Air India is likely to offer cheap flight tickets on several overseas routes to woo more number of international flyers. The new airfares will be put into effect from September 2012, stated a report of the Financial Express, a popular business newspaper in India.
India’s national airline, Air India is likely to come out with cheap flight tickets to European and North American destinations. The routes are highly popular among leisure holidaymakers and business travellers and will definitely woo flyers into booking cheap flight ticket deals with the airline.
Earlier, many rival airlines took advantage of the industrial strike that hit Air India and increased the fares on flights to some important destinations like London, Paris, Munich and Toronto to over 25 per cent. However, the new aggressive pricing strategy of Air India is likely to comfort the pockets of Britons and other international travellers who are looking to book cheap flights on these routes.
Endorsing the new move, an Air India official said trimming down of the fares is the only option that can bring Air India back to the market that has more or less been closed for over two months.
While the move hasn’t gone down too well with industry experts who termed it as ‘unproductive’, the airline has high hopes with its new aggressive pricing strategy and anticipates that these routes will definitely help the carrier once it deploys its highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner on them.
Reference
Showing posts with label Cheap Flights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cheap Flights. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, November 7, 2011
Qantas - Free Tickets to Affected Fliers, Resumes Talks with Union
Qantas Airways hopes to tempt disgruntled travellers by offering free flight tickets to them. Offers for overseas customers and frequent fliers will be announced soon. Also, the airline met union members on Monday to start off negotiation process.
Qantas Airways is pulling out all the stops to win back customers. One of the world’s largest airlines is offering free air tickets to the travellers who were hit by the airline’s decision to ground the entire fleet in the midst of an industrial dispute.
Qantas, an airline not known for offering very cheap flights, said that passengers whose journeys were affected by the fleet grounding will be offered a free return economy flight within Australia or to New Zealand over a two-year period from Dec. 14. It sure means that the airline is doing all it can to attract travellers.
“This ticket offer is one of a range of initiatives we will be launching as a way of saying sorry as we move forward into this period of stability,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas Chief Executive Officer in a statement.
“Throughout the long period of industrial activity we have been acutely aware of the impact on our customers,” Alan Joyce added. As per the CEO, this is the Qantas’ way to gain back customer loyalty. And if reports are to be believed then ‘customer loyalty’ might cost Qantas as much as A$20 million.
The recent past really has been a troubled time for Australia’s flag carrier. Stung by a string of strikes, the airline decided to halt its operations all over the world on Oct. 29. Around 80,000 passengers were impacted by this drastic measure of the carrier.
Operations resumed as Fair Work Australia intervened. The airline and unions were given 21 days to reach a new contract or face binding arbitration.
Loyalty to be Rewarded
All the passengers will be offered compensation for all reasonable losses resulting from the fleet grounding, said Qantas.
“Now that no more industrial action can take place and the cloud of further strike action has lifted, we are 100 percent focused on what matters to customers, getting them to their destinations, safely, on time and in comfort, and in rewarding their loyalty to Qantas,” Alan Joyce was quoted.
Qantas will be making announcements for its overseas customers and frequent fliers soon. It remains to be seen what the airline doles out for these two very important segments of travellers. Will it be cheap flight tickets, more travel privileges or some other incentive?
Qantas-Union Talks Resume
Even as Qantas Airways is trying to tempt travellers with free flights, the airline met the union members for negotiations. This was the first meeting of the parties after the Australian airline grounded its entire fleet.
Secretary of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, Steve Purvinas stated that another negotiating session is slated for Thursday.
“By today (Monday), we’ll know whether Qantas are interested in negotiating an outcome or whether they’ll continue to stonewall — which has been the case up until now,” Purvinas was quoted as saying in news reports.
Qantas Airways is pulling out all the stops to win back customers. One of the world’s largest airlines is offering free air tickets to the travellers who were hit by the airline’s decision to ground the entire fleet in the midst of an industrial dispute.
Qantas, an airline not known for offering very cheap flights, said that passengers whose journeys were affected by the fleet grounding will be offered a free return economy flight within Australia or to New Zealand over a two-year period from Dec. 14. It sure means that the airline is doing all it can to attract travellers.
