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Business Class Travel News

Monday, March 8, 2010

WestJet Airlines Disclosed Credit Card and Frequent Flyer Program

WestJet Airlines Ltd. revealed lately its credit card and frequent-flyer programs as it competes with rival Air Canada for more profitable business travellers.These programs were initially to be launched last June,but were put on hold.

From now on customers will be able to earn WestJet dollars for purchases they make on a new Royal Bank MasterCard, that can be used for flights or vacation packages.Additonally ,the dollars earned can also be put in the direction of seat sales and will not be a part of blackouts or seat restrictions.

WestJet executive vice-president Bob Cummings stated that travellers who fly between 4 and 20 times a year are looking for a "simple currency" in their journey rewards program.He also added that the system has also been designed keeping this view in mind.The airline is providing two diverse RBC-branded MasterCard reward programs. One proffers rewards of 1.5 per cent in WestJet dollars, as well as travel insurance, hotel discounts and upgrades for a yearly fee of $79. It is available with an opening bonus of 100 WestJet dollars. Another earns cardholders one per cent back in WestJet dollars for a yearly fee of $39. This particular card has 25 WestJet dollars to begin with.

WestJet,which wants to lure business customers from rival Air Canada, is also offering a loyalty program for customers who spend more than $1,500 each year on WestJet flights. For example, at the $6,000 threshold, a regular guest would get a companion fare anywhere WestJet flies.Cummings also conveyed that WestJet is in the process of increasing its fleet from 88 to 134 planes.

Labels: Air Canada, Business Travel, WestJet Airlines

Monday, March 1, 2010

Improvement in Business travel demand : United Airlines Corporation

The chief financial officer of United Airlines parent, UAL Corp, Kathryn Mikells recently stated that the demand for business travel on U.S. airlines is on the road to recovery but will not be able to reach pre-recession levels this year.

Mikells explained at the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit that there is insufficient data to suggest how the present recovery in business travel demand is different from previous recessions.The airline industry has been affected in the last year by a recession that eroded travel demand and hindered carriers' ability to increase fares.

But Mikells also added that the airline industry has obtained some pricing power due to industry wide capacity cuts in 2008 and 2009 and is on the edge of raising fares, despite unsuccessful attempts earlier this year to raise ticket prices.She said at the moment UAL has no plans to reintroduce capacity into the system .

Labels: Business Travel, Kathryn Mikells, United Airlines business class

Monday, February 22, 2010

Business travel Costs Mounting as Demand Regains

Business Travel costs are set to increase over the subsequent 12 months as demand for international travel rises and the worldwide economy recovers,industry veterans have warned. The remarks come as airline giant Qantas announced a 72% drop in first half net profit lately, along with strategies to scrap many of its first class seats on international flights.

Additionally Qantas announced air fares would rise over the next year, with demand anticipated to increase after a dreadful year, which witnessed the company lose 72% in net profit for the six months ending December 31.

Chief executive of Qantas Airways Alan Joyce conveyed to the Australian Financial Review prices would rise over the next year, as present levels cannot be sustained.He added that airfares and yields can be seen to ameliorate presently. They need to get better moving forward on international markets because most of the international industry, is losing money.Additionally,Qantas Airways is set to decrease the number of first-class seats on its long-haul fleet, to be replaced by a 27% increase in the figures of premium economy seats.

Labels: Business Travel, Qantas Airways

Sunday, February 14, 2010

United Airlines Fourth Quarter Loss Shrinks;Business Travel Improving

United Airlines conveyed that business travel is picking up, and its fourth-quarter loss was much smaller than a year ago.United Airlines Corporation lost nearly $240 million during the fourth quarter. Additionally,not including fuel hedges and special items, UAL lost $1.05 for each share.

Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Mikells conveyed in a prepared statement on Wednesday that with business and premium traffic escalating and the benefit of an improved cost structure, United Airlines is moving on the road to closing the profitability gap,Revenue dropped 7.8 percent to $4.19 billion.

