Airline News August 2005.

Complaints rise at airlines facing financial trouble. Four airlines with serious financial problems reported a high number of customer complaints to the government in the first six months of 2005, The Washington Post's Keith Alexander reports. US Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Independence Air all reported a higher number of complaints compared with the same period a year ago. Aug 16, 2005

Airlines add amenities to attract first-class fliers. Airlines are adding amenities to their first-class service to retain fliers who typically pay top dollar for their tickets. United Airlines, for example, provides chocolate truffles and DVD players on some flights. Meanwhile, some carriers have eliminated coach amenities, such as pretzels and pillows. Aug 15, 2005

Suitcase problems are of course good news for some. Quick to see a positive news angle regarding BA and Heathrow baggage mover First Luggage have issued a press release pointing out that passengers do not have to drag their heavy items down to the airport, even when things are going smoothly. Whether it is a leisure or business trip their service enables travellers to send their suitcases ahead, without it ever passing through the hands of the baggage handlers who have caused so much disruption and frustration. By phone call or online, First Luggage say they will arrange to collect any bags before the day of departure and deliver them by courier service to the customer's destination in time for their arrival. A text message lets them know that it has arrived safely. The same applies for the return trip. It is all done with the help of FedEx. In the States, luggage-free travel is an accepted norm and the company believes that it will also catch on over here. Interestingly a league table compiled by the Association of European Airlines (judged on their lost luggage record) found Turkish Airlines to be the best performer with just four bags out of 1,000 lost or delayed, while among the worst were BA (24.1 per 1,000) and KLM (26.1 per 1,000). 20 million bags are lost by airlines worldwide each year. http://www.firstluggage.com Aug 12, 2005

Mexico to lower airline prices, increase competition. The Mexican government plans to sell two national airlines, Aeromexico and Mexicana, as well as approve as many as five budget airlines, which will open the doors for airline competition and lower prices for millions of passengers. Officials estimate the move could increase air travel by 15 million trips per year. Aug 9, 2005

AIir Atlantique, the Coventry-based specialist airline is to acquire two ATR 72 aircraft over the next six months with the first due on-line at the beginning of October. The aircraft will be used on backup operations for scheduled operations, executive and holiday charters and sports group travel. The move into the larger 70 seat market comes after the successful introduction over the last two years of three 48-seat ATR 42 'planes (left). http://www.airatlantique.co.uk Aug 19, 2005

AirTran Airways, the low cost US carrier, is to launch services from Detroit in November, marking the start of fresh competition for troubled Northwest Airlines, which has a hub there. AirTran said it would begin flying from Detroit - Atlanta and Orlando starting 8 November. The Orlando based carrier said it would add a service from Detroit - Sarasota in February. Northwest already flies each of those routes, and the introduction of new competition is set to increase the carrier's financial strain. Airtran has recently added Boeing 737-700 aircraft to its Boeing 717 fleet. http://www.airtran.com Aug 5, 2005

AirTran to start Detroit flights this fall. Discounter AirTran Airways will launch service from Detroit this fall with daily flights to Atlanta and Orlando. The airline will compete against Northwest Airlines, which operates a large hub in Detroit. Aug 4, 2005

Airlines upgrade Web sites to attract more travelers. Airlines are revamping their Web sites in hopes of cutting costs and improving customer service, writes The Washington Post's Keith Alexander. It costs airlines less to sell tickets through their Web sites than through their own reservation agents or through travel agents. Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways recently unveiled new Web sites. Aug 3, 2005

Alaska Airlines launches Los Angeles-Mexico City flights. Alaska Airlines on Tuesday added daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Mexico City. On Sept. 11, the airline will expand the flight, offering one-stop service between Seattle and Mexico City. Aug 4, 2005