“This ticket offer is one of a range of initiatives we will be launching as a way of saying sorry as we move forward into this period of stability,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas Chief Executive Officer in a statement.
“Throughout the long period of industrial activity we have been acutely aware of the impact on our customers,” Alan Joyce added. As per the CEO, this is the Qantas’ way to gain back customer loyalty. And if reports are to be believed then ‘customer loyalty’ might cost Qantas as much as A$20 million.
The recent past really has been a troubled time for Australia’s flag carrier. Stung by a string of strikes, the airline decided to halt its operations all over the world on Oct. 29. Around 80,000 passengers were impacted by this drastic measure of the carrier.
Operations resumed as Fair Work Australia intervened. The airline and unions were given 21 days to reach a new contract or face binding arbitration.
Loyalty to be Rewarded
All the passengers will be offered compensation for all reasonable losses resulting from the fleet grounding, said Qantas.
“Now that no more industrial action can take place and the cloud of further strike action has lifted, we are 100 percent focused on what matters to customers, getting them to their destinations, safely, on time and in comfort, and in rewarding their loyalty to Qantas,” Alan Joyce was quoted.
Qantas will be making announcements for its overseas customers and frequent fliers soon. It remains to be seen what the airline doles out for these two very important segments of travellers. Will it be cheap flight tickets, more travel privileges or some other incentive?
Qantas-Union Talks Resume
Even as Qantas Airways is trying to tempt travellers with free flights, the airline met the union members for negotiations. This was the first meeting of the parties after the Australian airline grounded its entire fleet.
Secretary of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, Steve Purvinas stated that another negotiating session is slated for Thursday.
“By today (Monday), we’ll know whether Qantas are interested in negotiating an outcome or whether they’ll continue to stonewall — which has been the case up until now,” Purvinas was quoted as saying in news reports.
Singapore Airlines Ultimately Finds the Way to Scoot Around
Singapore Airlines has added yet another laurel to its flagship brand by launching a new long-haul budget carrier, Scoot. The airline has joined the bandwagon of Asia's growing no-frills air travel to lure budget travellers.
Singapore Airlines has launched a new long-haul budget carrier, Scoot. On Tuesday, the newly launched airline’s CEO Campbell Wilson put across information that ‘Scoot’ will start operating its flights by June 2012. Additionally he informed reporters that the airline contrives to operate four Boeing 777-200 jets by the end of next year.
As per the online sources, the airline plans to start serving destinations as far as five to ten hours from Singapore, the operational base for Scoot. To begin with, the airline may start flights to four or more cities in China and Australia.
Campbell Wilson said, “This new market segment is growing fast”. He hopes to tap on the emerging market. “We aim to bring new business to the SIA group.” he said.
Singapore Airlines has been long relying on its top-notch onboard services to lead the long-haul first and business class market in the Asia to Europe routes and now the carrier has finally decided to plunge in the developing no-frills air travel market.
However, Singapore Airlines is likely to be rivalled by Air Asia X, under the flagship of Malaysia's AirAsia and JetStar, a unit of Qantas in the region's long-haul budget market. Online sources report analysts of believing that Scoot might introduce extra frills to outperform the opposition.
Scoot Strategies
Campbell Wilson said that Scoot will offer two cabin classes, with economy tickets approximately 40 percent cheaper than air tickets offered by other premium carriers. Additionally, customers will be able to put forth their preference for seats, meals and baggage options.
"We'll offer many other options so people can customize their experience," Wilson said.
Acquiring several Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which can make a journey of up to 13 hours, is primary on the list of Scoot’s plan in order to start offering cheap flights to European and African destinations. Additionally, the airline plans to hire about 52 pilots, 250 flight attendants and 40 ground staff sometime next year.
Industry Outlook
It has been reported that Singapore Airlines spent approximately 283 million SGD to kick-start Scoot. While this wholly owned subsidiary is the latest addition under the well-regarded flagship brand of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, a mid-cost regional carrier for popular Asian destinations, is already being operated by the group. SIA also possesses one third stakes of Tiger Airways, a budget carrier that offers cheap tickets.
As per online sources, Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard and Poor’s informed that Scoot has joined this bandwagon to bring home the bacon from the lucrative low cost airline market. He further added that budget and cheap flights perked up Changi Airport’s traffic by approximately 25 percent this year.
