fare war.

2009-03-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Delta Air Lines has joined the airfare war that has been building on trans-Pacific routes, offering return fares on its Sydney-Los Angeles service from A$777, excluding taxes.

Delta intends to launch service on the route in July, and will face stiff competition from Qantas, United and V Australia.

Passengers on Delta will be offered the option of flying beyond Los Angles for an additional A$200, to destinations including Atlanta, Boise, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Until 9 April, Direct Flights is offering fares, with the new Delta service, from A$1105 return, inclusive of taxes, from Sydney to Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Detroit, New Orleans, Seattle, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Orlando, Indianapolis and Boise.

The special launch fare for Business Class travel starts from $7785 per person.

These Direct Flights US special fares are valid on departures from 3 July 3 to 31 October 2009, making it possible for Australians to enjoy the American summer at low season prices.

V Australia recently defended its decision to provide service on the hotly-contested trans-Pacific route as a way of challenging the domination by Qantas and United for many years."

(Delta Airlines)

Royal Air Maroc will order six new planes this month

2009-03-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Morocco's flag carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will order six new planes this month despite the bleak outlook for business travel during the global economic downturn, its chief executive said on Thursday.

Royal Air Maroc, one of the most profitable airlines in North Africa, has plans to beef up its Boeing-dominated fleet to 50 jets, RAM chief executive Driss Benhima said.

It is benefiting from the government's policy to increase tourism to 10 million visitors by 2010 from 8 million in 2008. The government is also encouraging the expansion of air transport, including low-cost flights.

Morocco signed an Open Skies agreement with the European Union in 2006 allowing new airline competitors, including low-budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.

"We will put an order for six planes. We will sign the order deal by the end of this month," Benhima told a business conference in the North African country's commercial capital Casablanca.

He gave no more details on the order, but said RAM is looking beyond this year's economic crisis to develop its business and survive the competition from European airlines."

(Airwise)

Cathay Pacific boosts services to Paris, Shanghai and Jakarta

2009-01-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

Cathay Pacific announced that it will increase the number of flights it offers to three key destinations – Paris, Shanghai and Jakarta – in response to sustained customer demand. The service enhancements will be introduced in the airline’s summer schedule, which comes into effect on 29 March 2009.

An additional four flights a week will be added to and from Paris – departing Hong Kong every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – meaning the airline will provide a double-daily service to the French capital.

In another change effective from the summer schedule, Cathay Pacific will add two more flights each day to Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport, with early- and late-afternoon departures from Hong Kong, taking the airline’s total to three flights daily.

For Jakarta, the existing twice-daily service from Hong Kong will be supplemented by three more flights a week, departing Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and departing from the Indonesian capital late the same day.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Development Ian Shiu said: “We are pleased to be able to strengthen our services to these three cities and I’m sure passengers will appreciate the additional choice and increased convenience when planning their journeys. Overall, Cathay Pacific’s capacity will grow at less than 1% this year – a significant reduction on our original plan as a result of the current financial crisis – but we will take whatever opportunities we can to strengthen those routes where demand and revenue potential remain high.”

Singapore Airlines is increasing flights to the Gulf Arab region

2009-01-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

" Singapore Airlines is increasing flights to the Gulf Arab region to tap growing demand despite the global downturn, its regional head said on Monday.

Earlier this month, the Straits Times newspaper quoted an airline circular issued to travel agents as saying Singapore Airlines would reduce the numbers of flights to China, India, Australia, London and Zurich in response to falling passenger numbers.

Meow-Seng Lim, the airline's Gulf general manager, said the flag carrier expected to boost its passenger load factor due to a surge in tourism to and from the Gulf because of lower fuel costs.

The airline is launching flights to Kuwait in March and is increasing its weekly flights to Abu Dhabi to seven from three, he said. The airline operates 21 flights to Dubai per week.

"With the expansion, we will be operating 38 flights a week to the Gulf, of which 28 are to the United Arab Emirates alone. We are seeing growth in demand due to the growing trade links between the Gulf countries and the Far East," Lim told reporters."

(Reuters)

Aer Lingus and United Airlines Announce Transatlantic Partnership

2009-01-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

"Aer Lingus and United Airlines (UAUA) today announce an innovative extension of their relationship on select long haul services between Europe and North America. This partnership will capitalize on the growth opportunities presented by the Open Skies agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) by opening new transatlantic non-stop services.

The partners will launch service between Washington Dulles and Madrid, which will be available for sale from April 2009, and will commence daily operations from March 2010. It is anticipated that additional routes may be made available for sale during 2010 to commence operation in Summer 2011.

It is intended that both carriers will equally share the commercial and operating benefits and risk, with Aer Lingus managing the operational aspects of the new partnership services and United Airlines taking responsibility for managing revenue generation. The Partnership route structure will be operated and sold under both Aer Lingus and United Airlines codes and will leverage both parties' network capabilities."

Lithuania's FlyLAL suspends operations

2009-01-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

"VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Lithuania's troubled FlyLAL airline said Saturday it has suspended its operations after a buyout deal by Swiss investment firm SCH Swiss Capital Holdings failed.

Airline officials said it terminated a preliminary agreement with the Swiss company after it failed to pay $1 million (euro756,000) that would have cleared FlyLAL's debts and potentially saved it from bankruptcy.

Company Chief Executive Vytautas Kaikaris said the suspension was one of the few options left to try to save his company.

"We believe that the decision to suspend the operations is the most appropriate at this moment. We are doing this trying to stem further losses and prevent further deterioration in creditors' situation," Kaikaris said in a statement.

The Swiss company, which previously announced it would restructure and modernize the airline, was not immediately available for comment.

Since it was privatized in 2005, FlyLAL has struggled with large debts, primarily to Vilnius International Airport, where it is based. Carrier's debts now total some 90 million litas ($26 million).

The suspension left many passengers stranded and seeking either reimbursement or alternative routes.

Some 30,000 FlyLAL tickets had been sold and were still valid before Saturday's announcement."

South African Airways Vacations is offering U.S. travelers a cheap vacation package

2009-01-19T04:37:00.000-08:00

"South African Airways Vacations is offering U.S. travelers a cheap vacation package to South Africa.

The package starts at $1,799 and includes airfare from New York or Washington to Johannesburg and Cape Town, four nights stay and breakfast at the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town, and a full-day Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain tour.

The South African Airways vacation also includes a half-day tour and wine tasting session at the Wineland Region in Cape Town, dinner and entertainment at the Gold of Africa Museum, two nights stay and breakfast and dinners at the Bakubung Bush Lodge in Pilanesburg National Park and two game drives to view Africa's Big Five.

The price of $1,799 is based on double occupancy and does not include taxes and surcharges.

Packages must be booked online with South African Airways Jan. 31 and travel must take place between February and May.

"We're pleased at the opportunity to offer this nine-day, air-inclusive vacation at this unheard-of price, fully $200 lower than our least expensive luxury package," said Lucille Sive, President of South African Airways Vacations.

