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Boeing, BOC Aviation Finalize Order for Two Additional 737-800s

By
André Orban
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0

Boeing and BOC Aviation have finalized an order for two additional 737-800s, valued at $186 million at current list prices.

The order is a part of the Singapore-based leasing company’s effort to grow its portfolio of fuel-efficient airplanes.

“Building on our order of 80 737 aircraft earlier this year, these two additional Next-Generation 737s enable us to respond to demand from airline customers which are expanding or replacing older fleets,” said Robert Martin, BOC Aviation managing director and chief executive officer. “The 737 is known for its operational and fuel efficiency, and BOC Aviation expects continued healthy demand for the Next Generation 737 and 737 MAX.”

“BOC Aviation has played an important role in the success of the Next-Generation 737 and we are excited to continue our relationship with their order of two additional 737-800s,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

BOC Aviation, owned by Bank of China, is the leading global aircraft leasing company based in Asia, owning one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an average aircraft age of less than four years. These two aircraft add to BOC Aviation’s order of 82 Boeing aircraft in August, which comprised 80 737s, of which 50 are 737 MAXs, as well as two 777-300ERs (Extended Range).

The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737’s market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class. The Next-Generation 737 has accumulated more than 6,800 orders from customers worldwide.

SEATTLE, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/

Ryanair announces 3 additional new Athens routes to Budapest, Bratislava and Santorini

By
André Orban
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0

1 NEW aircraft ($100m investment), 6 NEW SUMMER ROUTEs & 2.2M customers P.A.

Ryanair, Europe’s favourite airline, today (16 Dec) added 3 new routes to its Athens Summer 2015 schedule, to/from Budapest, Bratislava & Santorini, which will deliver over 2.2m customers in 2015 and support over 2,200* “on-site” jobs at Athens Airport, as Ryanair doubles its Athens traffic.

Ryanair’s extended Athens Summer 2015 schedule will deliver:

  •          1 new based aircraft (4 in total)
  •          6 new routes: Budapest, Bratislava, Santorini (2 x daily), Brussels, Rome & Warsaw
  •          12 Athens routes in total
  •          161 weekly return flights
  •          1.1m new customers (2.2m customers p.a. in total)
  •          2,200* “on-site” jobs p.a.

Greek customers and visitors can choose from 12 routes from Athens next summer, while enjoying allocated seating, a free 2nd carry-on bag, reduced fees, a new Greek website, a smartphone app with mobile boarding passes, and our new Family Extra and Business Plus services, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families, business and leisure travellers.

Ryanair will also continue to connect Athens with Europe’s major business centres, including Brussels (1 x daily), London (2 x daily) and Milan (10 x weekly) offering business customers the largest range of destinations at the lowest fares, with the most flights, improved schedules and best service, following the launch of Ryanair’s tailored business product, Business Plus.

Ryanair celebrated its extended Athens Summer 2015 schedule by releasing 100,000 seats for sale across its European network, at prices from €19.99 for travel in January, February and March 2015. These low fare seats are available for booking until midnight Thursday (18 Dec).

In Athens, Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, David O’Brien said:

“Ryanair is pleased to announce an additional three new Athens routes to Budapest, Bratislava and Santorini, as part of an extended Summer 2015 schedule, as we add another aircraft to Athens, bringing our investment to over $400m.

With a total of 12 exciting summer routes to choose from, including a double daily service to Santorini, Ryanair will double its Athens traffic to over 2.2m customers this year and sustain over 2,200 jobs. As Greece’s fastest growing airline, we look forward to delivering further jobs, traffic and tourism growth across Greece. 

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs said:

Greek consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their summer 2015 flights on our new Greek website and great new app, carry a free small 2nd carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our new Family Extra and Business Plus services, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.

To celebrate Ryanair’s additional investment in Athens, and 3 new routes for Summer ’15, we are releasing 100,000 seats on sale from €19.99 for travel in January, February and March 2015, which are available for booking until midnight Thursday (18 Dec). Since these amazing low prices will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out.”

16 Dec 2014

Fly to Perugia next summer with Lufthansa

By
André Orban
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0

Twice-weekly service from Munich to Umbria

Lufthansa is launching a new route between Munich and Perugia at the start of the 2015 summer schedule. From 29 March 2015, the Number One airline operating out of Munich will offer twice-weekly flights to the capital of Umbria with an Embraer 195 aircraft. The new MUC – PEG service will take off from Munich on Sundays and Tuesdays under flight number LH 1924. Departures – at 10:45 hrs (Sundays) and 15:00 hrs (Tuesdays) – are conveniently timed to provide excellent connections with all domestic German and most European airports. “We are delighted to be able to announce the fifth new summer destination that will be served by Lufthansa next year. Perugia, which is close to Assisi, is a very special destination for lovers of Italian culture,” says Thomas Klühr, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board, Finances & Hub Munich. Next summer, in addition to the new service to Perugia, Lufthansa is launching new routes to the Icelandic city of Keflavik, to Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete, to Seville in southern Spain and to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow.