American Airlines, in a further bid to attract premium fare passengers, is upgrading its first and business class menus on transatlantic flights from September 1 introducing what it calls "quintessentially American cuisine". The airline has also announced that during 2006 the carrier's long haul Boeing 767-300s will have improved business class cabins installed. It is also introducing its Flagship Suites to 20 more Boeing 777s first class cabins to provide a consistent "treble seven" by 2007. In what some may consider a dig at Oneworld partner British Airways the Dallas-based airline says it has turned to Chefs Conclave, a group of internationally acclaimed chefs, for inspiration. Also new from American is a new Admirals Club at JFK which is located in Concourse C in the airline's new 'state of the art' terminal. Opposite Gate 42 it is convenient to a variety of new shops and the main concession area. Complimentary snacks, juice, tea, coffee and soft drinks are offered. http://www.aa.com Aug 25, 2005

American hopes new JFK terminal helps win passengers back. American Airlines hopes its new terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy airport will help it regain passengers. The airline will shift flights to the new $1.1 billion terminal from two aging terminals now slated for demolition. JetBlue, American's rival at JFK, will get an $875 million new terminal in 2008. Aug 24, 2005

American to launch "lie-flat" seats in some business class cabins. American Airlines said it will install seats that "lie flat" in the business-class cabins of all Boeing 767-300s and 777s. The airline will also add enhanced in-flight entertainment systems and bigger overhead bins. Aug 16, 2005

American's regional unit flourishes despite downturn. American Airlines' American Eagle unit has quietly become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the U.S. The airline posted a $49 million profit in 2004, a year when most airlines lost money. American Eagle has recently added new jets to its fleet as well as many new destinations. Other airlines are also shifting flights to their regional affiliates to take advantage of a lower cost structure. Aug 29, 2005

Airlines add perks to retain business travelers. Some airlines are adding services and frills for business travelers who generally pay top dollar for tickets. American Airlines said it will improve its business-class menus and offer video on-demand programming. Delta Air Lines will offer personalized dining, and United Airlines will offer three classes of seating on some regional jets. Aug 23, 2005

Avis says that its 'Rapid Return' technology is now available at virtually all major British airports including the five which serve London: City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted. Avis claims that the system allows for a check-in to take no more than 60 seconds. The system is also being rolled out to the company's 160 European locations with about half now equipped. 'Rapid Return' works in eight different languages. http://www.avis.co.uk Aug 19, 2005

BA CitiExpress flew as normal during the Heathrow disruption last week offering hot meals as usual on its longer sectors including London City to Edinburgh where it is now up to five return flights week daily (plus one on a Saturday and two on Sunday), a schedule that has proven worthwhile to continue during the normally quiet month of August. The 100% owned division of British Airways says that its market share on the route has risen to 65% competing with Scot Airways who have twice the number of flights mainly operated by Dornier 328 aircraft. This winter the airline will operate ten RJ100 (110 seats), 28 x ERJ145 (49 seats), eight Dash 8 - 300 (50 seats) and three 146 (79-110 seats). It also has on its books a single Boeing 767 which is used on a daily BA Manchester - JFK service. http://www.britishairways.com/travel/basubsid/public/en_gb Aug 12, 2005

Boeing has had such a spate of orders over the last few weeks it is difficult to keep up with them. Most of the activity has been with the 737-800, showing that there is plenty of life yet left in the aircraft. Jet Airways of India has ordered a further ten and Turkish Airlines eight, taking the total order book for the 737 series to an astonishing 5,900 aircraft. Sales of the new 787 continue to rise with Royal Air Maroc taking up to five, the total figure currently at 257 from 21 airlines well before the prototype gets in the air. And the stalwart 747-400 is still selling, albeit mainly in the cargo area, UPS announcing an order for eight. Boeing has taken 549 net orders in the year to date including 419 for the 737. http://www.boeing.com Aug 19, 2005

Boeing[sup.1]s 787 may still be up to two years away from its first flight but the project is fast gaining momentum. The first 19 feet diameter and 24 feet long all composite prototype cockpit built, rolled out at the Wichita plant of Spirit AeroSystems. Production units will be flown to the Boeing Everett factory near Seattle by a specially modified 747. The Spirit plant, once part of Boeing itself, is responsible for major components of all Boeing Commercial aircraft (with the exception of the 717), including the entire fuselage of the 737. http://www.boeing.com Aug 19, 2005