United Airlines said it will build around $60 million in aircraft deposits for the period of the first quarter for the huge jet order it announced late last year.The company finished the quarter with $3.04 billion which is a billion more than the same time last year. It raised money uncompromisingly in 2009, mortgaging airplanes and parts as well as offering stock.

Kathryn Mikells also added that UAL has taken any near term liquidity issues off the table and now benefit from a greater degree of financial flexibility.

Labels: Business Travel, United Airlines business class

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

OpenSkies launches New Route between Washington D.C. and Paris

OpenSkies, the exclusive all business class airline of British Airways', announced lately it will commence a new service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Paris Orly Airport from May 3rd,2010. This route adds to OpenSkies' recognized New York to Paris route and brings the "more for less" OpenSkies experience, where high standards and service are offered at an invincible value to travelers flying from and through Washington D.C. to Paris.

Dale Moss, Chief Executive Officer of OpenSkies conveyed that the escalating status of Washington D.C. has created a demand for exclusive, finest travel options at competitive rates. By presenting superior value than conventional business class, OpenSkies will offer the Washington D.C. metro area with a novel and enhanced way to travel to Paris in style.

Washington D.C. metro area travelers can now benefit from the OpenSkies special flight experience for some of the cheap business class fares available, with in-flight services together with four-course dining, on-demand video and helpful service in a soothing environment.OpenSkies offers the benefit of being a part of the world class frequent flier program called "British Airways Executive Club," a customer-loyalty program that enables travelers to accrue miles on both OpenSkies and British Airways and to gain from its several advantages beyond mileage.

With a capacity of 72 passengers, OpenSkies offers every customer additional convenience, comfort and personalized service. Passengers enjoy additional room, as each plane features two cabins without middle seats in a 2x2 seat configuration, which guarantees a window or aisle each time.Every OpenSkies flight provides 2 options of seating : business bed(BIZ BED) or business seat(BIZ SEAT):

*BIZ BED is a private cabin with 12 seats and is the lone business class existing that offers seats that change to completely flat beds (180 degree recline) on this route. Electronically controlled, these seats are prepared with universal power outlets and in addition hold individual entertainment systems.

*BIZ SEAT is a roomy cabin with 60 wide seats that recline to 140 degrees with a 52 inch seat pitch. They are also set with universal outlets for personal computers and electronics and supply power for the video-on-demand entertainment systems.

OpenSkies proffers passengers with the perfect comfort and quality of a luxury airline without the connected cost for business travel

Labels: business class airline tickets, Business Travel, Cheap business class flights, OpenSkies

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Continental to Increase Flights and Lie-Flat Seats in Newark-London Route

Continental Airlines will increase flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to London's Heathrow Airport in March.Additionally,with new lie-flat seats in BusinessFirst class ,it is attempting to augment its competitive position on the well traveled route.

The airline will include a fourth daily service in March as well as a fifth in the fall to the United Kingdom's busiest airport. Jeff Smisek, chief executive officer stated that all the New York-London customers will gain from more flight options.Jeff Smisek also described New York-Heathrow as a flagship route.From March 27, Heathrow-bound flights will leave Newark at 9 a.m,6:40 p.m., 7:20 p.m. and 8 p.m.On Oct. 30, a 10:10 p.m. daily departure will also be included.

Continental Airlines also stated that effective June 1, all of its aircraft scheduled for Heathrow flights will include seats in BusinessFirst that recline to lie entirely flat, like a bed. Lie-flat seats are rapidly becoming the standard for trans-Atlantic premium travel.

Labels: Business Flights, Business Travel, Continental Airlines

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Korean Air receives three accolades from Business Traveler magazine

Korean air was named the best provider of business class flights to Asia for the fourth consecutive year as well as the finest airline in Asia for the third time.Readers of the magazine also voted Korean Air's newest advertising campaign the most excellent in the corporate travel sector.

Spokesman John Jackson conveyed that the airline is dedicated to providing travelers the best in-flight entertainment, the best comfortable seats available and outstandingly attentive service.Additionally he added that Korean Air offers one of the finest products in the air with routes into Asia that outshine other airlines and again.