"Budget airlines are not a fad. They're here to stay. The market certainly has shifted from legacy carriers to discount carriers," he was quoted.
Singapore Airlines has launched a new long-haul budget carrier, Scoot. On Tuesday, the newly launched airline’s CEO Campbell Wilson put across information that ‘Scoot’ will start operating its flights by June 2012. Additionally he informed reporters that the airline contrives to operate four Boeing 777-200 jets by the end of next year.
As per the online sources, the airline plans to start serving destinations as far as five to ten hours from Singapore, the operational base for Scoot. To begin with, the airline may start flights to four or more cities in China and Australia.
Campbell Wilson said, “This new market segment is growing fast”. He hopes to tap on the emerging market. “We aim to bring new business to the SIA group.” he said.
Singapore Airlines has been long relying on its top-notch onboard services to lead the long-haul first and business class market in the Asia to Europe routes and now the carrier has finally decided to plunge in the developing no-frills air travel market.
However, Singapore Airlines is likely to be rivalled by Air Asia X, under the flagship of Malaysia's AirAsia and JetStar, a unit of Qantas in the region's long-haul budget market. Online sources report analysts of believing that Scoot might introduce extra frills to outperform the opposition.
Scoot Strategies
Campbell Wilson said that Scoot will offer two cabin classes, with economy tickets approximately 40 percent cheaper than air tickets offered by other premium carriers. Additionally, customers will be able to put forth their preference for seats, meals and baggage options.
"We'll offer many other options so people can customize their experience," Wilson said.
Acquiring several Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which can make a journey of up to 13 hours, is primary on the list of Scoot’s plan in order to start offering cheap flights to European and African destinations. Additionally, the airline plans to hire about 52 pilots, 250 flight attendants and 40 ground staff sometime next year.
Industry Outlook
It has been reported that Singapore Airlines spent approximately 283 million SGD to kick-start Scoot. While this wholly owned subsidiary is the latest addition under the well-regarded flagship brand of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, a mid-cost regional carrier for popular Asian destinations, is already being operated by the group. SIA also possesses one third stakes of Tiger Airways, a budget carrier that offers cheap tickets.
As per online sources, Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst with Standard and Poor’s informed that Scoot has joined this bandwagon to bring home the bacon from the lucrative low cost airline market. He further added that budget and cheap flights perked up Changi Airport’s traffic by approximately 25 percent this year.
"Budget airlines are not a fad. They're here to stay. The market certainly has shifted from legacy carriers to discount carriers," he was quoted.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Qantas Expands DFW – Sydney Flight Services
Qantas Airways, Australia’s flag carrier, is all set to increase its flight operations on the on the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) – Australia route from July 2012.
Currently, the airline offers four flights per week on this route. This will be increased to six flights per week from 15th January 2012 and to seven per week from 1st July 2012.
Qantas offered first connection to DFW in May 2011, making it convenient for Australians to travel to different American cities via DFW, one of the United States’ leading hub airports.
Qantas Airways ‘oneworld alliance’ partnership with American Airlines will make it even better for the travellers. A number of code share options will sprout up and travellers who look for cheap flight tickets can opt for the one that suits them the most. One is likely to find better deal when more options are available. Qantas and American Airlines also have the approval of the ACCC for a joint business agreement (JBA).
Qantas has also announced a special fare sale to promote the connection. Travellers can book cheap flight tickets till 10th October that will be good for travel between 15th January and 31st August 2012. This indeed is the right time for budget travellers to experience the excellence of the Qantas Airways in a ‘cheap way’.
Apart from making North America and Australia more convenient, this rise in flight frequency will have an economic impact of $200 million annually, as per DFW Airport estimates.
Currently, the airline offers four flights per week on this route. This will be increased to six flights per week from 15th January 2012 and to seven per week from 1st July 2012.
Qantas offered first connection to DFW in May 2011, making it convenient for Australians to travel to different American cities via DFW, one of the United States’ leading hub airports.