"We understand the need to save, but we also understand the need to live and enjoy life, which is why we strive to offer luxury packages at low rates that travelers would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere." "

(CheapFlights)

The beautiful tourist City - Orlando

2009-01-16T02:42:00.000-08:00

Orlando is a beautiful city, located in central Florida, USA. The county seat of Orange County, Florida, Orlando is the sixth largest city in Florida. Set off for an exciting Orlando trip with Orlando you family for an unforgettable vacation. Your kids would love visiting the famous Walt Disney World Resort, located in the exotic Lake Buena Vista. Also visit the famous Sea World and Universal Orlando Resort. Orlando is home to other popular attractions such as the Cinderella Castle

At the beautiful Magic Kingdom. While in Orlando, don't miss visiting the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney. Sea World Orlando is an exciting large adventure park that has numerous exciting zoological displays and marine animals. You must also spend some time at the famous Holy Land Experience theme park and museum and the International Trolley and Train Museum. Orlando's other popular attractions include Ripley's Believe It or Not! Wonder Works funhouse, World of Orchids, Wet 'n Wild - Orlando Water Park and many other famous places.

Set aboard a direct Orlando flight to give your family the most memorable holidays. Your kids would surely enjoy a visit to the famous Walt Disney World Resort.

Flights to Orlando| Hotels in Orland o | Car Rentals in Orlando

US Airways plane crashed into the Hudson River

2009-01-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

"A US Airways plane crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon after striking a bird that disabled two engines, sending passengers fleeing for safety in the frigid waters, a government official says. Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura Brown says the US Airways Flight 1549 had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport enroute to Charlotte, N.C., when the crash occurred in the river near 48th Street in midtown Manhattan. Brown says the plane, an Airbus 320, appears to have hit one or more birds."

See the BBC Picture

US Airways pilots executed a dramatic emergency landing

2009-01-15T01:56:00.000-08:00

"US Airways pilots executed a dramatic emergency landing Thursday on the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan, saving the lives of all 150 passengers and five crew members aboard Flight 1549.

The Airbus A320 twin-engine jetliner -- enroute to Charlotte, N.C. -- landed at 3:31 p.m., a few minutes after leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport. The water landing of a large passenger aircraft without fatalities is a feat rarely seen in 50 years of commercial jet travel, according to air-safety experts.

Passenger and witnesses described a smooth landing on the Hudson and then a scramble for emergency exits. Within minutes, ferry boats surrounded the aircraft as it floated in 40-degree water and helped pull passengers from the wing. The U.S. Coast Guard dropped life vests and divers.

US Airways officials said Thursday it was too soon to determine the cause of the accident. The crew reported flying through a flock of geese, which were sucked into both engines, said a person at the Federal Aviation Administration familiar with conversations between the flight crew and air-traffic controllers. The damaged engines continued to run but weren't generating enough power, this person said."

Delta eyes 2,000 job cuts via early retirement

2009-01-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

"TOKYO (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines, which merged with rival Northwest Airlines last year, said it expects to let about 2,000 staff go this month through an early retirement program as it aims to trim capacity as much as 8 percent this year.

In December, Delta, now the world's biggest carrier, said it would offer employees severance packages, but it didn't say how many jobs it aimed to cut.

"We are expecting a number of around 2,000 because the capacity reduction is going to be around 6 to 8 percent," Delta CEO Richard Anderson told reporters in Tokyo.

"We will know more toward the end of this month, because we gave employees a wide window so that they can make the right decision."

Major airlines, battered by sagging travel demand and losses on fuel hedging costs, have been working to bolster their profitability by cutting capacity and finding new revenue streams. Capacity reductions affect the number of seats for sale and are achieved by cutting flights or replacing large planes with smaller ones.

Delta said last month its domestic capacity would fall 8 percent to 10 percent in 2009, and international capacity would fall 3 percent to 5 percent as travel demand wanes. Systemwise, that would mean a reduction of 6 to 8 percent.

Delta told reporters on Thursday that it sees a 10 percent decline in industry revenue in 2009 as the economic slowdown hits travel demand.

The airline said, however, it expects to save $5 billion this year from the plunge in oil prices since last summer."

CheapOair Announces New Year Hotels Sale on Over 85,000 Hotel Properties Worldwide

2008-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

"CheapOair announces up to 50% savings to its 3MM customer base on over 85,000 negotiated hotel rooms worldwide with the lowest rates online, including last minute hotel rooms from 2-to-5 star Hotels.

What separates CheapOair from other OTA's (online travel agencies) is their ability to buy hotel rooms directly from suppliers; this radically reduces the rate, enabling CheapOair to pass that savings onto their customers. Additionally, CheapOair has acquired thousands of unsold hotel rooms at half price. Some of the types of deals that can be found are 4-Star deals at the Sheraton Safari Resort Orlando for $62, Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove/Miami for $77, Crowne Plaza Dallas Gallaria for $77 and Wembley Plaza Hotel - London for $59. For more deals, visit the hotels section (http://www.cheapoair.com/default.aspx?tabid=3664) on the CheapOair website.Customers can compare hotel rates by city, airport, or landmark on notable brand hotel chains. If the hotel purchased on CheapOair is not the lowest rate for the exact date and length of stay, and a lower rate is found

on another top OTA, CheapOair will credit their customer USD$10 on their next hotel reservation made through CheapOair.com.

A spokesperson for CheapOair remarks, "We see this deal as a win-win proposition. Our customers are very web savvy and budget conscious. More so during economically challenging times, our customers should have the opportunity to purchase affordable travel and take advantage of much needed price breaks as stress free as possible."

Because of the directly negotiated exclusive hotel deals, CheapOair customers may also receive free hotel room upgrades and free night stays at nearly half price. As CheapOair's spokesperson further points out, "If you look to book, we offer last-minute deals that include 2-Star rates at 5-Star Hotels as well as luxury suites."

CheapOair's easy online search platform gives consumers new and speedy options to view results: the "Qwik View" is a unique display that allows hundreds of hotels to be viewed and compared at once, as well as the standard "List View." When available, many hotel listings show rates using AAA, AARP and other discounts."

Southwest Offers Two-Day Fare Sale to Las Vegas

2008-12-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

"Southwest Airlines is offering all Customers something to toast this New Year's Eve! For 48 hours only, Customers will be able to get 50 percent off any Southwest Airlines' "Wanna Get Away" fares for roundtrip travel to and from Las Vegas! Las Vegas is the airline's most popular travel destination, so it's offering Customers a one-of-a-kind discount. These super low fares are available Dec. 30, 2008, through midnight PST on Dec. 31, 2008, for travel Jan. 13, 2009, through March 11, 2009. To book these low fares enter the promotion code "LASVEGAS" at southwest.com/lasvegas or click here."

Examples of fares are listed below (see Fare Rules):

$69 roundtrip between Phoenix and Las Vegas.
$149 roundtrip between Philadelphia and Las Vegas.
$159 roundtrip between Dallas and Las Vegas.
$169 roundtrip between Orlando and Las Vegas.

Virgin Atlantic to offer London-Puerto Rico flights

2008-12-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

"SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Virgin Atlantic Airways has signed a deal to start running direct flights between London and Puerto Rico next year.Puerto Rico tourism director Terestella Gonzalez says the weekly flights will generate about $30 million a year in tourism revenue for the island.Gonzalez told local radio Tuesday that each flight will reserve 80% of its 240 seats for visitors who are also booked on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.The first flight is expected to depart London in November 2009."