Korean Air's business class service consists of lie-flat sleeper seats with a 74-inch pitch, providing levels of comfort usually set aside for first class on other carriers.Despite the recent economic crisis, the airline has invested a huge amount in improving its fleet and attracting more people in the business travel segment.

Labels: Business class flights, Business Travel, Korean Air

Friday, January 22, 2010

Etihad Airways chosen as the Best Long-Haul Airline At The Business Travel Awards 2010

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been selected as the Best Long-Haul Airline at this year's Business Travel Awards. The award recognizes the development of the airline during the precedent 12 months, as well as its constant investment in world-class products and quality in customer service standards.

The event was held at a glittering ceremony in Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Jan 18th night.The judges included senior buyers and chief business travel journalists.

Etihad Airways was rewarded for its remarkable growth during 2009 by recognizing the inclusion of eight novel routes to the Etihad network, as well as the launch of the airline's latest first class product and the airline's Inspired Service strategy-a concept constructed on Etihad's vision to be the best airline in the world.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer stated that it has been an additional strong year for Etihad, and the award win depicts that the continued investment in product and service is the right focus for Etihad and for our customers.

Labels: Business Travel, Business Travel Awards

Monday, January 18, 2010

Business travel assessment offers new optimism for decade's start

Based on a new survey, more than a quarter of business travel buyers conveyed they had additional money to spend in 2010 and more than a third will book extra trips. Some 1400 business travel managers lately surveyed by the Business Travel and Meetings Show discovered a hopeful outlook for the beginning of the new decade, with 76% of those polled stating they thought the recession would finish by the end of the year.

Statistics showed 27% of budgets will be increased for 2010 and 35% of buyers will arrange extra trips. Four in ten buyers will handle the same amount of trips in 2010 and only a quarter will formulate fewer bookings. However an enormous 81% said they had little choice but to implement stricter pricing policies, with 44% confirming they will book lower class airline tickets and 22% lesser quality accommodation. Meanwhile 46% plan to increase their use of video conferencing.

Business Travel & Meetings Show events director David Chapple stated that the business travel industry has gone through a very rough ride over the last 18 months, so these survey results are a much desired sparkle of optimism as the whole world enters a new decade.

Labels: BTMS, Business Travel, Business Travel and Meetings Show, Cheap business class flights

Monday, January 11, 2010

Delta-Japan Airlines Coalition Faces Opposition

The Business Travel Coalition, a group on behalf of business travelers is conflicting the planned tie up between Delta Air Lines and ailing Japan Airlines as unpleasant for competition.

Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, based in Brussels, stated that the projected SkyTeam alliance would probably create a monopoly, totaling 62 percent market share on routes connecting Japan and the U.S, up from a third.

The group representing 300 global corporations suggests that Japan Airlines Corp. should remain in its alliance called oneworld with American Airlines. Kevin Mitchell also uttered doubts a Delta-JAL tie-up might clear U.S. antitrust regulations.

Kevin Mitchell said his group has sent a letter to Seiji Maehara, Japan's transport minister, conveying such views, and also made a copy available to the media.In the letter, the group stressed the significance of Japan-U.S. air routes, with 6.3 million travelers a year, and warned a Delta-JAL tie-up would be too dominant.

The letter conveyed that JAL lingering in the oneworld alliance with American Airlines is evidently best for competition and consumer choice.

Delta has expressed assurance that in case it forms a union with Japan Airlines the tie-up will get consent from regulators. American has constantly challenged that claim .

Labels: Business Travel, Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines

Friday, December 4, 2009

United Airlines introduces Chicago and Rome summer flights

United Airlines will commence seasonal flights on a daily basis between Chicago and Italy's capital city Rome from May 1,2010. The flight will function right through the summer travel season and will stop by August 31,2010.

United 904 flight from Chicago bound to Rome will leave at 18:25 commencing May 1, 2010. On the other hand, United 905 flight from Rome to Chicago's O'Hare Airport will leave at 12:30 from May 2,2010.