The medieval hilltop city of Perugia contains a wealth of sights and attractions, including interesting churches and palazzi, Etruscan monuments, and aqueducts dating back to the Middle Ages. After a short, 90-minute flight, holidaymakers can meander through the town’s narrow lanes and alleys and stop off in the heart of the old town for an Italian espresso on the Corso Vannucci with its many shops and cafés. Most of the historic center is car free but can be easily accessed by visitors via a system of escalators. Perugia is also renowned for its chocolate specialties. Within easy reach of Perugia is the famous pilgrimage destination of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The return fare to Perugia starts at 149 euros, and the service will be open for bookings shortly. More information about how to book Lufthansa flights is available online at LH.com or via the Lufthansa Service Center on +49 69 86 799 799 (land-line rate). Flights can also be booked through Lufthansa’s travel agency partners as well as at the Lufthansa ticket counters at airports.

The new flights at a glance

Munich – Perugia
Airports/
Three-letter code/
Time zone (winter)		Munich, Terminal 2 (MUC); UTC + 1 hour
Perugia (PEG); UTC + 1 hour
Schedule
(all times are local times)		MUC-PEG twice-weekly (Sundays and Tuesdays)  LH 1924: MUC 10:45 hrs – 12:05 hrs PEG (Sunday)
LH 1924: MUC 15:00 hrs – 16:20 hrs PEG (Tuesdays)
LH 1925: PEG  13:15 hrs – 14:40 hrs MUC (Sundays)
LH 1925: PEG  17:00 hrs – 18:25 hrs MUC (Tuesdays)
Flight duration
(on average)		Munich – Perugia 1hour 20 minutes

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Communications Lufthansa German Airlines Southern Germany, 18.12.14

Air India hosts first Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Meeting in India

By
André Orban
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0

Member carrier CEOs reflect on busy 2014 – Set priorities for 2015

Air India played host to the first ever Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Meeting (CEB) held in India. This follows the national carrier’s joining the world’s longest serving and most comprehensive airline alliance in July this year.

Speaking to both local and foreign media in New Delhi today, Rohit Nandan, CMD Air India, thanked all CEOs for travelling to India and for a productive two-day meeting. He emphasised that for Air India membership in Star Alliance is a key pillar of the airline’s turnaround strategy, along with the fleet renewal, network optimisation and an initiative to improve quality of service.

After nearly half a year in the Alliance, Air India has already seen positive effects from its membership. The airline has seen an increase of 33% in the  number of passengers transferring between Air India and other Star Alliance member carriers, mainly through Delhi or Mumbai but also at other airports such as London or Newark. Frequent Flyers are also taking advantage of the Alliance benefits, with over 80,000 having earned miles while flying on Air India since July and more than 20,000 Air India Flying Returns FFP members having miles credited for flights on other Star Alliance member carriers.

Air India sees further opportunities to increase transfer traffic in Delhi and Mumbai and is working with Star Alliance, the member carriers and the airport operators to provide more connecting flights and ease the transfer process at the Subcontinent’s main hubs. Nandan further commented that he was optimistic that Heathrow Airport would look positively on Air India’s request to join the other 23 Star Alliance member carriers now operating out of the new Terminal 2 – the Queen’s Terminal. “London is our main destination in Europe and anything we can do to offer better transfer facilities would be a real gain for us and Star Alliance.”

In thanking Rohit Nandan for hosting the CEB meeting, Mark Schwab, Star Alliance CEO, assured him of the Alliance’s support in this endeavour.

Schwab reiterated the importance of having Air India in Star Alliance. “India is the world’s fifth largest domestic aviation market and will continue to grow both domestically and internationally. It is therefore essential for Star Alliance to have a strong presence in this market”.

Through Air India, Star Alliance customers have access to an additional 40 airports in India as well as more flights across the region. With its hubs in Delhi and Mumbai, Air India adds further flight options on routes to North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Air India also enhances the global Star Alliance FFP proposal, which now offers customers the possibility to collect and redeem miles on worldwide network of 18,500 daily flights, serving 1,321 destinations in 193 countries.

A recent addition to the network includes AeroGal from Ecuador, who as part of the Avianca Group now extend the Alliance’s network in Latin America to such exotic destinations as the Galapagos Islands.

Star Alliance is also the only Alliance to allow FFP members to use their miles to upgrade on any of its 27 member carriers. This year has also seen the implementation of new backend technology to further enhance our FFP service levels. Customers will now receive their mileage credits faster and any changes in status are shared faster among all carriers. This means that new Gold Card holders in particular will have their status recognised a lot sooner by all member carriers.

In closing, Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO of Air Canada and current Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, thanked both Nandan and Schwab, especially for achieving the Air India integration in record time.

As an example of the importance of the Air India membership, Rovinescu stated that an Air Canada decision to resume flights to Delhi next year is in part due to the fact that they can now offer connections to more than 40 destinations from Delhi.

Overall the Star Alliance member carriers would be improving the quality of the network even further in the coming years – recent examples are the planned Tokyo to Houston flights by ANA, Taipei to Houston flights by EVA Air and the planned South Atlantic Link between New Zealand and Argentina, just announced by Air New Zealand.

The Alliance would also concentrate on further improving customers’ end to end journeys, by enhancing the airport experience, Rovinescu added. The Alliance had already achieved a terrific improvement at London Heathrow this year, with the opening of the brand new Terminal 2 – home to 23 Star Alliance airlines.