Air India cuts basic fares, Jet follows suit

2008-12-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

"New Delhi | Mumbai: Following the repeated pleas of civil aviation minister to slash air fares, the state-carrier Air India today responded by announcing a sharp cut in the basic fares on 20 domestic routes. The announcement was immediately followed up by the market leader, Jet Airways, which cut basic fares on economy class up to 40 per cent on the value carrier JetLite, with immediate effect. The quantum of rate cut on an Air India ticket varies between 35 to 82 per cent on all leading sectors, effective from Tuesday. Following the sharp decline in the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which had reached August 2005 levels, Air India was the first airline to announce a Rs 400 reduction in fuel surcharge in December-beginning, that was followed by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines.

With the latest cuts, a one-way Air India ticket on Delhi-Mumbai sector has been reduced by 49 per cent at Rs.1,675 from Rs.3,300. Similarly, one-way Mumbai-Bangalore basic fare now stands at Rs 1,200, down by 52 per cent from Rs.2,475. The highest reduction is on the Chennai-Bangalore sector, where the basic fare after the cut is Rs. 200, down by 82 per cent. These fares are exclusive of taxes and fuel surcharge. On a JetLite ticket, a Mumbai - Delhi economy class basic fare now stands at Rs 750 and a Mumbai – Chennai basic fare will be Rs 595.

On Sunday, Kingfisher had announced a rate cut from January 1, without specifying the quantum of cut. When contacted, a spokesperson from the airline said that a decision on the quantum of cut in their basic fares would be announced shortly. Till now, airlines have resisted from effecting a reduction in the basic fares. However, with oil marketing companies set to review ATF prices on December 31, another downward revision of jet fuel seems likely. The fuel is now sold at Rs 32,691.28 per kilolitre in Delhi after prices were slashed by Rs 4,208.37 in the first week of December.

“The fare cuts are allright but the only factor will be that it should boost the airlines' passenger load factor (PLF) as it is now below 70% even in this peak season. Earlier when they were charging low prices, they had PLF above 70%,” said Sandeep Shenoy of Pioneer Intermediaries."

Air India announces fare cut up to 82 percent

2008-12-29T00:22:00.000-08:00

"Airfares would get cheaper by over 25 per cent after most airlines announced major cuts in fares on many routes, including the busiest Delhi-Mumbai sector.

An all-inclusive economy-class ticket from Delhi to Mumbai in a full-service carrier could now cost less than Rs 5,000.

On Tuesday, state-run Air India announced reduction of up to 82 per cent in its basic fares on 20 of its busy domestic sectors. This would result in much lower final fares, which would include taxes and levies of about Rs 3,000 over and above the basic fare.

Falling fuel costs and decelerating demand for air travel have forced airlines to cut fares. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have more than halved since the peak prices of Rs 70,000 per kilolitre in August.

“Following the gradual reduction in the price of ATF, we have decided to reduce the fares,” a spokesman for Air India said.

Jetlite, the low cost arm of Jet Airways, also announced up to 40 per cent reduction in its basic fares and a Delhi-Mumbai one-way economy ticket would cost about Rs 3,900 on the airline.

Kingfisher Airlines said it would cut fares in the coming month, but has not announced the quantum of reduction. Low-cost carrier SpiceJet has also announced fares that start with a basic fare of as low as Rs 99."

(HT News)

British Airways To Reschedule Lagos Flights

2008-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

"British Airways said on Sunday it will reschedule its flights to arrive earlier in Lagos beginning January 1, after Nigeria's aviation ministry threatened to ground its operations there.

New Aviation Minister Babatunde Omotoba earlier this week warned the British carrier that its operations would be halted in Lagos from Friday if its flights from London continued to land later than 6 pm (1700 GMT).

"British Airways will be rescheduling the arrival of BA 75 from London to 1755 from 2105 from the 1st of January 2009. This is in response to concerns from its valued Nigerian customers on the late arrival time into Lagos," the company said in a statement.

BA said January 1 was the earliest it could make these changes, which will affect around 6,000 passengers.

Travel from the international airport to Victoria Island, the city's financial district, can take up to four hours depending on the traffic and armed robberies are common, especially during the evening.

Lagos, a city of 14 million people, is eager to improve its crime-ridden image, a major disincentive to investors in Africa's most populous nation."

(Reuters)

U.S. Airways Vegas Vacations Starting at $181

2008-12-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

"Feel like living a little in Sin City? Test your skills at the tables or take a spin on the slots, thanks to U.S. Airways' Las Vegas vacations, starting at $181 per person.

The price includes airfare and two nights' stay at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Country Club. Book the package using MasterCard and receive a $100 dining credit.

Vacations must be booked by Dec. 31 and travel must take place before March 31, 2009.

Wynn, rooms and suites are designed to feel like stylish apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unbelievable views of Las Vegas, claims U.S. Airways.

With award-winning restaurants, designer shops, a tranquil spa and salon and exciting nightlife, Wynn is the Vegas you never knew existed."

(Cheap Flights)

Qantas, British Airways Call Off Merger Talks

2008-12-18T04:28:00.000-08:00

"Australia's Qantas Airways and British Airways have called off talks for a USD$6.4 billion merger that analysts said could have helped transform an industry grappling with falling demand and volatile fuel prices.

Qantas and BA announced the end of talks in a three-paragraph statement issued to the Australian and London stock markets on Thursday, saying they could not agree on key terms for a deal.

"Despite the potential longer-term benefits for Qantas and BA, the airlines have not been able to come to an agreement over the key terms of the merger, at this time," Qantas said.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce had warned last week that the merger faced major hurdles and would only go ahead if Qantas could secure major revenue and cost benefits. He also lamented the fact the talks had been leaked and forced out into the open.

A marriage of Qantas and BA faced several big challenges, not least the ownership split of the combined business, which was proposed to be formed through a dual-listed merger whereby the two firms would have kept their existing listings but be managed as one."

(Airwise)

AirAsia offering free tickets to Thailand destinations

2008-12-18T00:54:00.000-08:00

"Malaysia-based budget airline AirAsia announced on Tuesday that it would be offering 100,000 free tickets to Thailand as part of a special marketing effort to support the tourism in that country, which has suffered from recent anti-government demonstrations.

The popular low-cost airline said that it was collaborating with Thailand’s tourism authority to help bring tourists and business travellers back to the country by “reinstating the core message that it is now safe to travel back to the Land of Smiles.”

Under its marketing campaign called “Get Your Baht To Thailand,” which is a play on the unit of Thailand’s currency, AirAsia will be giving away 100,000 free tickets on flights to Bangkok from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as on flights within the country.

Passengers will be responsible for paying only taxes and administrative fees. In November, AirAsia removed all fuel surcharges from its flights"

(ASAP)

WestJets Airlines will Starts new services from San Francisco and San Diego to Calgary.

2008-12-18T00:43:00.000-08:00

Westjet airlines would launch new seasonal non stop services from San Francisco and
San Diego to Calgary in june. San Diego flights will starts on june 1st and San Francisco flights begin June 2nd.Discount airline WestJet will sell you a seat on San Francisco flights to Calgary for $125, each-way; $165 is the price from San Diego to Calgary. Both fares are introductory deals and don't include taxes or fees.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airlines will cut fuel surcharges

2008-12-18T00:28:00.001-08:00

"British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airlines are cutting their fuel surcharges because of the reducing price of oil, the companies said Wednesday.

The reductions apply on tickets purchased beginning Thursday, and the airlines are not offering refunds to customers who booked flights earlier at the higher price.

British Airways is reducing the charge on world traveler class flights of nine hours or longer from 96 pounds ($147) to 66 pounds. For first class and club class passengers on those long-haul flights, the surcharge will be reduced by 30 pounds to 85 pounds.