United Airlines operates daily flight service between Rome and Washington Dulles, United Airlines' major hub to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Greg Kaldahl, Vice President for Resource Planning of United Airlines, conveyed that the airline's seasonal flights from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Rome in summer, in addition to its flights from Washington,will provide its passengers wide options while scheduling their summer holidays.

United Airlines offers lie-flat seats, electronic gadgets' connectivity, and diverse movies for first and business class cabin passengers in its Boeing 767 transoceanic flights.United Airlines is the lone chief US carrier to proffer such entertainment and comfort for their passengers.Additionally world-class chef Charlie Trotter will organize an assortment of dishes for passengers aboard these flights.

United Airlines is a chief airline in the US, operating 360 aircrafts. The airline's leading and chief hub, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, caters to more than 550 departures daily. It is the primary US airline carrier to Hawaii, as well as the largest to Asia and Australia.

Labels: Business Class Air, Business Travel, United Airlines business class

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Sky Magazine is honored with Gold Award for Best Custom Publication

Sky magazine,the monthly standard of living, business and travel publication of Delta Air Lines, won the Gold Eddie for best custom publication, single issue, in the 2009 Folio Awards. Folio is the ultimate source for industry trends and news helping the entire magazine publishing industry.

In April 2009, a complete redesign of Sky debuted under new publisher MSP Communications. Folio's Gold Eddie acknowledged the June issue, "New York: Our love affair with the city that never sleeps," as the finest full issue. The issue presented notable New Yorkers,sharing anecdotes, preferred spots and insider news.

The editor in chief Jayne Haugen Olson said that the team of Sky is honored to be recognized for the work on Sky.Delta is the biggest airline in the world, and that positioning provided an opportunity to think big and do something innovative-to reinvent the in-flight. Additionally Olson conveyed that Delta views Sky as a crucial part of the customer experience and Delta knows travelers are curious, active consumers of information and experiences. Sky Magazine works hard to capture and convey that same state of mind on its pages every month.

Sky's content blends what's up to date in the field of business, travel and lifestyle with a global influence and heavy prominence on tapping international opinion leaders, celebrities and notables. Sky's impressive content, stunning visuals and take-away essentials are proving germane to readers, publicists and advertisers alike.

Labels: Business Travel, Delta Airlines, Sky Magazine

Monday, November 9, 2009

Budget friendly places to visit in 2010

Lonely planet released its "Best in Travel 2010" book. One list that caught my eye in the book is top 10 budget friendly places to check out in 2010. Here is the list

Iceland
Las Vegas
London
South Africa
Kenya
Thailand
Malaysia
India
Bulgaria
Mexico

Labels: Business Travel, Destination Guide

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Daily non stop flights from London - Las Vegas by British Airways

British Airways has launched daily, non stop flights between Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States and London. Flight BA274 takes off from Terminal 2 of Mc Carran International Airport in Las Vegas at 8.20 p.m. and lands in Heathrow Airport in London at 2.05 p.m. the next day.

While returning, Flight BA275 leaves Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport at 3:30 p.m. and reaches Las Vegas at 6.20 p.m. the same day. Boeing B777 aircraft of British airways offers three cabins - with 36 seats in Club World (business class), 24 seats in World Traveller Plus (premium economy-class), and 214 seats in World Traveller (economy-class). This aircraft is operating the new London-Las Vegas route.

Labels: Business Class Air, Business Travel

Monday, October 19, 2009

Business class Improving in Asian Airlines

Asian airlines are commencing to sell additional premium and economy seats, surpassing other regions where economic fears persist to weigh on travel, the International Air Transport Association(IATA) stated on Thursday.In its most up-to-date industry snapshot, IATA said that escalating numbers of passengers were opting long-haul flights within Asia together with the export-driven economic recoil that has put China and other countries on a steadier footing. It stated that the maximum rise in economic and business activity has been occurring in Asia Pacific.However, it also added that short-haul European business travel continues to remain severely feeble and recently North Atlantic flights are just beginning to show improvement.