While exploring further opportunities to introduce “seamless hubs”, Star Alliance will now leverage its learnings and experience from Terminal 2 Heathrow. One example will be the introduction of the “Gold track” path through security for premium passengers at our major hubs in 2015.

Summarising the way forward, Star Alliance will continue to grow its global network, by optimising connectivity in order to extract more value from the network, further improving customer experience by raising the consistency of our travel experience across the entire network and, last but not least, further incorporating new front- and backend technology to support our business.

17.12.14

AEA member airlines to fly 1 million passengers a day over Christmas and New Year period

By
André Orban
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0

During the upcoming Festive season, AEA member airlines will fly more than 1 million passengers per day. This is 3 pct. more than last year. The seat occupancy factor is set to increase and will reach an average of over 80 %.

Christmas and New Year is the period of the year to re-unite with family or to enjoy well-deserved winter holidays. More than ever before, it looks like people are ’flying’ home for Christmas. The traffic forecast of the 30 AEA member airlines is a clear testimony to this. According to the latest information, in the holiday fortnight around Christmas and New Year, AEA member airlines will welcome more than 1 million passengers a day on board of their flights to domestic, intra-European or intercontinental destinations.  This is an increase of 3 pct. over the same period last year. The vast majority of flights (nearly 84 %) have a domestic or European flight destination.

A total of 129,307 flights are scheduled from Saturday 20th of December to Sunday 4th January 2015. The top day will be the  22nd of December when the 30 AEA member airlines will operate 9,486 flights.  As in the past, the airlines will slightly reduce capacity and frequencies on the 25th of December and the 1st of January when respectively 5,460 and 6,855 flights will take off.

“Our airlines fully contribute to the European mobility and social cohesion”, says AEA CEO Athar Husain Khan. “The impressive traffic forecast for the upcoming Christmas holiday period illustrates that perfectly. “

A new record at Berlin Airports: 27 million passengers – A gratifying challenge

By
André Orban
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0

2014-12-16-27_-Mio_-Passagier-2014_4x3_460x345James Halter (40) is the 27 millionth passenger at Berlin’s Airports. Together with his partner, Ina Hoffmann (42) and son, Dean (4), the IT manager checked in for airberlin flight AB7420 at 10.00 am to Chicago. “This year, we’re taking our son to spend Christmas with my sister in the USA for the first time. Dean is really excited about the flight. He has never flown across the Atlantic before”, said Halter. To mark the special milestone, the family have been given a voucher for airberlin’s inner-European network.

Dr. Till Bunse, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH: “This marks a new record in the number of people using our Berlin airports. We greatly welcome the 27 million passengers and the continued growth in passenger numbers, but at the same time we also realise that it sets us a challenge we must rise to meet. However, we are confident that the airport operating company is well positioned to handle this growth. With passenger figures up by over six per cent, we have for the twelfth time in succession grown faster than the overall market, and have strengthened our position as Germany’s third-largest airport site.”

Götz Ahmelmann, Chief Commercial Officer airberlin: “Our warm congratulations to the airport operating company on achieving this new record. The first airberlin flight took off 35 years ago from Berlin-Tegel to Palma de Mallorca. In the last twelve months, airberlin has connected the German capital with the Balearic island with a total of 2,500 flights. We have also expanded our home airport to become airberlin’s largest international hub. As well as our loyal passengers from the Berlin region, we also serve many transfer passengers from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.”

In 2014, airberlin continued to expand the carrier’s long-haul services from Berlin. As well as increasing the frequency of the service from Berlin-Tegel to Chicago in the Summer Flight Schedule, airberlin has also started flying to Abu Dhabi twice daily with the start of the Winter Flight Schedule 2014/15.

16.12.2014

Boeing, Avianca Celebrate Delivery of Airline’s First 787 Dreamliner

By
André Orban
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0

Colombian flag carrier to use airplane on routes to Europe, North America, across South America

Boeing and Avianca celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner for the Latin American carrier, helping the airline stay at the forefront of technology in the region.

“The addition of the first Boeing 787-8 to Avianca’s fleet is a milestone for commercial aviation and for our airline, which strives to bring the most advanced aviation technology to our passengers,” said Avianca President and CEO Fabio Villegas Ramirez. “With this aircraft, we continue to fulfill the dream this company has had from the beginning: To make better and better connections between Latin America and the world, while giving our customers more enjoyable flights aboard airplanes designed to provide the greatest comfort along with maximum operational performance.”

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 uses 20 percent less fuel and creates 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

“The 787 Dreamliner, with its high efficiency, enhanced environmental performance and preferred passenger experience, is an ideal airplane for the Latin American market, and Boeing is pleased and honored that Avianca will use the 787 to modernize its fleet and delight its customers,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Latin America, Africa and Caribbean Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are excited to grow our partnership with Avianca for today’s fleet and for the future.”

In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new features that greatly enhance the passenger experience.

