Flights
Lufthansa launches deals to more than 50 destinations worldwide
Lufthansa’s latest travel deals and lower fares are an enticement to explore foreign shores worldwide. Anyone who has yen to travel far afield this coming autumn or winter should take advantage of Lufthansa’s "Special" fares to more than 50 interesting and exciting long-haul destinations. A round-trip flight to the United States can be booked for as little as 399 euros, while return fares to Asia start at 549 euros.
Monarch adds showbusiness class
The wait is nearly over for 11 celebrities who have spent the last six weeks training to be part of a brand new ITV2 reality show, CelebAir. Award-winning leisure airline Monarch has been sharing its 40 years of aviation experience with the celebs who must make the grade if they’re going to emerge victorious from their eight-week stint with the airline, which commences on Tuesday 26th August.
Ryanair aircraft diverts to Limoges
Ryanair flight FR9336 from Bristol to Barcelona Girona diverted to Limoges Airport on 25th August (landing at 23.30 local) following an in-flight de-pressurisation incident which caused the oxygen masks to deploy. All 168 passengers disembarked safely upon landing.
Treats for SWISS passengers from top Fribourg chef
SWISS will be treating its guests to delicacies from the canton of Fribourg. Pierre-André Ayer, chef at the award-winning Le Pérolles restaurant, has designed menus for First and Business Class passengers as part of the SWISS catering concept "SWISS Taste of Switzerland". The creations of the chef from Fribourg will be available on SWISS flights until the end of November.
U.S. Olympic Committee to renew United's sponsorship for 2012
United Airlines today announced its intention to renew its sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee through 2012, extending its 30-year partnership. As a result of this renewal, United will remain the official airline sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, flying the athletes to Vancouver in 2010 and London in 2012.
United tests food choices in business and economy
United is launching a trial during the fourth quarter of food options for both business and economy class. As part of the trial, on domestic flights with three cabins of service, United will be offering United Business customers complimentary fresh sandwiches, salads, breakfast, snack boxes or snacks, depending on the length of flight and time of departure.
Ukraine International Airlines expands in Portugal
Aviareps PLC’s contract with Ukraine International Airlines has been extended to include a new territory, Portugal. The general sales agent has been providing representation for the Kiev-based since 1998 and already covers UK, Ireland and Spain.
Austrian reports growth in East Europe market
Despite the wider slowdown in the aviation industry Austrian has achieved a significant growth of 11.2% in the number of passengers carried in the Focus East regions. This increase virtually offsets the planned reduction in passenger volume of 12% on long-haul flights.
Flight Centre opens flagship store
Flight Centre has opened a new flagship store on High Street Kensington in London, designed to offer a one-stop travel shop for its customers. The store is the biggest of the 100-plus Flight Centre stores in the UK, with 20 consultants. This new flagship brings together all the retailer’s offerings, allowing customers to arrange everything from airfares and accommodation to car hire, insurance and tours.
EVA Air leads the way in Economy Class
Passengers have ranked EVA Air’s Elite Class cabin to be the Best Premium Economy Class in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Survey 2008. UK based Skytrax invited 15,500,000 airline passengers from over 97 countries to participate in its annual airline ranking survey. This is the first time Skytrax has ranked premium economy classes.
BAA called on to sell three airports
The UK Competition Commission has recommended that BAA sell three of its UK airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, following concerns over a monopoly on the operation of airports.
Spanair flight crashes at Madrid airport
Spanair has confirmed that 164 passengers and 9 crew were on board its flight JK5022, which was involved in an accident in Madrid today. The accident occurred at 14:45 local time during take off.
Ryanair launches fly anywhere in Europe for a fiver
Ryanair has today slashed its winter prices as it released 2 million seats for travel in October for just £5 one way (incl taxes and charges). These tickets can be booked only on Ryanair.com for 5 days from Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th of August.
Ryanair welcomes Competition Commission’s call
Ryanair, Britain’s largest passenger airline, today (Wednesday, 20th August 2008) welcomed the UK Competition Commission’s recommendation for the breakup of the BAA monopoly over the London airports, which will result in the three main airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, being able to compete against each other to provide low cost, efficient facilities and also lower prices and better services for consumers.
Strike action proposed at Gatwick and London
Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have confirmed that they have been alerted to proposed strike action by Swissport planned to take place at London Gatwick and London Stansted airports on Monday 25th August and Friday 29th August 2008.