IATA Director General Giovanni Bisignani stated recently in New York that international airlines would have to wait until mid 2010 for nonstop development in business class demand, which powers earnings in the sector.

In standard class, which forms upto 90 percent of traffic but a lesser share of revenues, around 70 percent, IATA said that an additional increase in consumer confidence will be essential in order to produce optimistic growth.IATA's 230 members include British Airways,Cathay Pacific,United Airlines and Emirates.

Labels: Business Class Air, Business Travel, IATA

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

British Airways Hopeful of Business Class Profit

Chief Executive Officer of British Airways, Willie Walsh stated that they have high expectations that the business class only service in the journey route from London to New York will be of a lucrative one. This statement issued was based on the UK carrier flights that was initiated recently.He stated that BA believes there is a huge demand for this service as the flights will be a focus for business flyers who presently travel from Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, including some private jet customers.

The London based airline and Europe's third-largest, has traditionally made almost all of its profit from classes such as first and business travel. Last year, BA gained 45 percent of revenue from premium tickets which accounted for just 13 percent of seat sales. Premium traffic dropped around 12 percent last month in comparison to a 1.3 percent gain in coach.

On a more practical side, he stated that though the present environment is a tough one,this is a just a evaluation of our confidence. Additionally he added that business travel is still in a stressful condition and is hardly showing any signs of recovery.

The London to New York service will demonstrate if the carrier can draw in bankers, lawyers ,including other professionals with a product with prices beginning at about 1,900 pounds ($3,000) for a round-trip ticket. Last year, financial institutions formed 13 of the airline's
top 50 clients.

Labels: British Airways, Business Class Air, Business Travel

Monday, October 5, 2009

British Airways launches luxurious business flights from New York to London.

For business travelers traveling between New York and London on a habitual basis, British Airways is offering them something novel to consider: a much more expensive and complete business class flight.

New York and London are two major international hubs where several frequent business travel takes place.Hence though the market for all-business class may be hard in the current economic scenario, it's one that might obtain huge gain. The flights are completely targeted to the luxurious feeling of business class.The Airbus A318 jetliners that used to hold 132 passengers have been remodeled to contain 32 more spacious seats. These seats are able to extend fully flat, enabling a more comfortable and relaxed sleep for the passengers.

London flights to New York make a single stop in Shannon, Ireland, as the flights that originate from London don't contain sufficient fuel for flying over the Atlantic.However flights from New York to London,are nonstop. Though these flights offered by British Airways undoubtedly add comfort and class for business journey, they do come at an expensive price with one way fares beginning at around 1300 pounds ($2056).

Labels: Business Class Flight, Business class flights, Business Travel

Friday, October 2, 2009

Business Traveller Awards held on Sept 21st

British Airways won the Best Airline title at this year's Business Traveller Awards which was held on Sept 21st at the London Hilton in Park Lane Hotel . The awards were presented by British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who occupied Mount Everest earlier this year.British Airways had continuously won this title from the year 1994 until 2007, except in the year 2008 when Singapore Airlines had won this award.

The Business Travel Awards, formed by the publishers of the magazine in combination with Panacea Publishing International, have been offered for over a quarter of a century. The Business Traveller Awards was sponsored by American Express as well as Global Hotel Alliance. American Express and Global Hotel Alliance co-sponsored the annual awards. Readers of the Business Travel magazine voted for the awards. Additionally,British Airways also won the Best Short Haul Carrier and Best Frequent Flyer Programme awards. Singapore Airlines received totally 5 awards that included Best Business Class, Best Economy Class, Best Cabin Staff and Best Long Haul Airline. Best First Class award was won by the Emirates.

easyJet won the best Low-Cost Airline title and Virgin Atlantic won the Best Premium Economy title.Best Airport in the World title was granted to Singapore's Changi Airport.

Labels: Business Travel, Travellers Awards

Friday, September 18, 2009

British Airways provides free business class travel

British Airways has embarked the second phase of its Face-to-Face campaign at the National Business Travel Association , California.