Surcharges on domestic and European flights are being cut by 25%, BA said.

Virgin also cut its surcharge on long-haul economy flights from 96 pounds to 66 pounds, and other reductions were similar to BA's moves."

(USATODAY)

Delta Airlines will start Nonstop Service Between Detroit and Rome, Italy

2008-12-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

"Delta Airlines customers can now book convenient nonstop flights between Detroit Metro Airport and Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport for service beginning on June 4, 2009. Flight will make travel to the Eternal City more accessible through Detroit's 115 easy connections and will complement Delta's existing nonstop daily service between Rome and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and twice daily nonstop from New York's John F. Kennedy-JFK International Airport."

(Yahoo News)

Southwest is dropping its nonstop flight from Detroit Metro to Orlando

2008-12-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Southwest plans to eliminate 32 roundtrip flights from its current schedule -- including the Detroit-Orlando route -- and add 19 roundtrip flights system-wide.

Christi Day, a Southwest spokeswoman, said the company is "optimizing" its schedule by pruning unproductive flights.

Southwest flies daily nonstops to Orlando from Detroit, Monday through Friday, she said.

"That's not to say that it wouldn't come back at some time," Day said. "There just are some flights that are not as productive as others."

Day said she did not know whether the Detroit-Orlando route had been dropped previously and then reinstated.

Southwest currently flies 18 daily nonstops to six cities from Detroit -- Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Nashville, Phoenix, St. Louis and Orlando.

Delta Airlines will Cut More Jobs

2008-12-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

While automakers are hanging on by a thread, the airline industry also continues to struggle.

Delta Airlines announced that they will offer voluntary severance programs to the majority of its 75,000 employees starting in January.

The airline already cut nearly 4,000 employees through voluntary retirement and separation earlier this year.

Delta would not comment on how many jobs they plan to cut.

KLM resuming Calgary Services

2008-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

"KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is resuming services in Calgary after a 12-year gap. The new service, which will offer flights to Amsterdam from Calgary, will begin operating on May 3, 2009.

Flight times and frequency have not been announced yet, but KLM announced that passengers will take the Calgary-Amsterdam flight on an Airbus 330-200 aircraft.

Peter Hartman, president and chief executive officer of KLM, said: Under the present economic situation, it's even more important to choose destinations that meet a strong demand."

AeroMexico adding San Francisco, Denver and Toronto

2008-12-05T03:20:00.000-08:00

"AeroMexico will add service to two U.S. destinations as well as to Toronto, which will be the carrier's first Canadian route. Beginning Feb. 2, AeroMexico will add one daily round-trip flight between Mexico City and San Francisco. The airline adds a daily round-trip flight between Denver and Mexico City on March 2. AeroMexico's expansion into Canada begins Feb. 2 with one daily round-trip flight between Toronto and Mexico City. "

"Launching service in Canada is an important part of AeroMexico's growth strategy for 2009," Frank Galan, AeroMexico’s Vice President – U.S. Division, says in a press release. "We expect strong demand both in Toronto and in Mexico City for this service due to the increase in international business and tourism between the two countries."

(USATODAY)

Okay Airways suspends flights for One month

2008-12-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

In an unusual move, private Chinese carrier Okay Airways says it will suspend flights for one month because of a dispute with shareholders. The carrier says the suspension of service will begin Dec. 15. "It's because our shareholders have conflicting opinions about the business," Okay Airways spokesman Li Wei tells The Associated Press.

Shanghai-based Junyao Group, Okay's controlling shareholder and partner airline, refused to comment on the situation. AP adds: "Loss-making Okay Airways, based in the northeastern city of Tianjin, and the Junyao Group agreed in March 2006 to share personnel, routes, marketing and managerial expertise as they struggled for a footing in China's intensively competitive air transport market. Relations between the carrier and Junyao have become increasingly rocky."

Okay, which in 2005 became China’s first private airline, flies more than 20 domestic routes with a fleet of 11 aircraft.

(USATODAY)

Mumbai terror attacks effect India tourism

2008-12-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

India’s tourism minister, Ambika Soni, has said that global economic conditions have significantly hurt the country’s tourism sector, in comments made the day after the tourist board revised its growth rate for this year down to five per cent, from the earlier-projected 15 per cent.

The attacks on Mumbai are making the five per cent growth figure potentially unachievable, as industry experts suggest that India’s high season for tourism could have been undermined just as it was getting underway.

Vijay Thakur, who is president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said: “We were worried about the economic slowdown and its impact on the tourism industry but this is a direct attack on our industry as it has targeted hotels and foreigners.”

He added: “This is the peak period for the tourism sector and we were hoping business would pick up in a month. But now we don’t think that might happen. It is too early to say how big an impact it will have but it definitely looks like the sector will be hit badly.”

According to the tourism executive, the attacks in Mumbai were the first time in India that foreigners and hotels have been targeted. He suggested that this will dampen the enthusiasm of inbound tourists for some time.

Kingfisher Airlines’ chairman and chief executive, Vijay Mallya, stressed that the attacks were a catastrophe and that: “We are reviewing our flight schedules in and out of Mumbai.”

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

(ASAP)

Bangkok flights resume as airport occupation ends

2008-12-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

"Flights into and out of the Thai capital’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi, are gradually resuming after anti-government demonstrators ended their week-long siege of the airport on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists had been left stranded, waiting to go home.

The prospect of a return to chaos looms, however, as the political party forced from office by the country’s courts prepared to regroup in order to maintain its hold on power.

On Wednesday evening, a passenger jet departed for Sydney, making it the first international flight to depart from Suvarnabhumi airport since the seizure of the airport by the anti-government demonstrators on 25 November.

The chairman of the board of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Vudhibhandhu Vichairatana, noted that airport operations would return to normal levels within a few days.

On Tuesday, the airport saw the resumption of cargo, emergency and military flights, said spokeswoman Monrudee Kettuphan.

After the Thai Constitutional Court dissolved the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat’s party, and prohibited the prime minister from holding political office for five years, the demonstrators ended all anti-government protests.

The government of the now-deposed prime minister has been accused by the protesters as being a front for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who they are hoping to see tried on corruption charges.

The court found that the ruling People Power Party committed electoral fraud in the last elections, and barred Somchai Wongsawat and more than 100 other top party officials from holding office for five years."

(ASAP)

South Korean Airlines Would Cut Fuel Surcharges

2008-12-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

"South Korea's major airlines said on Monday they would cut fuel surcharges by up to 70 percent on international routes from January 1, taking into consideration the sharp drop in crude oil prices in recent months.

Korean Air and smaller rival Asiana Airlines said surcharges on long-distance routes to the US and Europe would be cut to USD$41 from the current USD$141.

Crude oil prices fell below USD$50 a barrel in November, down nearly USD$100 from their peak in July."

(Reuters)

Las Vegas a hotspot for Thanksgiving fliers

2008-11-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

"Travel booking site Orbitz estimates that Las Vegas McCarran will be the busiest airport during Thanksgiving. Orbitz's top 10 list, based on online bookings, also includes, in order: New York LaGuardia, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Newark, Miami, Denver and Seattle-Tacoma."

(USATODAY)

U.S. Airways will Start new flights from Akron to Washington D.C.