Qantas Airways ‘oneworld alliance’ partnership with American Airlines will make it even better for the travellers. A number of code share options will sprout up and travellers who look for cheap flight tickets can opt for the one that suits them the most. One is likely to find better deal when more options are available. Qantas and American Airlines also have the approval of the ACCC for a joint business agreement (JBA).
Qantas has also announced a special fare sale to promote the connection. Travellers can book cheap flight tickets till 10th October that will be good for travel between 15th January and 31st August 2012. This indeed is the right time for budget travellers to experience the excellence of the Qantas Airways in a ‘cheap way’.
Apart from making North America and Australia more convenient, this rise in flight frequency will have an economic impact of $200 million annually, as per DFW Airport estimates.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Qantas and British Airways Rev Up JSA
Qantas had multiple aces up its sleeves and presumably all of them were announced on Tuesday! One of them is that Qantas is going to upgrade its long-running Joint Services Agreement (JSA) with British Airways.
The modified JSA allows both carriers to strengthen their Singapore hub as well as to provide superior air travel connections and benefits to passengers who book flights between London Heathrow Airport and Australia.
Under the restructured JSA, it has been reported that Qantas will maintain its Airbus A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne to London through Singapore, while BA will be using Boeing 747 instead of current Boeing 777 for London-Singapore-Sydney flights.
Qantas Group is surely on a roll with a number of new announcements coming out of the group. Qantas has also announced to float a new airline, Jetstar Japan, in partnership with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi Corporation. It will be a low-cost airline that will be offering cheap flight tickets to travellers in regional Japanese market. This particular move of the group has been widely publicised. And if advertisers are to be believed air fares offered by this airline will surely bring a broad smile on travellers who look for cheap tickets on the flights.
Coming back to the enhanced JSA, it has been agreed upon that come 2012, Qantas will stop its Bangkok-London and Hong Kong-London flights and British Airways will cease its Bangkok-Sydney operations. This will ensure that both carriers reap the maxim benefits of their respective strengths.
The modified JSA allows both carriers to strengthen their Singapore hub as well as to provide superior air travel connections and benefits to passengers who book flights between London Heathrow Airport and Australia.
Under the restructured JSA, it has been reported that Qantas will maintain its Airbus A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne to London through Singapore, while BA will be using Boeing 747 instead of current Boeing 777 for London-Singapore-Sydney flights.
Qantas Group is surely on a roll with a number of new announcements coming out of the group. Qantas has also announced to float a new airline, Jetstar Japan, in partnership with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi Corporation. It will be a low-cost airline that will be offering cheap flight tickets to travellers in regional Japanese market. This particular move of the group has been widely publicised. And if advertisers are to be believed air fares offered by this airline will surely bring a broad smile on travellers who look for cheap tickets on the flights.
Coming back to the enhanced JSA, it has been agreed upon that come 2012, Qantas will stop its Bangkok-London and Hong Kong-London flights and British Airways will cease its Bangkok-Sydney operations. This will ensure that both carriers reap the maxim benefits of their respective strengths.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Cheap Flights to Bangkok – What Makes them Sell Like Hot Cakes
Bangkok – the city of dazzling sights and attractions – is a big favourite with holiday makers all over the world. It is the city’s mesmeric blend of traditional and contemporary that has ensured that vacationers make a mad scramble for cheap flight tickets to Bangkok.Bangkok is really a top class holiday destination! Be it the beautiful temples, yummy food, incredible nightlife or remarkable shopping options – holidays to Bangkok surely lack nothing and this is the reason flights to Bangkok are in demand all over the globe. There is still to be heard of a tourist who is not allured by airlines selling cheap flight tickets to Bangkok!
Let us a take brief look at the attractions that make flights to Bangkok so popular.
Grand Palace is one of the most charming tourist attractions and cannot be missed by vacationers. It is a stunning spectacle that was once a home for Thai royals. The complex of the palace features a range of impressive structures with Wat Phra Kaew being the most attractive one.
Bangkok’s National Museum is another dazzling charm that enchants holiday makers in Bangkok. The museum offers insights into the Thai history, culture and the relevance of Buddhist teachings. Wat Arun, with its soaring 82-metre spire, is yet another tourist delight that beckons people to grab cheap flights to Bangkok.