Boeing has tested the electric motor that could allow commercial jets to taxi around airports without using their engines or ground-based towing vehicles. The manufacturer has fitted the equipment on an Air Canada Boeing 767 and said it is working to overcome various technical issues that had surfaced. The motors could save airlines money by eliminating the use of airport tow tugs. http://www.boeing.com Aug 5, 2005

Air Nelson has taken delivery of the first of 17 Bombardier Q300 aircraft which will gradually replace the airline's much smaller Saab 340s over the next two years. Air Nelson is New Zealand's main regional carrier, now 100% owned by Air New Zealand. Originally created in 1976 it takes its name from the city on the top northwest corner of the South Island founded 150 years ago. Nelson of course never went to New Zealand. http://www.airnz.co.nz Aug 12, 2005

British Airways is to axe a whole series of CitiExpress routes from Birmingham and Manchester from the start of the winter season at the end of October describing them as "mainly leisure". Out go flights from Manchester to Pisa, Rome, Stuttgart, Zurich, Nice, Venice, Shannon and Cork and services from Birmingham to Vienna and Rome. Some are already flown by budget carriers and both airports are optimistic that low cost airlines will take up the vacated routes. BA's view is that CitiExpress needs to focus on profitable point-to-point business routes. Even with competition from the budget carriers, typically Gatwick - Inverness, they can work well says the airline. http://www.ba.com Aug 25, 2005

British Airways might have some operational problems that need sorting out but it is already looking forward to next summer. For the first time the airline is flying to Albania and Iceland, both out of Gatwick. Tirana will be served three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, whilst Reykjavik is connected every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Varna (left), on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast gets twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Izmir, Turkey's third largest city gains the Gatwick connection on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. http://www.ba.com Aug 19, 2005

Norwegian Cruise Line has made British Airways its preferred contractor for the 2006 program. Next year the sister company of Orient Lines and Star Cruises of Singapore is returning to Europe with the brand new 93,000 ton 2,200 passenger Norwegian Jewel (Mediterranean) and its smaller sister ship Norwegian Dream which will offer 12-night cruises into the Baltic from Dover. 'Jewel', as with all the presently ten strong NCL fleet, offers what it calls 'Freestyle Cruising' from two main restaurants and eight speciality outlets. There are bars galore, two large swimming pools and what must be the most impressive spa area afloat. Nearly half the cabins have balconies and at the top of the ship the Courtyard complex is designed in such a way that the ten suites can become a private area, complete with pool. A full restaurant service will also be provided. You can be very private but still have the benefits of a big ship. Very competitively priced 'Jewel' will provide stiff competition for the established cruise lines with European programmes. http://www.ncsssl.com Aug 12, 2005

Johannesburg is proving to be one of the most popular destinations from the UK, underserved in terms of capacity many would say although linked direct from Heathrow by British Airways, SAA and Virgin Atlantic. Starting on November 1 Air France will be increasing its non-stop flights from CDG to ten per week and targeting the various regional points flown out of the UK. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays there will be double daily outbound service, an Airbus A340 supplementing the daily three-class Boeing 747 operation. http://www.airfrance.co.uk Aug 12, 2005

Taiwan will allow its airlines to seek permission from China to use its airspace to reduce flying times and rising fuel costs. The country also renewed a call for talks with Beijing to start direct charter flights between Taiwan and mainland China, rivals since the civil war ended in 1949. Cargo and passenger charter flights, as well as holiday or other special charters, are on the table for discussion. http://www.china-airlines.com Aug 5, 2005