Avianca’s Boeing 787-8 will carry 28 passengers in business class and 222 in economy class. Passengers in both classes will also experience cabin environment improvements made possible on the 787 such as dynamic LED lighting, the largest windows, bigger overhead bins, a lower cabin altitude, a more humid environment, low interior noise, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

With 95 years in operation, Avianca is working to fly a younger fleet than ever, flying with leading-edge technology to 24 destinations in Colombia and 98 destinations in South America, North America and Europe.

To date, 58 customers have ordered 1,055 787s, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

Brussels Airlines makes travelling family-friendly

By
André Orban
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0

Children love to fly, but travelling with kids can be a stressful experience for parents. Brussels Airlines wants to take away this stress as much as possible and has launched the b.family package, which includes several new services to make travelling with children more comfortable and hassle-free. The package is offered to families free of charge.

Each year, Brussels Airlines welcomes more than 100,000 families on board its flights. Often they fly to one of the many Mediterranean holiday destinations in the Brussels Airlines network or popular city trip destinations like Rome, Barcelona or New York. Many expat families in Brussels also choose Brussels Airlines to fly with their families to their country of origin.

Brussels Airlines thinks that families should not have to choose between low fares and great service. That’s why the airline has developed b.family, a new family-friendly service package, which is offered free of charge.

Next to a 20% fare discount for children under 12 (discount valid on all tickets, except Check&Go) and a 90% discount for babies under the age of two, b.family offers an exclusive discount for parking at Brussels Airport. For each child, parents can bring one piece of hand luggage of 12kg and an accessory on board (like the little one’s favorite cuddly toy or pillow). b.family also guarantees that the entire family sits together on the plane and parents can take their strollers with them up until the gate, making the walk through the airport hassle-free. Families with children under five can board the aircraft first, making sure that parents can get their children seated before everyone else enters the plane. On board, kids will be spoiled by the crew with a toy, so they can keep busy during the flight, which means more peace for mum and dad.

b.family is available on the entire Brussels Airlines network (both short and long haul flights), for families with at least one child under twelve. The package can be booked via brusselsairlines.com.

“Families shouldn’t have to pay extra to sit together and shouldn’t be stressed by the travel experience. With b.family we offer a great new service that allows parents and their kids to lean back and start their holiday on board. The best news is that b.family is for free, no matter if you fly on a 69 Euro Check&Go ticket or with one of our many other travel options. With Brussels Airlines families don’t have to make compromises – we offer them both family friendly service and low fares.”

— Lars Redeligx, Brussels Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. 

Thursday 18 December, 2014

Jetairfly in summer 2015: Dreamliner also to Miami, new destination Thessaloniki

By
André Orban
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1

• Expanding opportunities for flights from regional airports
• Direct flights Brussels-Miami also on board of the Dreamliner
• New Fly Deluxe formula: book more service

Jetairfly is the only airline that has deliberately chosen to offer flights from all five Belgian airports. One of its distinguishing features is to offer travellers the opportunity to go on vacation from an airport close to home.

Brussels Airport71 Jetairfly destinations11 Jetairfly aircraft positioned
Brussels South Charleroi Airport23 Jetairfly destinations4 Jetairfly planes positioned
Liege Airport16 Jetairfly destinations1 Jetairfly aircraft positioned
Ostend-Bruges Airport14 Jetairfly destinations1.5 Jetairfly plane positioned
Antwerp Airport6 Jetairfly destinations0.5 Jetairfly plane positioned

New: Antwerp becomes the fifth Belgian airport in the Jetairfly network

Antwerp-Palma2x per week, Monday and Thursdayfrom € 59.99 per person
Antwerp Malaga2x per week, Tuesday and Fridayfrom € 59.99 per person
Antwerp Alicante2x per week, Thursday and Saturdayfrom € 59.99 per person
Antwerp-Berlin (Tegel)3x per week, Mon / Wed / Satfrom € 29.99 per person
Antwerp-Milan (Malpensa)3x a week Tuesday / Friday / Sundayfrom € 29.99 per person
Antwerp Barcelona3x a week, Wednesday / Friday / Sundayfrom € 29.99 per person

New: increase in the number of flights from Ostend airport

Ostend-Barcelona3x a week, Wednesday / Friday / Sundayfrom € 29.99 per person
Ostend-Alicanteincreases from 3 to 4 flights per weekfrom € 49.99 per person
Ostend–Malagaincreases from 2 to 3 flights per weekfrom € 49.99 per person
Ostend-Palmaincreases from 2 to 3 flights per weekfrom € 49.99 per person
Ostend–Tenerifeincreases from 2 to 3 flights per weekfrom € 99.99 per person
Ostend–Rhodesincreases from 1 to 2 flights per weekfrom € 99.99 per person


With its range of flights to Antwerp and Ostend, Jetairfly addresses various passenger target groups:
• Travelers who have booked a holiday package in a tourist destination
• Travelers who booked a ticket to a holiday destination or destination city trip
• Travelers who have booked a Jetair city trip
• The business and VFR travelers (“visiting friends and relatives”)
• Travelers who take off from foreign airports to visit Antwerp and Ostend. Jetairfly wants to play a active role in tourism in the Flemish art cities.