Bangkok can be visited anytime of the year, but the period between November and March appeals highly to tourists because the climate is cooler. Travellers looking for cheap airfares during this period must book early.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Flights to Singapore -What makes them so popular
Rightly considered as one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations, Singapore manages to be many things – a vision of breathtaking skyscrapers, picturesque islands, a repository of blended cultures, and a perfect haven for shopping. Popularly known as Lion City, Singapore enraptures millions of hearts with its mesmerizing stock of flamboyant skylines, lip smacking food, pulsating culture and soothing environs.
Over the period of time, the city has emerged as a big tourist hot spot which has led to an increase in the number of flights to Singapore from around the world. There are countless travel agencies who offer best deals by way of cheap tickets on flights to this marvellous city of Asia.
One big thing that makes Singapore so popular is the vibrant melange of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Peranakans and Eurasian culture. Its multi-faceted society wins the heart of many as it helps in immersing in the cultures, languages, customs and festivals of different lands, merely in one single land. The intriguing multicultural kaleidoscope has for long prompted many cultural enthusiasts to rummage through websites of different airlines who offer low airfares and cheap flights to Singapore.
Singapore is truly a dream-come-true destination that helps you in realising your dream of exploring a pleasant place. This bustling cosmopolitan city is flooded with world’s most renowned tourist attractions like Merlion, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade - Theatre on the Bays or Asian Civilisations Museum - the choices of must-see gems of Singapore are endless. One can explore a suitcase full of fun in this great metropolis of Asia.
Over the period of time, the city has emerged as a big tourist hot spot which has led to an increase in the number of flights to Singapore from around the world. There are countless travel agencies who offer best deals by way of cheap tickets on flights to this marvellous city of Asia.
One big thing that makes Singapore so popular is the vibrant melange of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Peranakans and Eurasian culture. Its multi-faceted society wins the heart of many as it helps in immersing in the cultures, languages, customs and festivals of different lands, merely in one single land. The intriguing multicultural kaleidoscope has for long prompted many cultural enthusiasts to rummage through websites of different airlines who offer low airfares and cheap flights to Singapore.
Singapore is truly a dream-come-true destination that helps you in realising your dream of exploring a pleasant place. This bustling cosmopolitan city is flooded with world’s most renowned tourist attractions like Merlion, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Esplanade - Theatre on the Bays or Asian Civilisations Museum - the choices of must-see gems of Singapore are endless. One can explore a suitcase full of fun in this great metropolis of Asia.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Immigration Related Info for Travellers to New Zealand
New Zealand is a splendid tourist destination that boasts of some incredible cities like Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch.
The beauty of New Zealand ensures that it remains a top holiday spot. Information regarding different travel aspects related to the country remains much sought after by tourists who are all over the place looking for cheap airfares to New Zealand. Below listed pointers will get you ready to grab flights to New Zealand.
Visa
British Nationals who are on a visit of up to six months to New Zealand do not require a visa for the country. They can just book their tickets on flights to New Zealand and land up in the country! British nationals might be asked to produce evidence of their right to reside permanently in the UK by an Immigration Officer. Possession of an onward journey ticket might also be asked to furnish.
Passport
British travellers who are keen to book tickets on cheap flights to New Zealand and visit this charming country must ensure that their passport is valid for at least one month beyond the date of their visa-free stay in New Zealand.
Health
Before grabbing their cheap tickets on flights to New Zealand, travellers are advised to seek medical advice to make certain that all their vaccinations are up to date.
Britain and New Zealand have a reciprocal agreement that enables the nationals of both countries to enjoy the benefits of the National Health Services of the other country (subject to conditions).
The beauty of New Zealand ensures that it remains a top holiday spot. Information regarding different travel aspects related to the country remains much sought after by tourists who are all over the place looking for cheap airfares to New Zealand. Below listed pointers will get you ready to grab flights to New Zealand.
Visa
British Nationals who are on a visit of up to six months to New Zealand do not require a visa for the country. They can just book their tickets on flights to New Zealand and land up in the country! British nationals might be asked to produce evidence of their right to reside permanently in the UK by an Immigration Officer. Possession of an onward journey ticket might also be asked to furnish.