Delta, China Airlines exchange codesharing services. China Airlines, Taiwan's leading carrier, announced it will add three additional codesharing destinations on Delta Air Lines flights from Los Angeles to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. Delta will place its codes on China Airlines flights from Taipei to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The services will begin Aug. 15, giving passengers more flight options. Aug 12, 2005

Continental Airlines, who operate to Newark New York from six UK airports, is to bring in new baggage allowances with effect September 7. The airline says that it needs to make international checked baggage weights consistent with its domestic policy. Economy class passengers can now check-in two pieces subject to a maximum weight of 50 lbs or 20 kls with a maximum dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) each. BusinessFirst travellers can take three pieces up to a maximum weight of 70 lbs with the linear dimensions remaining the same. Members of the airline's OnePass Elite club get the same allowance as premier class passengers. http://www.continental.com Aug 25, 2005

Continental executive calls China "major market". A senior director for Continental Airlines called China "a major market opportunity" for the airline. Chris Amenechi said bilateral issues must be resolved before the airline can release details on where it will fly. Continental began non-stop flights to Beijing in June. Aug 19, 2005

Continental will not participate in government discount program. Continental Airlines said it will not participate in the federal government's City Pairs program next year. The airline said the government kept demanding lower fares without relaxing restrictions, such as requiring the airlines to offer refundable tickets. The government saves about $2 billion in travel expenses each year with City Pairs tickets, which are an average of 74% cheaper than standard tickets. Aug 3, 2005

Airlines spend more on interactive marketing. Some airlines are shifting money into interactive marketing channels. Southwest Airlines, for example, is spending more on search-engine advertising and banner ads. Customers can also download an application that sits on a computer waiting to display Southwest offers. Continental Airlines believes its Web site helps it build ties with customers. The airline now puts messages on the boarding-pass page, and allows passengers to also print out their boarding passes. Aug 3, 2005

Looking to boost revenue, Delta adds more Caribbean flights. Delta Air Lines will add more flights to the Caribbean this fall, including new service to the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana. Delta is trying to boost its revenue by scheduling more service outside the domestic market. Steep competition has made many U.S. markets unprofitable for Delta and other large airlines. Aug 2, 2005

EasyJet seems to have taken a leaf out of Ryanair's book by issuing a 'knocking' press release, but in this case it seems to be justified. Latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority show how both Ryanair and Aer Lingus have suffered since easyJet's arrival in the Irish Republic with the Luton-based airline grabbing a significant market share. Aer Lingus' market share has fallen on both the routes it competes with easyJet from London to Cork and Shannon; while Ryanair's fares have collapsed since easyJet's arrival. The latest CAA figures show that easyJet has acquired significant market share on its three routes from Gatwick, achieving 14%, 27% and 10% of passengers between London and Cork, Knock and Shannon respectively. (Figures for 2005 are for January till June). While Ryanair has lost market share significantly to easyJet on its London - Knock route its levels on both Cork and Shannon are below that of a couple of years ago. http://www.easyjet.com Aug 12, 2005

EasyJet has announced three new routes for the winter. Luton will be connected with the German city of Bremen (from 31 October) and Bournemouth and Stansted with Geneva (starts 15 December) which is already linked by the airline to the alternative London airports of Gatwick and Luton. http://www.easyjet.com Aug 5, 2005

Emirates' online bookings have soared impressively in the first four months of its current financial year on the wings of special offers and fares, strong demand for its services and a user-friendly website. In April passengers traveling with online bookings increased by 195 per cent, in May by 230 per cent, in June by 225 per cent and in July by 154 per cent compared to the same months last year. The top ten countries for online bookings during this period include those from the GCC - the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; Europe - UK and Germany; Asia Pacific - Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand; as well as USA and South Africa. Bahrain and Qatar figured among the top 15 countries, signifying the cyberspace savvy of customers in the Middle East, where in the last five year growth in internet usage has been the fastest in the world, pegged at more than 300 per cent. Aug 22, 2005