2008-11-27T05:13:00.000-08:00

US Airways will add new service between Washington National and Ohio's Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that it is granting two slots to U.S. Airways to operate services between Akron-Canton Airport, Ohio, and Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport.

the Akron-Canton airport says it has been "seeking service to DCA for more than a decade" and that CAK "officials consider this a big win for the airport and the region because landing rights at the very desirable close-in Reagan National Airport are restricted by the US government and highly coveted by all communities."

LAN Airlines New Fares to South America

2008-11-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

"LAN Airlines has announced sale fares for travel to several destinations from the U.S.Round-trip services to Lima start at $298 from Miami, $338 from New York, $698 from Los Angeles and $458 from Washington D.C.

Buenos Aires round-trip flights start at $688 for services from Miami, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and New York, while round-trip fare from Miami to Santiago is $758 and Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. to Santiago is for $858.

Tickets must be booked by December 10 and travel must take place between February 1 and June 15, 2009. Fares exclude taxes and charges."

AirTran has been launched New flights from Harrisburg to Orlando.

2008-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

The AirTran has been lanched new flights from Harrisburg to Orlando yesterday.

"Daily flights will depart Harrisburg at 12:22pm and arrive in Orlando at 2:55pm. On the return journey, services will take off from Orlando at 9:20am and arrive at Harrisburg at 11:46am. All times are local."

Air New Zealand To Cut 200 Jobs As Demand Drops

2008-11-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

"National carrier Air New Zealand plans to cut up to 200 full-time jobs in response to falling passenger numbers, it said on Wednesday.

The company said it has been reducing capacity in line with falling demand and needed to reduce its work force accordingly. About half of the redundancies will hit long-haul cabin crew, with technical, planning and management jobs also to be cut.

It said it had tried to minimize the cuts by offering reduced hours, not replacing some jobs and freezing executive pay."

(Reuters)

Northwest Airlines terminate Seattle to London Flights.

2008-11-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Northwest Airlines will stop their services between Seattle and London from January 8, 2009.
Passengers with tickets booked for travel after January 8 are advised to contact the carrier. Those who wish to fly on the route should note that British Airways still offers services between the two cities.Northwest still plans to go ahead with its Seattle to Beijing service which is due to start on March 1, 2009.

(Cheapflights)

Eva Airways will Start Direct Flights to China.

2008-11-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

"Eva Airways announced On today, it would start daily direct flights to China next month amid Taiwan's warming ties with the mainland.

The move, part of an expanded flight agreement across the Taiwan Straits, would allow Eva Air to fly to the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen, James Jeng, the company's president, told reporters at a briefing.

"We will maximize the benefits of these flights, and will be broadening our co-operation with Chinese airlines," he said.

The increased number of flights come after officials from China and Taiwan signed deals earlier this month on daily direct flights, new cargo routes and food safety during Beijing's highest-level visit to its political rival in 60 years."

(Reuters)

Jet Airways and United Airlines Agree to frequent flyer partnership

2008-11-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Effective November 15, 2008, Jet Airways will forge a frequent flyer partnership with United Airlines.With this partnership, Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege members may now earn and save JPMiles on the entire global network of United Airlines.United Airlines operates more than 3,200 flights a day to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington D.C.Similarly, United Airlines’ Mileage Plus members may now earn and save their miles while enjoying Jet Airways’ renowned service and in-flight product on its services to 64 destinations in India and beyond.

(Jet Airways)

Delta airlines will add 15 international routes

2008-11-13T00:54:00.000-08:00

Delta airlines announced that it will introduce 15 new international routes on next summer from united states to various destination. Delta recently takeover of Northwest to create the world's biggest airline by traffic. Due to weak domestic economy, targeting international routes are more profitable. Delta said it will add the more new international flights between the united States and Japan, Kenya, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

AirTran Airways Announces New Checked Baggage Policy

2008-11-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

"Effective November 12, 2008, for travel on or after December 5, 2008, customers will be charged $15 for their first checked bag. Customers who purchased tickets on or before November 11, 2008, will not be charged for their first checked bag. AirTran Airways will continue to charge $25 for a second checked bag and $50 for each additional bag."

(AirTran Airways)

Allegiant air announced new direct flights from Owensboro to Orlando.

2008-11-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Allegiant Air announced new nonstop jet service from Owensboro to Orlando. beginning Feb. 18, 2009. The low–fare carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the Sunshine State, with introductory fares as low as $69* each way.

Allegiant Air president & CEO, said "This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch the only nonstop, scheduled air service
out of Owensboro."

The new flights to Orlando will operate twice weekly, with service Wednesday and Saturday. Flights will depart Owensboro–Daviess County Regional Airport at 9:20 a.m. arriving in Orlando Sanford International Airport at 12:20 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando will depart at 7:35 a.m. arriving in Owensboro at 8:40 a.m.

(Allegiant Air)

Southwest super Low Fares for a Super Short Time!

2008-11-12T02:24:00.000-08:00

"Southwest Airlines is offering Customers the chance to capture some super low fares for winter travel! Fares are as low as $49 one-way.Southwest's super low fares are only available through Nov. 13, 2008. Visit www.southwest.com to book these hot winter fares. Examples of the fares are listed below.

-- $49 one-way between Burbank and Las Vegas.
-- $69 one-way between New Orleans and Tampa Bay.
-- $79 one-way between Oklahoma City and St. Louis.

Southwest Airlines sale fares are available today through Nov. 13, 2008, and travel must take place between Dec. 2, 2008, and Feb. 11, 2009. Fares are only available on www.southwest.com. Lowest fares are available Monday through Thursday, and Saturday with higher sale fares available on Friday and Sunday. Fares are available one-way. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Any change itinerary may result in an increase in fare."

(Southwest Airlines)

Qatar Airways start Online Check-In Service

2008-11-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

"Qatar Airways passengers departing from the airline’s hub in Doha can now check-in online at qatarairways.com. This service is available for all passengers flying with the Five Star airline out of Doha International Airport with the exception of those travelling to New York or Washington.

The new online check-in service, accessible on the airline’s website qatarairways.com allows passengers in all classes of travel to check-in between 36 and 2 hours prior to departure from the comfort of their home or office. They can choose a seat, print a boarding pass or have a bar-coded boarding pass sent to a mobile phone in simple and convenient easy-to-use steps.

For passengers with baggage that needs to be checked-in, they can use the dedicated ‘Fast Bag Drop’ counters located in the departures hall of the main terminal. Those with carry-on bags can proceed directly to the gate after completing the necessary immigration and security procedures.

Boarding pass scanners have been rolled out throughout the airport to ensure a faster service for online check-in passengers.

First and Business Class passengers, who use the online check-in service and are departing from Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal in Doha, can use any of the check-in counters to drop off their luggage."

(Qatar Airways)

Ethiopian announced New Flight Services to Abuja

2008-11-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

"Effective 12 November 2008, Ethiopian Airlines will introduce nonstop service from Addis Ababa to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. This flight will be Abuja’s first direct link to East Africa. “Our new service to Abuja is part of our strategy of expanding to more stations in Africa, particularly West Africa” said Mr. Busera Awel, Vice President of Ethiopian Airlines. “We have a dedicated client base in Nigeria, and by offering new service we are giving our passengers more options complimenting our Lagos service with three weekly flights to Abuja.” added Mr. Busera Awel.

Abuja is not only the capital of Africa’s largest country but is an important business and diplomatic hub for the continent. Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Regional Headquarters of OPEC."