The airline will reward 100 small as well as medium-sized companies free business class travel to any place on its network throughout 2010. BA has partnered along with Marriott, Regus Office Services and Canon to proffer successful applicants a complete package of products to support their businesses.Successful applicants will be rewarded with 10 roundtrip transatlantic Club World tickets that can be utilized at any time next year.Meanwhile Marriott will grant each business $1,000 towards accommodation in its Courtyard-branded hotels, while Regus will award five Business world gold cards for entrance to airport lounges globally.

Simon Talling-Smith, BA's executive vice-president for the Americas stated that linking people universally is the number one objective of BA and BA has long known that the key in constructing a successful long-term business partnership is by means of face-to-face meetings.He also mentioned that British Airways hopes that the business opportunity grants will definitely help businesses boost their revenues and reach significant milestones in their expansion plans.

British Airways had succeeded in giving away nearly 1000 seats during the first phase of its campaigns

Labels: British Airways, Business class, Business Travel

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Lufthansa increases flight service in Bahrain-Frankfurt Route

Lufthansa German Airlines,one of the world's largest airlines has flights operating in 206 destinations in around 78 countries from its hubs in Frankfurt and Germany.This airline combined with its partners ,serves around 900 destinations in 160 countries. Additionally,their status customers have the privilege of accessing around 800+ Lufthansa and Star Alliance Lounges across the globe.

Lufthansa will increase its flights from Bahrain to Frankfurt from 4 weekly flights to a daily service one, commencing September 22nd.With the introduction of this daily service,passengers benefit from great flexibility as well as the feasibility of a daily link with Lufthansa's Frankfurt hub.

Mr. Stefan Loecherbach, director of Lufthansa and subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines, for Saudi Arabia & Bahrain stated that he was extremely pleased to announce the further development of the Lufthansa Service.He also said that business travelers would benefit greatly from this daily service and we are delighted in providing this. Four of the flights offered will be nonstop operations to Frankfurt, whereas the three supplementary services will be operated with a short midway stop in Dammam. Lufthansa customers have the benefit of a late evening departure on all seven days of the week.

Schaher Murad, Regional Manager for Bahrain and the eastern province of Saudi Arabia,informed that the 737-800 Intercontinental that would be operated on Bahrain-Frankfurt route is of the highest degree of development with regard to its technology,in-flight entertainment as well as comfort in the cabins.

The most beneficial factor above all is the Lufthansa's exclusive Welcome Lounge offered for business class travelers as well as status passengers.The Lounge which was opened in January this year ,caters to the requirements of travelers arriving after a long haul flight journey.It is provided with all the facilities travelers look for to freshen up after a tiresome intercontinental flight journey.

Labels: Business class, Business Travel, Lufthansa, Lufthansa Lounge

Monday, September 14, 2009

One Business - Travel plan scheme offered by South African Airways

Business travellers utilizing South African Airways (SAA) currently have the option of contacting the airline to supply them with a customized travel schedule.The travel management scheme entitled One Business has been planned by SAA in order to support companies whose employees travel often across the globe.SAA stated that "One Business" will assist organizations in order to set aside costs as well as to improve effectiveness.

Mike Re,chief information officer at SAA, stated that in developing this new programme,the fast pace development of travel industry as well as the current global economic scenario was considered. One Business enables organizations to take control of their travel requirements, lessen all inconveniences connected with booking air travel and at the same time manages the cash spent on traveling.

Hopefully organizations can ensure that business travel for their employees is one of the best travel options.

Labels: Business Travel, South African Airways

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Lufthansa launched a Welcome Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa,the German flag Carrier has launched a cozy Welcome lounge at Frankfurt Airport.This initiative is the first of its kind for Lufthansa.The lounge concept is catered to the needs of passengers arriving on long-haul Lufthansa flights and the facility is made available for first, business class passengers and for status customers.