Gatwick is to gain an Emirates lounge. The Dubai-based airline operates three non-stop flights each day to its hub offering connections to a wide variety of onward destinations on its global network including Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. The lounge will boast a wide array of passenger amenities including an extensive seating area of 255 seats and full restroom and shower facilities particularly useful for passengers connecting from other airlines. Passengers will be able to enjoy an extensive menu of complimentary hot and cold gourmet dishes having the choice of formal or informal seating in the dining area and bar service. A business centre will also be featured, with 14 complimentary workstations and 6 laptop workstations. The Gatwick lounge will be the biggest in Emirates' network to date, outside of its lounges at its global hub in Dubai. It will open in the early Autumn. http://www.emirates.com Aug 19, 2005

Trans-Atlantic startup plans to launch service next month. Start-up Eos plans to launch service between New York and London next month. The airline will configure its Boeing 757 jets with just 48 seats. Most airlines fly with at least 180 seats in a 757 cabin. Founder David J. Spurlock said Eos will be "a premium airline purposely designed to bring value to the international business traveler who demands a high degree of service." The airline has not yet received regulatory approval. Aug 23, 2005

Eos, a new US based business class scheduled airline, has taken a step forward by participating in the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Annual Convention and unveiling its unique airline, which it claims will radically transform the transatlantic airline experience. Scheduled to begin offering the first all-premium service between JFK New York and Stansted in mid-September, Eos product offers just 48 seats in a Boeing 757 aircraft capable of carrying up to 230. The airline has recently received its "show cause" order from the US Transportation Department, tentatively approving the airline's certification. It is named after the Greek goddess of the Dawn. http://www.eosairlines.com Aug 19, 2005

FlyBE, said to be a budget airline, has come up with an idea that completely contradicts the 'keep it simple, keep it cheap' deal. Passengers can now pre-book their seats but it costs [pounds sterling]8 per sector per person for normal seats and [pounds sterling]16 per person per sector if you want to sit by an emergency entrance or bulkhead. And you have to phone up no later than 24 hours before your flight to book. Normal check-in rules apply, as do those concerning children and disabled. http://www.flybe.com Aug 12, 2005

Stansted is to gain flights to Tenerife this winter. FlyGlobespan, Scotland's largest airline, plans to launch daily all the year round flights to Tenerife South from November, the only carrier to do so. The airline, which currently offers twice daily Stansted - Edinburgh and Glasgow services, will also introduce a Geneva operation, in direct competition to easyJet, who are also opening up a service on 15 December. FlyGlobespan is part of the Globespan Group established in 1974 and has its own AoC operating both 300 and 800 series Boeing 737s. http://www.flyglobespan.com Aug 12, 2005

FlyJet, one of the UK's least known airlines and essentially a Gatwick-based charter carrier, is to add a Boeing 767-200ER this autumn to its existing fleet of two Boeing 757-200 aircraft. It will be configured with 16 business and 215 economy class seats. Established in 2003 under the management of former BA man Shaun Dewey the airline has operated to numerous destinations all over Europe, to West Africa, India and the Caribbean. http://www.fly-jet.com Aug 19, 2005

Frontier Airlines may venture outside Denver hub. Frontier Airlines will pursue point-to-point routes outside its hub in Denver, the company's chief executive said. Jeff Potter did not say which cities the airline eventually may serve. The airline flies almost exclusively to or from Denver. Aug 1, 2005

Gatwick regulars will be pleased to learn that the baggage reclaim hall, directly above the immigration area in the South Terminal has doubled in size and is open for business in time for the peak summer holiday period. Three new baggage reclaim belts have been installed increasing capacity by 40%. The extra space has been found by extending the existing baggage facilities to the north. http://www.baa.com Aug 12, 2005

Icelandair has renewed the partnership with Pete Best and The Pete Best Band, providing transatlantic flights for their North American tours as well as support for other projects, including sponsorship of the second annual "Ticket to Fly: The Beatles Tribute" at Mall of America in October. Aug 25, 2005