(Ethiopian Airlines)

United airline has reduced their first checked baggage charge

2008-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

United airline has been reduced their first checked baggage charge 20%. This offer will avail only for those travelers who check-in online and pay the fee at airline website before January 31, 2009. The carrier also announedd that,the cost of check-in second baggage will remain same i.e. $25.

Air passengers will have to pay for extra legroom

2008-11-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

Passengers on Air France looking for extra legroom will now have to pay to sit in emergency exit rows or in the front rows, making the carrier the first in the industry to introduce this type of supplement charge.

The seats involved are those not having other seats directly in front of them, making it possible for passengers with long legs to stretch out a bit more.

Until the introduction of this charge, in many cases passengers have been able to request these seats when checking in for a flight.

From this point, however, these seats on Air France will be sold at a premium, with passengers paying the surcharge either on the phone when making a booking, or online.

“It will be a small charge to have to pay for extra legroom,” said a spokesman for the airline, noting that the £40 charge will be applied to long-haul services first.

Passengers who are members of the airline’s Flying Blue card will still be able to reserve the seats at the standard price, after they have reached the frequent flier Gold or Platinum status, according to the spokesman.

The surcharge is now in effect on flights from France to North America, and will be expanded to cover the remainder of the airline’s long-haul network.

Industry observers anticipate that the idea will be copied by other airlines, as the industry continues to struggle financially in the challenging economic climate.

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

(Air France)

Mexicana will launch direct service from Mexico City to London Gatwick

2008-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

Mexicana has announced that it will launch direct service from Mexico City to London Gatwick in January of 2009.

The director of communications at Mexicana, announced that the airline believes the route will generate enough demand to justify the twice-weekly flights from Gatwick, and the increase planned to four times per week from mid-February, in spite of the current economic climate.

More UK holidaymakers visit Mexico each year, with the number of annual visitors increasing to 300,000 in 2007. Crespo has said that the continuing growth of passenger numbers has lead Mexicana to believe that the route will be a profitable one, despite the global financial crisis.

Presently, British Airways is the only carrier operating non-stop service from London to Mexico City, and flies from London Heathrow. Passenger groups are hoping that the additional competition on the route will lead to lower airfares.

The London service will be Mexicana’s first European route, to be launched as the carrier joins the OneWorld Alliance, which also has American Airlines and British Airways as members.

(ASAP)

(Airlines News On Twitter)

Southwest Airlines has announced new fares for Minneapolis-St Paul to Chicago

2008-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

"Southwest Airlines has announced new fares for Minneapolis-St Paul International flights for next year. The carrier, which is to begin eight daily services from the Minneapolis-St Paul International airport to Chicago Midway on March 8, 2009, is offering discount airfares from $69.These fares are valid for one-way travel and require an advance purchase of 21 days. They are available until May 8.Ron Ricks, the carrier's Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, said: 'Southwest Airlines is famous for increasing traffic and decreasing fares when we enter a market, and it already appears that 'the Southwest Effect' is alive and well in Minneapolis-St. Paul.'The people of Minnesota have been asking for Southwest Airlines service for many years, and we can't wait to introduce them to our legendary customer service, as well as our low fares, ontime flights, and no hidden fees."

(CheapFlights)

AirAsia Opens First Daily Direct Flight From Kuala Lumpur To Tiruchi

2008-11-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

The largest and leading low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia announces that it will commence its daily direct flight to Tiruchirappli, India from Kuala Lumpur, the gateway to Southeast Asia which is also the capital city of Malaysia beginning 1st December 2008 with its brand new Airbus A320 fleet. Trichy is the first route launched by AirAsia in India.

(AirAsia)

US Airways Start New Nonstop services form Philadelphia-Birmingham

2008-11-07T02:29:00.000-08:00

US Airways start a new nonstop daily service between Philadelphia and Birmingham from next year.The service will be started form may.The flight will depart from Philadelphia on 12 May at 6:05 PM and land in Birmingham at 6:25am the next day.

The return journey from Birmingham to Philadelphia, which starts on May 13, will see flights depart at 8:45am to arrive in Philadelphia at 11:05am.

Delta has changed their policies and fees for passenger.

2008-11-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

Delta Airline has changed their policies and fees for passenger traveling by southwest and delta. Delta has been removed $25 -$100 fuel surcharge. The Airlines also reducing fees charged when customers book tickets over the phone, from $25 to $20.The fee for redeeming skymiles or wordperks travel cover over the phone , from $25 to $20.From December 5, Delta will remove the $3 curbside check-in fee that was charged when passengers checked-in via skycaps.In addition, Delta is offering Coach Choice Seats on select flights.

Airlines news on Twitter

AirTran resumes Akron-Fort Myers route

2008-11-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

AirTran has resumed seasonal nonstop service between Ohio's Akron-Canton Airport and the Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Myers. The service –- one daily round-trip flight –- began Saturday and is scheduled to run through May 4. "Fort Myers is the No. 1 winter getaway for northeast Ohioans," .

(usatoday)

Delta Introduces New Baggage Policy

2008-11-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

For travel on or after December 5, 2008, customers flying within the United States will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag, consistent with Northwest’s existing policies.

Customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before Nov. 5, 2008, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta’s previous policy.

All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free.

All customers traveling in full fare (Y) Coach Class, as well as customers traveling internationally will receive up to two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, for free.

U.S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights only.

(Delta Airlines)

Delta starts first nonstop service from Kuwait to Atlanta

2008-11-06T05:24:00.000-08:00

Delta Airlines is announcing the start of its first nonstop flight from Kuwait International Airport to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday, 8 November.

Alitalia Stop Services Between Los Angeles and Rome

2008-11-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

Alitalia is suspending their services temporarily between Los Angeles and Rome. It will affect all five round-trip flights between Los Angeles International to Rome Fiumicino . Services are set to resume on March 26, 2009, and Tom Winfrey, airport spokesperson, told the publication: "We look forward to Alitalia's return in March."

Singapore Airlines Reduce Fuel Surcharges

2008-11-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Singapore Airlines said will reduce fuel surcharges for passengers in business and economy class, across all routes, for tickets issued on or after Friday.

This is the airline's second cut since September, after a sustained fall in the price of jet fuel.

Malaysia Airlines to allow cell phones on flights

2008-11-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia Airlines on Tuesday unveiled a new service allowing passengers to make and receive calls on their mobile phones while in air on some routes.

Passengers can also send and receive text messages, and use their Blackberry-type devices to send and receive e-mails, Malaysia Airlines, or MAS, said in a statement.

It said the airline teamed up with AeroMobile, a British company, to become the first Asian carrier to offer in-flight mobile phone and data services via satellite with passengers using their own equipment.

(Source)

US Airways Reconnects the Queen City and the City of Light

2008-11-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

US Airways customers will once again have access to Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport through the airline's largest hub at Charlotte, North Carolina. The airline is set to provide daily seasonal service between The Queen City and The City of Light beginning April 21, 2009.

(US Airways)

Upcoming changes in Turkish Airlines’ baggage policy

2008-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Free baggage allowance remains same as two (2) pieces.
01 Feb 2009 the weight of the free baggage for the economy class will be 23 kilos (50lbs). Business class weight limit remains the same as 32kilos (70lbs)
Starting 01 Feb 2009 the excess baggage fee of USD80.—will be collected in case the bags weigh between 23-32kilos (50-70lbs)
Bags weighing more than 32 kilos (70lbs) will not be accepted to our flights.