Passport
British travellers who are keen to book tickets on cheap flights to New Zealand and visit this charming country must ensure that their passport is valid for at least one month beyond the date of their visa-free stay in New Zealand.
Health
Before grabbing their cheap tickets on flights to New Zealand, travellers are advised to seek medical advice to make certain that all their vaccinations are up to date.
Britain and New Zealand have a reciprocal agreement that enables the nationals of both countries to enjoy the benefits of the National Health Services of the other country (subject to conditions).
Monday, May 9, 2011
Emirates & Etihad Airways Make It Special Summer for Travellers
The summer bonanza of Emirates is here! The airline that is regarded as the largest in the Middle East is all set to make sure that holiday makers this peak travel season are a happy lot.
On Sunday, the airline announced the removal of its fuel surcharge on all of its flight tickets. The airline made this move after global oil prices plummeted considerably last week – one the sharpest declines in the recent times.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, said, “In line with the recent decrease in fuel prices, Emirates has removed its fuel surcharge on all tickets.”
“The removal of this surcharge reflects our longstanding commitment to our customers. We promised our customers from the outset that we would eliminate the surcharge as soon as it was commercially viable and this has now been done.” Mr Clark further stated.
‘Cheap flights’ may not be Emirates’ area but this dip on flight airfares is surely going to attract many vacationers, especially with the kind of amenities and luxuries this airline offers on-board.
But what makes it more special for the travellers is that another world class airline has come up with an attractive offer. Etihad Airways, with its hub at the Abu Dhabi airport, launched a new sales promotion for its UAE and GCC based travellers. This will allow passengers to book tickets on relatively cheap airline flights as the carrier is offering return economy class air fares with up to 40 per cent discount on regular air fares for journeys to be completed in May.
Etihad Airways was recently recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Airline at the region’s World Travel Awards.
On Sunday, the airline announced the removal of its fuel surcharge on all of its flight tickets. The airline made this move after global oil prices plummeted considerably last week – one the sharpest declines in the recent times.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, said, “In line with the recent decrease in fuel prices, Emirates has removed its fuel surcharge on all tickets.”
“The removal of this surcharge reflects our longstanding commitment to our customers. We promised our customers from the outset that we would eliminate the surcharge as soon as it was commercially viable and this has now been done.” Mr Clark further stated.
‘Cheap flights’ may not be Emirates’ area but this dip on flight airfares is surely going to attract many vacationers, especially with the kind of amenities and luxuries this airline offers on-board.
But what makes it more special for the travellers is that another world class airline has come up with an attractive offer. Etihad Airways, with its hub at the Abu Dhabi airport, launched a new sales promotion for its UAE and GCC based travellers. This will allow passengers to book tickets on relatively cheap airline flights as the carrier is offering return economy class air fares with up to 40 per cent discount on regular air fares for journeys to be completed in May.
Etihad Airways was recently recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Airline at the region’s World Travel Awards.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Cabin Crew of British Airways Vote for Strike Yet Again
British Airways’ problems are set to be compounded as its cabin crew backed yet another wave of industrial action. This is the fourth time in two years when the cabin crew of the national carrier has voted overwhelmingly in the favour of industrial action.
The dispute which began in 2009 has already cost millions of pounds to the airline and the airline is set to loose much more as travellers get wary of buying of tickets on BA flights.
The results of the ballot could not be more ill-timed for the BA as Easter holidays and royal wedding are just around the corner. Thousands of holiday makers have travel plans and booked tickets on cheap flights to avoid spiralling cost later on. However, it seems that many who bought tickets with BA may ultimately be disappointed as any strike during holidays is sure to affect flight operations. Finding cheap flights during holiday season is certainly not a walk in the park and now with hampered flight operations, it is going to get more difficult. Last year 22 days of strike has been witnessed by the nation that brought along with it chaotic situations at various airports as many flights of the airline got cancelled.
Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, asked BA to be more considerate of the demands of its cabin crew. He was quoted as stating, "This vote shows that cabin crew remain determined to win justice. We urge BA's boardroom to see this as a clear message that they must think again about how to regain the trust and confidence of a significant part of their cabin crew operation."
The dispute which began in 2009 has already cost millions of pounds to the airline and the airline is set to loose much more as travellers get wary of buying of tickets on BA flights.