Independence Air comedian helps calm travelers' nerves. Independence Air employee Dave George may be the nation's only airport comedian. Dubbed the FLYi Guy, George initiates contests at the airline's hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and tries to keep the atmosphere lighthearted during delays. Humor can help a carrier stand out from its competitors. Flight attendants for Southwest Airlines, for example, are urged to tell jokes. Aug 19, 2005

Jet2.com, the budget airline and part of the Dart plc/Channel Express transport group, is to launch an initially three times per week service linking Newcastle and Cork. First flight is Monday 24 October. This is the airline's second new route from the northeast. Next Monday the carrier launches a Newcastle - Murcia service, with limited frequencies initially but planned to go weekly by next summer. Launched in February 2003 the airline now has 16 destinations out of Leeds Bradford, 16 out of Manchester and five from Belfast. http://www.jet2.com Aug 25, 2005

JetBlue faces new challenges as it expands. JetBlue Airways is buying new Embraer jets and entering new markets. Unlike its larger rivals, the airline has posted profits for the past 18 quarters. The expansion could make JetBlue more vulnerable to competition and test its ability to keep its costs low. Aug 25, 2005

An expensive carry-on. Most airlines charge a fee for children traveling on the laps of their parents during international flights. The cost can vary from airline to airline, with many airlines charging 10% of the adult's ticket price. JetBlue Airways simply charges a flat fee of $11.95. Aug 9, 2005

Lords Cricket Ground has a new Hungarian hotel overlooking it. Perhaps this is a slight exaggeration in that the Danubius Regents Park Hotel has been taken over by the Budapest-based Danubius Hotels Group. The four-star 376-room hotel stands in a dominating position at the junction of Regent Park and St Johns Wood Road opposite the home of cricket. All rooms are air-conditioned and with free broadband Internet access. Once a state-owned corporation today the Danubius Hotels Group owns and operates a whole series of hotels in Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. Danubius Regents Park Hotel is its first property in the UK. http://www.danubiuslondon.co.uk Aug 12, 2005

Lufthansa is beginning to get its act together with regard to the recent acquisition of Swiss. A broader range of services and new customer benefits will come into effect with the coming winter schedules. All services between Switzerland and Germany will be operated as code share flights from the start of the new schedules on October 30 and the two airlines' timetables have been harmonised in order to provide a co-ordinated and complementary range of services at the Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich hubs. The home carrier will host check-in desks and departure gates at the hub airports. In Frankfurt, Swiss will be accommodated in Terminal 1; and in Munich the airline will use Terminal 2. In Zurich, Lufthansa (and Austrian Airlines) passengers will be served at Check-in 1 and Check-in 3, and their aircraft will use Pier A wherever possible. http://www.lufthansa.com http://www.swiss.com Aug 25, 2005

Northwest strike puts future of maintenance base in question: The mechanics strike at Northwest Airlines has made the future of the company's Duluth, Minn., maintenance base uncertain. The city remains responsible for bond payments related to the facility whether or not the workers are on strike, city officials said. Northwest said it is meeting its financial obligations to Minnesota. In the 1990s, the city and state issued $46 million in state-backed bonds to build the facility, and the airline promised to employ 350 mechanics in Duluth. Aug 31, 2005

Northwest surviving strike with replacement workers: The mechanics strike at Northwest Airlines demonstrates how an airline can use replacement workers to keep itself operating. Northwest said it is comfortable with its operations, and it may break the strike if operations remain consistent. Some observers think a victory by Northwest could weaken the labor movement. "The success that Northwest is having will embolden companies to be more aggressive in using replacements in the future," says John Budd, professor of human resources at the University of Minnesota. Aug 29, 2005

Some carriers get slight boost from Northwest strike. Some airlines that compete with Northwest Airlines are seeing slight upticks in their business. Some travelers are avoiding Northwest because they think a mechanics strike will cause delays and cancellations. United Airlines and Sun Country Airlines said they have seen small but statistically insignificant boosts. So far, Northwest has reported few cancellations related to the strike. Aug 25, 2005