Free Companion Ticket on British Airways

2008-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

British Airways is offering a great deal on flights from the US and Canada. Purchase a round-trip ticket in most classes of service( except non-refundable fares) between now and Dec. 31 2008 (travel for the qualifying ticket must be completed by Dec 31 2008) and receive a voucher by email for a Free companion ticket.

Note: You must be a British Airways "Executive Club" member to take advantage of this special.If you are not a member you can sign up very easily by clicking here.

After signing in as an Executive Club member, you must also REGISTER for this offer as well by clicking here and then going to "Register for offer".

Here is how it works:

1) Buy a round-trip ticket at qualifying World Traveler Fares that must be used by Dec 31, 2008.See British Airways site for details.

2) Get your E-voucher or regular voucher. Takes 6-8 weeks by email and 8 weeks for regular mail.

3) Book a ticket from Jan 5, 2009 until Jun 30, 2009 for travel from Jan 15, 2009 until Dec 15, 2009.Member and companion must book all flights and classes of service together and travel together on all segments.Get companion ticket Free excluding taxes.

Please see British Airways , scroll down and click "Show full terms and conditions" for complete details.

European Union Bans Airlines From Hiding Taxes And Charges

2008-10-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

European Union airlines will this week be banned from hiding taxes and extra charges when advertising their flights, the EU's executive said on Thursday.

The European Commission also said its new regulations on air services, which come into force on Saturday, gives European nations extra powers to prevent airline bankruptcies, which often leave passengers stranded.

"Airlines will be required to include all taxes and charges in the final price of the ticket... and this from the moment of publicising the prices," a Commission spokesman told a daily briefing.

"That means no hidden charges, no hidden fees or taxes, full transparency and the possibility of informed choices," he added.

The rules also prevent carriers from charging different prices for the same flight if booked from different national web sites.

And to reduce the risk of airline start-ups going bankrupt they will have to provide more information about their financial resources to national authorities.

"If an air carrier can no longer meet its actual and potential obligations for a 12 month period, the authority shall suspend or revoke the operating license," said a statement.

The new rules come into force as airlines struggle with a cocktail of high fuel costs, slowing consumer demand and the impact of the credit crisis on banking liquidity.

Over 30 airlines have failed worldwide so far this year and a similar number are expected to collapse in coming months, as travel slows in the northern hemisphere winter.

The EU's new rules include emergency procedures for the replacement of airlines that fail while serving a remote region or island that depends on the air link for economic survival.

(Reuters)

Most airlines have reduced their fares for upcoming holiday periods

2008-10-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

Most airlines in the U.S. have reduced their fares during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods.

In the worst slump seen since 2005, carriers are likely seeing the price reductions as necessary as the weak economy could seriously affect both leisure and business travel over the coming weeks and months. Industry experts are saying that these types of fare reductions aren’t typically offered until much closer to the actual holiday.

On Tuesday, Northwest Airlines led the way with a broad-based holiday airfare sale, and by the following day, most other major airlines were following suit, according to farecompare.com chief executive, Rick Seaney.

“It’s by far the most broad-based fare sale we’ve tracked in at least 18 months,” Seaney commented on Thursday, adding: “and this is the earliest I’ve ever seen one.”

The chief executive at the discount travel site bestfares.com, Tom Parsons, noted that there are still even better deals to be found by consumers considering alternate airports, and also by shopping around.

“I’ve been looking for this sale for two or three weeks,” said Parsons. “When I finally saw it, it was kind of a letdown.”

According to Parsons, the reduced fares offered by the major carriers were up to 25 per cent off on tickets purchased 21 or 30 in advance. He indicated that air travelers who considered using secondary airports will likely get larger price breaks.

(www.asap.co.uk)

Lufthansa announced New flights from Scotland to Germany

2008-10-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

German airline Lufthansa has announced that it will launch service connecting Inverness, in Scotland with Dusseldorf, Germany, beginning in the summer of 2009.The flight will operate on Saturdays during the June-September period.The airport operator, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), has commented that the new flights were welcome news for the local economy.Lufthansa’s announcement of the new service follows in the wake of Icelandair cancelling scheduled flights between Glasgow and Reykjavik until next March.

World's Most Dangerous Airports - 3

2008-10-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Courchevel's airport also has a certain degree of obloquy in the aviation industry as home to one of the shortest runways in the world, with a length of 525 metres and a gradient of 18.5% in order to help slow landing aircraft.

World's Most Dangerous Airports - 2

2008-10-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the only airport on the Caribbean island of Saba, in the Netherlands Antilles. It is well known among experienced fliers for the way in which airplanes must approach or take off from the airport.

World's Most Dangerous Airports - 1

2008-10-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Princess Juliana International Airport is a most dangerous airport in island of Saint Martin. It is the second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean.The airport is illustrious for its short landing strip. Because of this, the planes approach the island flying extremely low, right over Maho Beach.

Best North American Airline Honors are Plentiful for United Airlines

2008-10-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

United Airlines is bringing home the gold after being named the best North American airline by two Asian travel publications. Travel Trade Gazette Asia honored United today with the award, and Business Traveller Asia-Pacific recently recognized United with the same accolade for the eighth consecutive year.

“We appreciate the recognition from travel agents and our customers for the investments we are making to provide them with a comfortable, enjoyable travel experience to destinations across North America,” says Mark Schwab, vice president - Pacific. “The Asia-Pacific region has always been an important part of United’s global strategy, and we are strengthening that commitment with the improvements we are making to our international first and business class seats, entertainment and dining.”

United’s all-new United First Suite and United Business seats give the airline the distinction of being the first U.S. network carrier to offer 180 degree fully-flat beds in business class. The new seats, which also have on-demand entertainment and cuisine from world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter, are currently available to United customers on nonstop flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco and Hong Kong and Singapore. United expects some flights between Chicago, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City to offer the new international service later this month.

United is also the only U.S. carrier to offer three cabins of service on all of its international overseas flights. In addition to its first and business services, United offers economy class with its Economy Plus® seating that provides up to 5 extra inches of legroom.

US Airways Group, Inc. Secures $950 Million in Financing and Liquidity Commitments

2008-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) announced today that as part of a comprehensive liquidity program launched in mid August, the Company has raised approximately $950 million of financing and near-term liquidity commitments. On October 20, 2008 the Company closed on $800 million of these transactions with $400 million of proceeds used to prepay the Company's $1.6 billion bank debt facility. In exchange for this prepayment, the unrestricted cash covenant contained in the loan agreement for the bank debt facility has been reduced from $1.25 billion to $850 million. The loan agreement's term remains the same at seven years with substantially all of the principal amount payable at maturity in March 2014. The remaining proceeds from these financing transactions, approximately $370 million after payment of certain bank and other service fees, increase the Company's total cash position and will be used for general corporate purposes. The remaining $150 million of liquidity commitments are expected to close during the fourth quarter, with cash benefits realized through 2009.

(US Airways)

Delta expand its service to the African continent

2008-10-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Delta Air Lines will expand its service to the African continent with the introduction of the first and only flight between Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Monrovia’s Roberts International Airport, Liberia*. The service, which will make a stop at Amilcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island, Cape Verde*, will start in June, 2009.

Passengers on the only flight between the U.S. and Liberia will benefit from significant time savings over other routes. They also will be able to connect to more than 150 destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean via Delta’s Atlanta hub.