The introduction of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” Belgian boosts travel to the Caribbean in 2014


Starting in May, flights to Miami will be aboard the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner”


The introduction of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” in Belgium one year ago boosted the Caribbean tour bookings. Last year, exotic destinations have experienced the strongest growth, says the ABTO trade association. With the Dominican Republic in mind, the entire Belgian travel market recorded 27.1% more vacation package bookings this summer. 

Jetairfly recorded this summer over 50% more bookings for the Dominican Republic, and altogether 30% more to its destinations in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica).

From May,  Jetairfly will also offer the comfort of the Dreamliner (more space, less noise in the cabin, best entertainment on board …) to the passengers of the direct flights from Brussels to Miami. Since Easter 2014, this new route has greatly increased interest in Miami and Florida. With the help of the Dreamliner, Jetairfly expects more growth in 2015. In this context, Jetairfly will work with its Dutch sister Arke, which received its second Dreamliner last week.

BRU-Punta Cana (Rep. Dom.)4x a week, Tue-Wed–Sat–Sunfrom € 249.99 per person
BRU-Santo Domingo (Rep. Dom.)2x a week, Tuesdays and Sundaysfrom € 249.99 per person
BRU-Cancun (Mexico)2x a week, Monday and Fridayfrom € 249.99 per person
BRU-Varadero (Cuba)2x a week, Monday and Fridayfrom € 249.99 per person
BRU-Montego Bay (Jamaica)2x a week, Wednesday and Saturdayfrom € 249.99 per person
BRU-Miami (Florida)2x a week, Tuesday and Saturdayfrom € 199.99 per person


New Fly Deluxe formula: book more service

If you are travelling as part of a vacation package with Jetairfly, you can carry 20 kg of registered baggage. It also includes a meal service with breakfast, a snack or a hot meal, depending on the time of your flight, including soft drinks, coffee or tea. Alcoholic drinks are served for a fee. For children, a suitable and attractive meal is offered.

New for Summer 2015 Fly Deluxe Formula. It allows you to further enhance your flying experience. The package includes: registration at a separate counter in Brussels Airport, the Fast lane (security control) in Brussels and Charleroi, champagne on the plane, a Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe meal with a small bottle of wine or a beer, a Belgian newspaper of the day on the return flight, 5 kg of additional checked baggage and 10 kg hand luggage, a seat at the front of the plane.

Jetair travelers can book the new service for a fee of 40 euros. This service is available if you travel via Brussels, Charleroi, Ostend and Antwerp.
If you book a flight only on Jetairfly.com you can book the standard meal service for 9 euros per person and the Fly Deluxe formula for 49 euros per person.


More new routes

Charleroi Tlemcen (Algeria)1x week Thursdayfrom € 49.99 per person
Charleroi-Constantine (Algeria)1x week Tuesdayfrom € 49.99 per person
Brussels Thessaloniki (Halkidiki / Greece)2x per week, Monday to Fridayfrom € 69.99 per person

 

Jetairfly press release, 17 December 2014 – Translation A. Orban

Lufthansa to offer new helicopter service to ski resorts from Munich

By
André Orban
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0

Fastest connection to ski resorts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Lufthansa customers will be able to reach the ski slopes even faster this winter. A new helicopter service from Munich will commence on 1 January 2015. Lufthansa’s hub in southern Germany is the perfect departure point to reach the nearby ski resorts as quickly as possible. Whether it’s Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental or other resorts in the Alps – as long as there is a helipad on site, customers will be able to choose their own destination. The service can be booked now and will operate until the end of April.

In Munich, Lufthansa customers will be collected directly from their aircraft and looked after by Munich Airport’s VIP service. The company HTM Helicopter Travel Munich GmbH will then take them to their desired holiday destination.

First Class passengers can book this exclusive transfer with the service hotlines 0800 627 0508 and +49 69 86 799 444, while Business Class passengers can call HTM at +49 89 21547172. Alternatively, passengers can make a reservation by emailing lufthansa@helitravel.de.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Media Relations Southern Germany 16.12.14

Lufthansa to offer new long-haul low-cost tourist destinations from December 2015

By
André Orban
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0

Escape to the sun with Lufthansa

Airline to fly directly to Cancún, Malé and Mauritius

Lufthansa is continuing to expand its route network with new and attractive destinations. In the future, the airline will offer direct flights to popular holiday destinations in Mexico, the Maldives and Mauritius. During the winter months, between 8 December 2015 and 11 April 2016, passengers will be able to choose between two weekly flights each from Frankfurt to Cancún, Malé or Mauritius. Flying with an Airbus A340-300 from the Lufthansa hub, passengers will be able to reach sandy beaches and exotic landscapes in comfort.

On board across a total of 298 seats in Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class, passengers can expect the usual high level of Lufthansa comfort with the latest cabin layout across all classes: at the touch of a button, the seats in the new Business Class can be transformed into a comfortable bed with a horizontal lying surface of 1.98 m in length, while increased legroom and a greater seat pitch await those in the recently introduced Premium Economy Class. With the individual in-flight entertainment system, there is a wide range of entertainment on offer for passengers in all travel classes, as well as FlyNet, the wireless broadband Internet.

The flight times of LH 514, LH 704 and LH 708 have been specially selected so as to allow passengers from Germany and Europe, in particular, to benefit from smooth connectionss.