Northwest hires replacement workers; strikers remain upbeat: Northwest Airlines has hired 1,900 workers to replace striking mechanics. Some are former airline mechanics who were laid off after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and now want to return to the industry. The workers spent the last three months learning how to repair Northwest jets. Meanwhile, Northwest mechanics on the picket line say they hope to shut the airline down. Labor experts say the strike has weakened Northwest's operations, but it will not stop it from operating. Aug 24, 2005

Work week will present more challenges for Northwest: A busier weekday schedule for Northwest Airlines may present more of a challenge for the airline while its mechanics are on strike, observers say. The airline has trimmed capacity 17% by moving up the start of its lighter fall schedule to Saturday. Experts say Northwest will have a better chance of avoiding a bankruptcy filing if it keeps operating. Aug 22, 2005

Northwest mechanics hope for best, prepare for worst. With a possible strike looming, mechanics at Northwest Airlines are preparing for what could be a long standoff with the airline's management. Executives at the airline say they hope to reduce by about half the number of mechanics Northwest employs and outsource more of the labor in order to ease financial strains on the company. Aug 8, 2005

Polynesian Blue is the name of a new joint venture by Australian budget carrier Virgin Blue and partner, the Samoan Government. The airline is on track to launch flights from New Zealand to Samoa (with connections from Australia) in late October, subject to final Government and regulatory approvals. The airline will operate flights using a new state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 aircraft. (It's a pity that the connection with the Branson empire is so tenuous. Sir Richard in a grass skirt is at least original). http://www.virginblue.com.au http://www.polynesianblue.com Aug 19, 2005

Qantas is to introduce three non-stop weekly services between San Francisco and Sydney, operating three-class Boeing 747-400 aircraft from March 26, 2006. For Oneworld users it will add an interesting alternative stopover on services to 'down under'. SFO is one of the friendlier US airports when it comes to transit passengers, each way you still have to technically 'land' in America and come out again. Tourist immigration forms have to be completed, not the full visa paperwork, even if you have one! The 14 hour 30 minute flight will be Qantas longest non-stop sector and competes with United Airlines. A summer only (US summer that is) is planned between Vancouver and Sydney. http://www.qantas.com Aug 19, 2005

Qantas is to introduce new trans-Tasman schedules, with low cost airline Jetstar complementing Qantas services to Christchurch and opening up a new route between New Zealand and the Gold Coast. The new schedules, which start on December 1, would provide customers with more flights and travel services, as well as around 1,500 extra seats in and out of Christchurch every week. Qantas and Jetstar will both operate services between Christchurch and Sydney, with Jetstar offering ten A320 return services on the route, and Qantas initially operating nine two-class Boeing 767 return flights a week for the peak period. http://www.qantas.com.au Aug 5, 2005

Royal Brunei Airlines is to step up it services from the UK to Bali (Denpasar) offering a third connecting flight each week from September 27 from Heathrow via Dubai and the Brunei capital of Bandar Seri Begawan. The airline operates two-class 767 daily services from LHR to Brunei, all via Dubai with full traffic rights most of which connect to The Philippines (five times per week) and Darwin, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney plus Auckland. The airline offers e-booking facilities on most of its long haul routes. http://www.bruneiair.com Aug 19, 2005

SAS is to change from September 1 to what has quickly become the norm for air travel, single one-way tickets. Complicated rules regarding Saturday or Sunday overnight stays have also been scrapped. The new arrangements comes into force on 1 September for all European destinations except those in Germany which will be included in the scheme next January. http://www.scandinavian.net Aug 25, 2005

Southwest to alter frequent-flier plan. Southwest Airlines is making changes to its frequent-flier program that will allow travelers to hang on to their miles for twice as long, but perhaps make it more difficult to redeem them. While travelers will now be given two years, instead of one, to redeem credits they earn on Southwest, the airline will for the first time limit the number of free seats it makes available on each flight. Aug 11, 2005