(Delta Airlines)

Air Canada launch seasonal nonstop service between Orlando and Halifax

2008-10-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

Look for Air Canada to launch seasonal nonstop service between Orlando and Halifax early next year. The scenic East Coast nonstop is scheduled to run from February 6 through May 10, 2009, and Air Canada will use a full-size A319 twinjet on the route.

Those A319s are fitted with both Economy and Executive Class eats. Every seat comes with personal in-flight audio-video.

Airtran Starts new Upgrade Option

2008-10-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that discount airline AirTran is selling Business Class upgrades after flyers board.The seats sell for between $49 and $99, andyou’ll need a credit card. Flight attendants have hand-held portable card readers to accommodate.

AirTran continues to sell upgrades when you book, at the ticket counter, and at the gate, but this, as far as Cheapflights knows, is an absolutely new way to get a seat up front. It could work wondrously well if you’re at the end of a long day on an otherwise chockablock flight, and want some room and a couple of “free” drinks.

Low-cost carrier business model - Encyclopedia

2008-10-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

A low-cost carrier or low-cost airline is an airline that offers generally low fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services. The concept originated in the United States before spreading to Europe in the early 1990s and subsequently to much of the rest of the world.

Typical low-cost carrier business model include:
* a single passenger class.
* a single type of reducing training and servicing costs.
* a minimum set of optional equipment on the aeroplane.
* a simple fare scheme one-way tickets half that of round-trips.
* unreserved seating encouraging passengers to board early.
* flying to cheaper, less congested secondary airports
* fast turnaround times allowing maximum use of aircraft
* use of direct flights reduce luggage transferred Cost.
* emphasis on direct sales of tickets especially over the Internet.
* employees working in multiple roles (limiting personnel costs)
* Aggressive fuel hedging programs

About Kingfisher Airlines

2008-10-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Kingfisher Airlines is India’s first and only five-star airline and the only one to offer a premium first class service on domestic routes. Besides being the first and only airline in India to offer inflight entertainment on every seat, Kingfisher Airlines offers 5 channels of specially chosen content along with 16 channels of live TV and 10 exciting radio channels. The airline has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the “Best New Airline of the Year” within months of its launch. It has also been one of the most visible brands in India with Brand Reporter awarding it the 2nd most Buzziest brand in 2007. Kingfisher Airlines is part of The UB Group that is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. The UB Group is also the largest Indian manufacturer of beverage alcohol (beer and spirits) and the second largest drinks group in the world.

(ptinews)

Save Money by Pre-Purchasing Your Checked Bags - Spirit Airlines

2008-10-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

Spirit Airlines encourages using our Pre-Purchased Checked Bags service online. All customers traveling now have the option of paying in advance for checked baggage. The benefits in pre-purchasing your bags online are, guaranteed space for up to one (1) bag per flight, saves time at check-in and saves $10 on the first checked bag each way. Customers can check baggage online up to one (1) hour prior to flight departure.

(SpiritAir)

Eat, Drink, and Save Money on Virgin America

2008-10-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

Discount airline Virgin America itself as the only airline in America that lets you order food and drink by using a button on your seatback entertainment system, or the handheld remote control in your armrest. The food you order fits the California face that the San Francisco-based carrier projects. It's fresh, and healthy.

Consider: fruit and cheese; Duo Tea Sandwiches; Hummus, Veggies, and Pita; Vegetarian Greek Salad; Chicken Cobb Wrap. That's the anytime menu, and they're from a new menu that Virgin America has just rolled out.

(CheapFlights)

World's Second Highest Airport To Open This Month

2008-10-21T02:22:00.000-07:00

The world's second highest airport, in an ethnically Tibetan part of China's southwestern province of Sichuan, will open this month, a Chinese newspaper said on Monday.

The airport, in the mainly Tibetan area of Kangding, is 4,280 metres (14,040 ft) above sea level, second only to Qamdo Airport in Tibet at 4,334 metres.

The Chengdu Daily said China Eastern Airlines would start regular flights to Kangding before the end of October, flying from Yunnan's provincial capital Kunming to Kangding via Sichuan's capital, Chengdu.

The airport had originally been scheduled to open in May. The newspaper did not explain the delay, but Tibet and other Tibetan parts of China experienced violent unrest this spring.

The CNY960 million yuan (USD$140.6 million) airport is in a poor area near the scenic Gongga Mountains.

It is in an area so remote that Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, writing more than 1,000 years ago, said it was easier to get to heaven.

The government hopes the airport will bring in much needed tourist dollars and investment.

The airport is designed to handle 330,000 passengers a year and can accommodate 120-seat Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s.

China has embarked upon a multi-billion dollar program in recent years to revamp old airports and build new ones, especially in the country's remote west, as a way of boosting the economy.

In 2006, China opened Tibet's third airport, in Nyingchi, which is nearly 3,000 metres above sea level.

(Reuters)

Mallya hints at more job cuts if slump continues

2008-10-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Kingfisher Airlines head Vijay Mallya indicated that if the slump in the market continues, more job cuts and lay-offs may take place in the aviation industry.

"If the slump in the market continues then the number of flights will have to go down.... and when we ground the planes it will have effects," Mallya, a former MP, told reporters outside Parliament. He was responding to a question on whether airlines may lay-off more employees in the near future.

He, however, refused to say whether he had met any minister or Government official over the crisis in the aviation sector. Jet Airways chief Naresh Goyal held a meeting with Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

Jet had recently removed 1900 employees only to reinstate them a day later, allegedly due to Government pressure.

However, Goyal had said that he changed his decision on humanitarian grounds.

Mallya said the airline industry was going through a bad phase. "Firstly, the cost of fuel has become too high, secondly the sales tax imposed by the states is very high. If we increase the air fares people don't want to spend too much money in this economy. So the Government should rethink about the taxes," he said.

The flamboyant industrialist, who also has major stakes in the liquor business, said he did not have any complaints over the Government's response to the demands of the airline industry.

"The Government response has been a lot more urgent and a lot more decisive. The Government has other issues to deal with in the national interest and we hope our turn will come sooner than later," he said.

Asked about the turbulence in the economy, Mallya said, "This is not the first example, there are several examples in the world and Governments have reacted to them."

(Yahoo)

Turkish Airlines Passenger Numbers Up

2008-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Turkish Airlines, carried 16.8 million passengers in the January to September period, a rise year-on-year of 14.3percent, it said on Monday.

The Turkish flag carrier said in a statement to the stock exchange that available seat kilometres rose 10 percent year-on-year to 34.1 billion for the period, and revenue passenger kilometres rose 12.6 percent to 25.5 billion.

(Reuters)

Pilot Arrested After Failing Breath Test

2008-10-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

A United Airlines pilot has been arrested on a passenger plane at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being above the legal alcohol limit, police said on Monday.

Officers boarded a United Airlines plane at Terminal 1 before it was due to take off on Sunday and arrested the 44-year-old under transport safety laws. The pilot, who has not been named, was given police bail to January 16 next year, pending further inquiries.

A United Airlines spokeswoman said he has been suspended from duties, but declined to name the flight or give further details of the incident.

In a statement, the airline said: "United Airlines' alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have absolutely no tolerance for abuse or violation of this well-established policy.

"Safety is our number one priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are co-operating with the authorities and conducting a full investigation.

(Reuters)