Return flights to Cancún can already be booked from EUR 919, to Malé from EUR 629 and to Mauritius from EUR 799. Further information and flight booking services with Lufthansa can be found on the internet at LH.com or by calling the Lufthansa Service Center on +49 (0)69 86 799 799 (landline rate). Flights can also be booked with Lufthansa’s travel agency partners and at the Lufthansa ticket desks in airports. At www.lufthansaholidays.com, Lufthansa also offers attractive travel packages including flights and hotel for all new holiday destinations.

The new routes at a glance

Frankfurt – Cancún (Mexico)
Airports/
Three-letter code/
Time zone (winter)		– Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 (FRA); UTC +1 hours
– Cancún International Airport (CUN); UTC -6 hours
Flight timetable
(all time information in local time; summer time)		NEW from 8 December 2015 until 9 April 2016 Tuesdays
LH 514 Frankfurt 2.35 p.m. – Cancún 8.05 p.m.
LH 515 Cancún 9.35 p.m. – Frankfurt 2.50 p.m.(following day) Saturdays
LH 514 Frankfurt 7.45 a.m. – Cancún 1.15 p.m.
LH 515 Cancún 2.45 p.m. – Frankfurt 8.00 a.m. (following day)
Flight time
(average)		12 hours 30 minutes
Distance8,618 km (4,653 nautical miles)
Aircraft type  Airbus A340-300
(298 seats, of which 18 in Business, 19 in Premium Economy and 261 in Economy Class)
Frankfurt – Malé (Maldives)
Airports/
Three-letter code/
Time zone (winter)		– Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 (FRA); UTC +1 hours
– Malé International Airport (MLE); UTC +5 hours
Flight timetable
(all time information in local time; summer time)		NEW from 9 December 2015 until 10 April 2016 Every Wednesday and Saturday
LH 704 Frankfurt 7.50 p.m. – Malé 9.30 a.m. (following day)
LH 705 Malé 11.00 a.m. – Frankfurt 5.40 p.m.
Flight time
(average)		9 hours 40 minutes
Distance7,883 km (4,257 nautical miles)
Aircraft type  Airbus A340-300
(298 seats, of which 18 in Business, 19 in Premium Economy and 261 in Economy Class)
Frankfurt – Mauritius (Mauritius)
Airports/
Three-letter code/
Time zone (winter)		– Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 (FRA); UTC +1 hours
– Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU); UTC +4 hours
Flight timetable
(all time information in local time; summer time)		NEW from 10 December 2015 until 11 April 2016 Every Thursday and Sunday
LH 708 Frankfurt 4.45 p.m. – Mauritius 7.05 a.m. (following day)
LH 709 Mauritius 8.35 a.m. – Frankfurt 5.35 p.m.
Flight time
(average)		11 hours 20 minutes
Distance9,178 km (4,956 nautical miles)
Aircraft type  Airbus A340-300
(298 seats, of which 18 in Business, 19 in Premium Economy and 261 in Economy Class)

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Media Relations Lufthansa Group 15.12.14

Boeing Breaks Ground in St. Louis for New Composites Center

By
André Orban
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0

Facility to support 777X work and future opportunities

Boeing today began construction here of a new 367,000-square-foot facility in which it will build parts for the newest member of its 777 commercial airplanes family, the 777X.

About 700 new jobs will be created for the 777X work. Construction should be complete in 2016, with work on 777X wing and empennage parts starting in 2017. The facility is an expansion of Boeing’s current tooling center at the site and will contain six autoclaves.

“As we move forward with construction of our new center, we will significantly enhance our aerospace composite capability in St. Louis, positioning us for today’s opportunities, and tomorrow’s,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president, Boeing Military Aircraft Cross-Enterprise Design/Build. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Boeing St. Louis and the entire region, which enables us to bridge to the future as a site with both commercial and defense capabilities.”

Boeing’s St. Louis site, which marked its 75th anniversary this year, is renowned for military aircraft production. More than 12,000 fighter jets have been built there and the site is headquarters for the Boeing Defense, Space & Security business unit. As of Dec.1, the company had about 15,000 employees in Missouri.

Earlier this year, Boeing selected its Everett, Wash. site as the location for a new composite wing center for the 777X program. In this wing center, Boeing will perform fabrication and assembly of the 777X’s composite wing. Additionally, Boeing will perform final assembly of the 777X in Everett.

There will be two 777X models – the 777-8X, with approximately 350 seats and a range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles; and the 777-9X, with approximately 400 seats and a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles. The 777X has 300 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide. First delivery is targeted for 2020.

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 16, 2014

Alliance Air introduces its first ATR 72-600

By
André Orban
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0

Air India’s fully-owned regional Subsidiary Airline Allied Services Limited under Brand Name “Alliance Air” today introduced its first newest ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet. The aircraft, leased from Singapore-based leasing firm Avation, is the first out of five that the airline will receive until July next year. This brand new ATR 76-600 is configured with 70-seats, and will bring additional capacity to passengers flying on the regional network of the airline across the country. Thanks to their new “Armonia cabin”, the ATR 72-600s will also propose to passengers the highest and most modern standards of comfort.