The floor area of the lounge is around 1,200 sq metres on two levels and it is equipped with all the facilities required for passengers to freshen up after an intercontinental flight and organize themselves for the day ahead.The lounge,which is situated on the upper level consists of a spacious cozy area with lounging as well as calm zone for relaxing.It also includes an eatery where snacks is available for passengers or can help themselves with breakfast dishes.The passengers can also use the facility of wireless internet access and also avail of the cloakroom where they can leave their baggages during their time of stay.

Dr Karl-Rudolf Rupprecht,Lufthansa's Senior Vice President Hub Management in Frankfurt,stated that the Welcome Lounge offers perfect conditions for the premium passengers of Lufthansa,by helping them to begin the day feeling peaceful, regenerated and rejuvenated after a long flight journey.He also stated that while designing the amenities,great emphasis was placed to meet the requirements of the frequent travelers of Lufthansa Airlines.

Lufthansa First,Business Class travelers as well as customers with Hon Circle, senator or frequent traveler status are benefiting from an exclusive perspective at Frankfurt airport.

Labels: Business Class Flight, Business Travel, Lufthansa Lounge

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Air China launches the country's first business travel card

In an effort to allure frequent business travelers and to meet the needs of these passenger's ,Air China introduced the 'Air China Business Travel Card'. It is China's first business card travel in the aviation industry.

Air China offers the option of 4 types of business cards, that includes The Distinguished Travel Card, The Clear Travel Card, The Smooth Travel Card and The Easy Travel Card. Passengers can of Business travel can utilize these cards in order to store credit, book tickets, gather frequent flyer miles and make use of complimentary services and these cards come with a credit value that ranges betweeen RMB 20,000 and 300,000.

Air China has launched copious promotions and limited edition versions of the business travel cards.Validity of these promotions are from Aug 6, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009.In order to obtain this Business Card ,travelers can call +86-4008-986-999 and then press 6.After placing the order,the passenger can start using it from Sep 16, 2009. Also,when the card's credit is used up,it can be recharged further.

The various promotional offers include the following:
The initial 99 customers who purchase a limited edition Distinguished Travel Card will be given a complimentary first-class roundtrip ticket to any of Air China's global destinations. The initial 500 customers who purchase a limited edition Distinguished Travel Card will obtain a Gold Phoenix Miles Card.

The foremost 199 customers who purchase a limited edition Clear Travel Card will be given a complimentary first-class roundtrip ticket to any of Air China's domestic destinations.The foremost 1000 customers who purchase a limited edition Clear Travel Card will obtain a silver PhoenixMiles Card.

The initial 299 customers who purchase one of the 10,000 limited edition Smooth Travel Cards, will be given a complimentary economy roundtrip ticket to one of Air China's domestic destinations, plus complimentary credit of RMB 3,000.

The opening 399 customers to purchase one of the 200,000 limited edition Easy Travel Cards, will obtain a complimentary economy one-way ticket to one of Air China's domestic destinations, plus complimentary credit of RMB 1,000.

Labels: Air China, Business Class Air, Business Travel

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

British Airways to launch a daily Business class service

The timing may seem a bit off with business travel in the dumps, but in late September British Airways plans to commence a daily,all-business-class service between New York'' John F. Kennedy International Airport and London City Airport.

British Airways is hoping to draw business travelers who want to stay away from London's crowded Heathrow Airport and instead fly into the smaller airport near London's financial district. Because of the size of the airport, the airline said, passengers have the convenience of checking in just 15 minutes before departure.

The service will be on Airbus A318 aircraft configured to fit just 32 business-class seats.The plane, usually used by low-cost carriers, has about 100 coach seats.The flights will be the first long-haul international service to operate from London City Airport, the closest airport to the city. In a nod to aviation history, the flights will be dubbed BA001 and BA002, codes that were used by the supersonic Concorde before it was grounded in 2003.

(latimes.com)

Labels: British Aiways, Business Class Air, Business Flights, Business Travel

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Airbus extends air show order lead over Boeing

Airbus extended its lead over archrival Boeing Co. in the hunt for orders at the Paris Air Show on Thursday with the signature of two deals with Chinese and Hungarian airlines.