The results of the ballot could not be more ill-timed for the BA as Easter holidays and royal wedding are just around the corner. Thousands of holiday makers have travel plans and booked tickets on cheap flights to avoid spiralling cost later on. However, it seems that many who bought tickets with BA may ultimately be disappointed as any strike during holidays is sure to affect flight operations. Finding cheap flights during holiday season is certainly not a walk in the park and now with hampered flight operations, it is going to get more difficult. Last year 22 days of strike has been witnessed by the nation that brought along with it chaotic situations at various airports as many flights of the airline got cancelled.
Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, asked BA to be more considerate of the demands of its cabin crew. He was quoted as stating, "This vote shows that cabin crew remain determined to win justice. We urge BA's boardroom to see this as a clear message that they must think again about how to regain the trust and confidence of a significant part of their cabin crew operation."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Significant Developments at Delta Air Lines Spell Higher Customer Benefits
Air travellers planning to book a ticket with Delta Airlines will be getting a new experience. Besides significant expansion, the airline is investing about $2 billion over the next three years for improving seats, entertainment systems, and renovation of airport lounges. Here are some of the latest happenings in Delta Air Lines.
Plans to Grow in Asia
The airline is eyeing Asia aviation industry as its next goal and seeks to acquire an increased share in the region. The airline has been able to show financial growth in the last year as compared to the previous losses and officials for Asia region believe that the carrier can not invest in customer service and establish itself as even more popular name in the region. The Asian aviation market is highly profitable and there are a number of premium airlines as well as low cost carriers offering cheap flights.
Revamped Premium Economy Section
Come summer and many passengers will find that taking one of the cheap flights aboard Delta’ Economy class can be a pretty comfortable experience. Delta Air Lines would equip the first few rows of its 747, 757, 767, 777, and A330 airlines with new seats. The seats aboard these long haul international flights will have more recline and give up to 4 inches of extra legroom.
Codehsare with GOL
Delta Air Lines recently announced its codeshare with Brazil’s GOL, one of the largest airlines in the country. This adds 15 new destinations in the route network of the airline in South America. The destinations are Curitiba, Cuiaba, Belo Horizonte, Florianopolis, Belem, Fortaleza, Goiania, Iguassu Falls, Joao Pessoa, Vitoria, Teresina, Salvador, Recife, Porto Alegre, and Navegantes.
Endless SkyMiles
SkyMiles with Delta Airlines will no longer expire if members don’t operate their accounts for over two years. The year will bring more facilities to passengers ‘including significant improvements to delta.com such as an upgraded award travel calendar, improved booking process and better flight information display’.
Plans to Grow in Asia
The airline is eyeing Asia aviation industry as its next goal and seeks to acquire an increased share in the region. The airline has been able to show financial growth in the last year as compared to the previous losses and officials for Asia region believe that the carrier can not invest in customer service and establish itself as even more popular name in the region. The Asian aviation market is highly profitable and there are a number of premium airlines as well as low cost carriers offering cheap flights.
Revamped Premium Economy Section
Come summer and many passengers will find that taking one of the cheap flights aboard Delta’ Economy class can be a pretty comfortable experience. Delta Air Lines would equip the first few rows of its 747, 757, 767, 777, and A330 airlines with new seats. The seats aboard these long haul international flights will have more recline and give up to 4 inches of extra legroom.
Codehsare with GOL
Delta Air Lines recently announced its codeshare with Brazil’s GOL, one of the largest airlines in the country. This adds 15 new destinations in the route network of the airline in South America. The destinations are Curitiba, Cuiaba, Belo Horizonte, Florianopolis, Belem, Fortaleza, Goiania, Iguassu Falls, Joao Pessoa, Vitoria, Teresina, Salvador, Recife, Porto Alegre, and Navegantes.