Swiss International Air Lines will be offering flights to 42 European and 27 intercontinental destinations in its 2005/06 winter schedules. The new timetable sees the further development of Swiss's growing collaboration with Lufthansa and Star Alliance members TAP Portugal and Austrian Airlines. Swiss will operate its winter schedules with a 70-aircraft fleet. In view of market conditions in the Basel region, Swiss will be substantially reducing its services to and from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. Aug 25, 2005

Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa will be harmonising their services between Switzerland and Germany from the start of the 2005/06 winter schedules on October 30. All Lufthansa and all Swiss International flights between the two countries will be operated on a codeshare basis. The new arrangement offers substantial benefits and added value for customers of the two partners, in the form of more frequencies, additional destinations and better connections (through coordinated timetables) at the three hubs of Zurich, Frankfurt and Munich. Swiss International and Lufthansa are also working to create additional codeshare services, which will be gradually introduced between their hubs and further European and intercontinental destinations. Aug 25, 2005

United Airlines will start charging $2 a bag to travellers who turn their luggage over to a skycap at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport from today. Previously the help was part of United's marketing effort. The change is expected to save the bankrupt airline millions. A contractor currently operates the porter service and invoices the airline for the work. From now on travellers will pay the contractor, who in turn will lease baggage carts and other equipment from the airline. http://www.unitedairlines.com Aug 12, 2005

For a fee, United to allow more access to roomier seats. A new United Airlines program will allow travelers who are not top members of its Mileage Plus program to pay for roomier seats in the front of coach cabins. For $699 a year, a traveler will get access to United's Economy Plus seating section and a one-year membership to the airline's 36 airport lounges. United is expected to launch the program Wednesday.

Aug 2, 2005

US Airways planes get more casual look in redesign. US Airways' redesigned fleet will make its debut Tuesday, writes The Washington Post's Keith L. Alexander. The planes feature lighter colors and a "heritage circle" intended to reflect the airline's history. US Airways and America West Airlines plan to merge later this year, but they will keep the US Airways name. America West executives consulted employees from both carriers for the fleet's redesign. It will take 18 months to complete the project.

Aug 23, 2005

US Airways coordinates policies with America West. US Airways is aligning its travel policies with America West Airlines and will no longer fly unaccompanied minor children on connecting flights or carry pets as air cargo, effective Oct. 1. The airlines hope to finalize their merger in the fall. Aug 18, 2005

US Airways, America West to unveil new design next week. US Airways and American West Airlines have e-mailed workers a glimpse of what the merged airline's planes will look like. If the carriers are allowed to merge, their planes will be painted with a navy and red stripe. Next week a freshly painted Airbus will fly through the companies' hubs, giving employees a first-hand look at the new design. Aug 17, 2005

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled its latest spa offering at Heathrow, oddly named 'The Cowshed' which, it is claimed, has a cult following in New York. Not any cowshed but part of an [pounds sterling]11m revamp of the Heathrow T3 Clubhouse and adjacent to the existing facility making the whole complex the largest of its kind at the airport. The new spa area includes a sauna, steam rooms, tanning booth and hair dressing salon. In The Clubhouse itself all the popular features are retained in what is a major facelift including the deli bar, piazza and gallery. http://www.virginatlantic.com Aug 25, 2005

Zoom Airlines has published details of its summer 2006 program, offering budget style operations from the UK to eight Canadian destinations. The summer schedule starting May next year will feature services from Belfast, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Belfast, Cardiff and Manchester were introduced this year and have proved to be extremely popular with the travelling public. The Cardiff service will continue with direct flights to Toronto and flights from Manchester will include Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. From Gatwick and Glasgow the schedule will be the same as this year. The Belfast schedule for 2006 has yet to be finalised. Premium class is available on all Zoom flights offering additional legroom (36 inches), superior in-flight meals and complimentary drinks from only [pounds sterling]49 extra each way. http://www.flyzoom.com Aug 19, 2005