 
Alliance Air currently has 4 ATR 42-320s among its fleet of regional aircraft. The outstanding performance of the ATR 72-600s make it the only 70-seat aircraft able to operate at each airport currently served by the airline. It also offers the lowest fuel-burn and seat mile cost on its segment. The aircraft is fitted with Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, and features a full-glass cockpit with the most modern navigation aid tools.Mr. Rohit Nandan, Chairman, Alliance Air stated that “We are pleased to introduce into our fleet an aircraft which has clearly become the new reference among all regional planes. The ATRs have proven for years their reliability and their ability to bring our passengers to every destination of our regional network”.Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR Chief Executive Officer, said that “We have partnered with Alliance Air for more than 10 years, and we are honored by this new proof of confidence in the ATR aircraft family. The new ATR 72-600 perfectly fit with the aim of the airline to progressively renew their fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft, while adding seat-capacity into their main routes.”

As of today, ATR has more than 20 aircraft flying in India. It also has a Bangalore-based customer support center.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Magical Christmas atmosphere at Brussels Airport for thousands of holiday travellers

By
André Orban
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0

The start of the Christmas holidays promises to be extremely busy. On Friday 19 December no less than 36,000 passengers will depart from Brussels Airport. Including the arriving passengers about 64,000 passengers will pass through the airport that day.  The whole week will be busy with 29,000 to 32,000 departing passengers per day.

The Christmas decorations in the terminal make for pleasant atmosphere. Moreover, every Friday in December a quintet will boost the Christmas mood by playing live music in the departures hall. The Christmas holidays are one of the most popular periods for travel, both to sun and snow destinations. Which is why Brussels Airport has listed a few tips for a carefree start of the holidays.

An overview of the number of passengers departing from Brussels Airport in the Christmas period:

  • Wednesday 17 December: 31,000
  • Thursday 18 December: 32,000
  • Friday 19 December: 36,000
  • Saturday 20 December: 29,000
  • Sunday 21 December: 32,000
  • Monday 22 December: 30,000

5 tips for a carefree start of your holiday

  1. To the airport
    On busy departure days, traffic on the access roads to the airport may be very dense. Leave for the airport well ahead of your departure time and consider taking public transport.
  2. Dropping off passengers
    The “Kiss & Fly” passenger drop-off area in front of the departures hall is likely to be very busy. We remind you that parking is strictly forbidden in this area.
  3. Parking
    Are you driving to the airport yourself? Book your parking space in advance.
  4. Check-in
    Gain time by checking in online. You can generally do so as of 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Did you check in online? Leave your baggage at your airline’s baggage drop-off desk. Do not forget to take your passport or identity card. Children under the age of 12 need to be in possession of a kids-ID or passport to be allowed to travel by plane.
  5. Smoothly through security
    Do not carry any items in your hand baggage that can be used as a weapon such as knives or scissors. These are prohibited from the aircraft cabin and will be confiscated.
    Put any liquids, creams and gels in your check-in baggage. If you do carry liquids or gels in your hand baggage, please remember that they should be held in containers with a capacity of maximum 100 ml and that they have to be presented for screening in a re-sealable, transparent plastic bag. The total quantity of liquids may not exceed 1 litre.  Exception: liquid medicines (with a doctor’s certificate) and baby food.Remove your laptop or tablet from its travel case for separate screening. Place your loose coins, keys, mobile phone, watch and belt in a tray.

    Take as little hand baggage as possible, this will considerably speed up your passage through security.

December 16, 2014

European Commission creates new momentum with announcement of Aviation Package

By
André Orban
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0

The Association of European Airlines (AEA) welcomes the Commission’s announcement of an Aviation package as part of its Work Programme 2015. The package will include a Communication identifying challenges and measures for improving the competitiveness of the EU Aviation sector and the revision of the EASA basic regulation.

However, it is unfortunate that the Commission has also decided not to pursue further liberalisation of ground handling services at European airports and to withdraw the proposal for a Directive on security charges.

Aviation Package

“By announcing a Communication on the competitiveness of the European aviation sector, the Commission recognises the vital role the European network carriers play in the EU economy, by promoting trade and tourism and acting as a vehicle for employment and growth”, says AEA’s CEO Athar Husain Khan. “We  support the revision of the EASA Basic Regulation, provided that extensions of EASA’s competence fill existing legislative gaps and are publicly funded.“ AEA looks forward to further working together with the Commission on these important issues.

Ground Handling

Political reality has forced the Commission to withdraw its 2011 proposal on ground handling. “The failure to further liberalise the ground handling market is a missed opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of European airlines and thereby to contribute to the economic growth ambition of the Juncker Commission”, states Mr. Husain Khan. “Therefore, we invite the Commission to discuss alternative ways forward.”

Security Charges

“Following today’s scrapping of the proposal for a Directive on security charges, AEA calls on the Commission to stimulate progress on the issues of security costs and shared responsibility”, says AEA’s CEO.

Ryanair extends Manchester Summer 2015 schedule with new Stuttgart route

By
André Orban
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0

Ryanair, Europe’s favourite airline, today (17 Dec) announced further extension to its Manchester summer 2015 schedule with a new route to Stuttgart in Germany, which will operate six times weekly from 2nd April. This is in addition to 2 new summer 2015 routes to Eindhoven and Shannon (38 routes in total)  and extra flights to/from Alicante, Lisbon and Madrid, which will deliver 2.7m customers p.a. and support 2,700* “on-site” jobs at Manchester Airport.