Endless SkyMiles
SkyMiles with Delta Airlines will no longer expire if members don’t operate their accounts for over two years. The year will bring more facilities to passengers ‘including significant improvements to delta.com such as an upgraded award travel calendar, improved booking process and better flight information display’.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Fuel Price Hike Translates as Higher Airfares
The surging prices of fuel have also resulted in spiralling airfares. In fact, United Airlines and Continental Airlines have been reported to have increased their round trip ticket fares by about $20 to $60. As per the Associated Press, travellers booking ‘first class and instant-upgrade tickets’ would be effected by the rise in fares’. The Associated Press further reported that such travellers ‘are less likely to put off or cancel trips because of rising prices’. In fact, leisure travel since mid December has become more expensive as price hikes have been implemented four times within the time frame.
Qantas Also Plans to Hike Fares
Flights with Qantas are also set to become more expensive with the airline announcing plans to increase the price of tickets in the trans-Tasman, regional, and domestic sectors by up to 5%. This will come as a major dampener for quite a few travellers looking for cheap flights with Qantas. The airline, with one of its major hubs in Sydney Airport, blamed the rising average prices in Singapore Jet Fuel (SJF) and West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil (WTICO).
Comments from Qantas CEO
Mr Alan Joyce, the CEO of Qantas said ‘Airlines in Australia and around the world continue to monitor oil and fuel prices very closely, and many have already responded to the current high prices with changes to their surcharges and fares’. He further commented
‘Domestic, regional and Tasman fares have been under review and, while we have been absorbing higher fuel costs for some time, this increase is an appropriate response to this significant and additional cost to our business’.
Qantas Also Plans to Hike Fares
Flights with Qantas are also set to become more expensive with the airline announcing plans to increase the price of tickets in the trans-Tasman, regional, and domestic sectors by up to 5%. This will come as a major dampener for quite a few travellers looking for cheap flights with Qantas. The airline, with one of its major hubs in Sydney Airport, blamed the rising average prices in Singapore Jet Fuel (SJF) and West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil (WTICO).
Comments from Qantas CEO
Mr Alan Joyce, the CEO of Qantas said ‘Airlines in Australia and around the world continue to monitor oil and fuel prices very closely, and many have already responded to the current high prices with changes to their surcharges and fares’. He further commented
‘Domestic, regional and Tasman fares have been under review and, while we have been absorbing higher fuel costs for some time, this increase is an appropriate response to this significant and additional cost to our business’.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
BA Crew to Vote Again On Strike Ballot
British Airways seems to have won a minor battle in the war between the airline and the crew members. The crew union, Unite was forced to scrap its plans for the impending strike after BA challenged the legality of the union members’ ballot that took place in January.
Unite had no other option but to cancel its plans of fresh walk-outs as BA warned its crew members of dismissal if and when they become part of any such ‘illegal’ strike. This comes as good news for holiday makers who have winter travel plans and have landed with cheap tickets on BA’s flights. Given the havoc past BA crew strikes have caused on airports and the number of flights that have been grounded, it surely is a battle won for the British Airways.
However, not everything is hunky dory for the UK’s national airline that offers flight tickets for many destinations all over the world. As Unite’s January ballot becomes inconsequential, the union plans to go for fresh ballot to decide strike action. And with the royal wedding coming up, BA has all the fears in the world that its crew will stage a walkout during the wedding, which is supposed to be a peak business time for the airline. Even travellers who hope to take advantage of public holidays during the time by booking cheap tickets on flights to different holiday destinations seem to fear the same.
BA however is trying every trick in its book to stop the union from going on a strike during the all-important royal wedding.
Unite had no other option but to cancel its plans of fresh walk-outs as BA warned its crew members of dismissal if and when they become part of any such ‘illegal’ strike. This comes as good news for holiday makers who have winter travel plans and have landed with cheap tickets on BA’s flights. Given the havoc past BA crew strikes have caused on airports and the number of flights that have been grounded, it surely is a battle won for the British Airways.
However, not everything is hunky dory for the UK’s national airline that offers flight tickets for many destinations all over the world. As Unite’s January ballot becomes inconsequential, the union plans to go for fresh ballot to decide strike action. And with the royal wedding coming up, BA has all the fears in the world that its crew will stage a walkout during the wedding, which is supposed to be a peak business time for the airline. Even travellers who hope to take advantage of public holidays during the time by booking cheap tickets on flights to different holiday destinations seem to fear the same.
BA however is trying every trick in its book to stop the union from going on a strike during the all-important royal wedding.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)