On the fourth day of the world's largest air show, which has seen far fewer deals than years past, Airbus and Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air signed a memorandum of understanding for 50 A320 single-aisle passenger jets worth a total of $3.8 billion at list prices.The deal should become a firm order shortly, Airbus' Chief Operating Officer John Leahy said at a signing ceremony.

Including its existing fleet of 24 A320s, Wizz Air will have ordered a total of 132 Airbus jets, Airbus said.The Wizz Air deal came on the back of a $1.45 billion order for 20 A320s that Airbus customer China Eastern Airlines announced overnight.

Airbus has now racked up $11.5 billion in orders and agreements this week, well ahead of Boeing, which notched up its first air show order on Wednesday — a $153 million deal with Japan's MC Aviation Partners for only two jets.

Boeing shrugged off the Airbus announcements, saying the company doesn't save up orders to announce at air shows.Yet even Airbus' numbers were diminutive compared to sales in past years.Airlines and governments strapped for cash and credit appeared to have come to the air show mostly as tourists instead of buyers this year, admiring the high-tech hardware but hiding their checkbooks.

Airbus' spokesman Stefan Schaffrath said he is "confident there are more orders to come," but time was running out as many exhibitors arrived to the fourth day of the week-long air show with suitcases in hand.The air show, which has also been haunted by unresolved questions about the crash of Air France Flight 447, opens to the public on Friday.

With commercial orders scarce, American defense contractors elbowed into the troubled market for European military transport planes at the air show.As delays mount for Airbus' troubled new A400M military transport airlifter,Lockheed-Martin and Boeing are offering their proven C-130J and C-17 models as alternatives to the European air forces who are in urgent need of a new transport.

"Many countries in Europe are looking at their airlift requirements and they need to make decisions in the short term," Peter Simmons, spokesman for Lockheed's Air Mobility division, said Wednesday. "We have been approached by a number of countries in Europe to fulfill that role."

Boeing also says it has held talks with members of the seven-nation consortium involved in the Airbus program.

The A400M transporter program was launched in 2003 with a joint order for 180 planes from Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey. But Airbus missed a March 31 contractual deadline for the first flight, and is negotiating new technical requirements and commercial terms with the seven buyers.

Analysts say the project could even be on the verge of collapse. The costly delay is especially painful for recession-hit governments.

Labels: Business Travel, Discount Flights, First Class Airline

Friday, May 22, 2009

Fly Lufthansa worldwide without a paper ticket

Mobile boarding pass now available on almost all routes from Germany / More than 85,000 users per month

The mobile boarding pass service introduced recently by Lufthansa on its Frankfurt-Vancouver route has been extended and is now available on many other routes, including almost all long-haul flights departing from Germany.

More and more passengers are taking advantage of this fast, flexible and convenient check-in service and having their boarding pass sent to an Internet-enabled cell phone in the form of a 2D barcode. About 85,000 passengers a month are now using this innovative service, which does away with the need for paper documents. With the exception of flights departing from Germany, the mobile boarding pass can now be used on flights from more than 30 airports in Europe and from all Lufthansa destinations in Canada.

In addition to the relevant flight data, such as the passenger's name,flight number and departure time, the boarding pass contains a 2D barcode, which permits passengers to pass through the security checkpoints and then proceed straight to their departure gate. There, the barcode is read by a scanner, enabling passengers to board the aircraft directly.

Lufthansa passengers with an Internet-enabled mobile device can request an electronic boarding pass via the mobile portal lufthansa or they can check in online via the Internet. The only identification they need at check-in is their booking code combined with their name.

Since the end of April, Lufthansa's Online Check-in service has also offered a range of new options. In future, passengers who are travelling together will be able to check in independently and select seats next to one another even if they have not made a joint booking. All they have to do is click on "Add passenger" when checking in online. Passengers who have already checked in via the Online or Mobile Check-in service can now also change an existing seat assignment on the Internet.

(Lufthansa)

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