Ryanair’s new Manchester-Stuttgart route goes on sale on the Ryanair.com website tomorrow, at fares starting from just £24.99 for travel in April, May and June, which are available for booking until midnight Thursday (18 Dec).

In Manchester, Ryanair’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Maria Macken said:

“Ryanair is pleased to announce further extension to our summer 2015 schedule at Manchester with a new route to Stuttgart in Germany, our 188th airport, which goes on sale on the Ryanair.com website tomorrow. Ryanair’s new Stuttgart route will operate six times weekly from 2nd April.

UK consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their flights even earlier on our improved website and great new app, carry a free small 2nd carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our new Family Extra and Business Plus services, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.

To celebrate, we are launching a sale on our Stuttgart-Manchester route, with seats available from just £24.99 for travel in April, May and June, which must be booked by midnight Thursday (18 Dec). Since these amazing low prices will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out.”

17 Dec 2014

Finnair signs Memorandum of Understanding on the sale and leaseback of three Embraer 190 aircraft

By
André Orban
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0

Finnair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GOAL German Operating Aircraft Leasing GmbH & Co. KG for the sale and leaseback of three Embraer 190 aircraft. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of March 2015. The value of the transaction is approximately 55 million euros at current market value and when closed, the transaction is not expected to have a significant impact on Finnair’s 2015 operating result.

The aircraft included in the arrangement are currently operated by Finnair’s associated company Flybe Finland. The aircraft lease agreements between Finnair and GOAL expire on average after 8 years. After the transaction is closed, Finnair will sublease the aircraft to Flybe Finland.

The proceeds from the transaction will be used to finance Finnair fleet investments in the coming years. Finnair has ordered 19 Airbus A350
XWB aircraft.

The fleet operated and owned by Finnair is presented on the company’s website at www.finnairgroup.com.

Finnair Plc       Stock Exchange Release       17 December 2014 at 9.30 a.m. EET

“Flight captain” Kerkloh to remain at the helm of Munich Airport until 2018

By
André Orban
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0

KerklohThe long-haul flight continues: Dr. Michael Kerkloh, the President and CEO of FMG, the Munich Airport operating company, will remain in office for an additional two years. The company’s Supervisory Board extended the contract of the veteran airport executive at its most recent meeting.

As a result, Kerkloh, 61, who hails from Germany’s Westphalia region, will remain in charge of FMG through the end of 2018, continuing a highly successful run that began in 2002.

During that time, Munich Airport has taken its place alongside Europe’s top air transportation hubs, and its traffic volume has risen from 23 million to nearly 40 million passengers per year.

Since the beginning of 2013 Kerkloh has also served as chairman of the German Airports Association (ADV), and is thus a leading voice in the aviation industry both in Germany and at the international level.

AIRail takes off: Start of the direct link between Linz central station and Vienna Airport

By
André Orban
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0

• Up to eight train connections a day in addition to the existing flights

• Earn miles in same way as travelling by air

Yesterday, on December 14, 2014, Austrian Airlines and ÖBB launched the cooperation entitled ‘AIRail’ on the route between Linz central station and Vienna Airport. Austrian passengers with an Austrian flight either preceding or following their rail journey are now be able to use new ÖBB connections, with an Austrian flight number, between Linz central station and Vienna Airport. Integrating Linz into the Austrian Airlines network in this way – in addition to the five daily flights between the two cities already being offered – provides up to eight extra rail connections a day. The travelling time from Linz central station to Vienna Airport is 1 hour 47 minutes. From December 2015 onwards, the rail link will be extended further still, as ÖBB railjets and IC (Intercity) trains are deployed every 30 minutes and the travel time is reduced further, to 1 hour 42 minutes.

AIRail: earn miles in same way as when flying – and with guaranteed connection
Austrian passengers using AIRail on the route between Linz and Vienna can earn miles on the Miles & More programme in the same way as they would do when travelling by air. They also benefit from guaranteed onward transportation, no matter whether their journey is continued by air or rail. At platforms in Linz and Vienna Airport, an ÖBB porter helps passengers load and unload their luggage. Austrian Business Class passengers travel in the First Class compartment of the train, and receive free access to the newly designed ÖBB Lounge at Linz central station before departure.

Finnair’s first Airbus A350 XWB takes shape

By
André Orban
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0

The first A350-900 for Finnair is taking shape in the Roger Béteille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Finnair will be the first European airline to fly the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Scheduled for delivery in autumn 2015 the aircraft is now in the fuselage section joining phase.

Following this, the aircraft will move to wing junction, cabin installation and first power-on, all achieved in one single station. Once these phases are completed, the aircraft will undergo system tests, cabin completion, painting and engine installation before starting the delivery process, including flight testing.

Finnair has a total of 19 A350 XWB on order. The aircraft will be deployed on Finnair’s long-haul routes to Asia and America.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. To date, the A350 XWB has already won 778 firm orders from 41 customers worldwide.

16 December 2014 Press Release

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