Archive for May, 2009
Tuesday, May 26 2009 — Air China has launched a new service that allows domestic passengers to check-in by text message on their mobile phones. The SMS check-in service will allow Air China’s domestic passengers who have booked e-tickets on direct flights from Beijing, passengers on Tibetan routes and passengers who need special care excluded, to check in by SMS on their mobile phones anytime between 24 hours and 90 minutes before their scheduled take-off time.
Passengers who purchase e-tickets on the Air China website will have the option of checking-in by mobile phone. If they choose that option then, within a specified time, they will receive a text message which contains a link to the Air China website. Clicking this link will allow the passenger to sign up to the “check-in by mobile phone” service. Once this has been done, the passenger will receive a two-dimensional bar-code e-boarding pass on their mobile phone, with which they can go through security procedures at any channel in Terminal 3 and then check in. It is a completely paperless check-in service throughout the process of booking, paying, going through security procedures and boarding.
Furthermore, Air China has set up a website that can be accessed by mobile phone, and will open a text message platform that will enable passengers to check in, find out arrival, departure and frequent flyer miles information, and see the latest promotions and travel notices from CAAC and Air China.
Through this platform, Air China will send passengers flight, boarding, transfer and baggage tracking information, notices of received mileage as well as reminders of expiring mileage available, and approaching upgrades, so as to ensure maximum benefits for members. In addition to the new mobile phone check-in service, passengers can also enjoy check-in at Beijing Capital Airport as well as check-in through Air China’s website.
“In recent years, Air China has been improved its services to that of an advanced international airline,” said Yang Lihua, Vice-President of Air China.
“This series of e-commerce services will further enhance Air China’s capabilities. Our efforts to improve our services with advanced technology have already won Air China the passenger award for ‘Making Business Simple’ and the ‘Award for the Best E-commerce Application’ from the IATA.
Air China has also been selected as one of China’s top 500 information-based companies. With the development of 3G and mobile technology, as well as a diversification in passengers’ demands, Air China will continue to improve its services, marketing, and interaction with members, so that its passengers will have up-to-the-minute information and an even more personalized service.”
TORTOLA, BVI – The leaders of the nine-member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have endorsed a recommendation by tourism ministers for a levy to be applied to airline tickets purchased for travel within the sub-region. The decision is contained in a communiqué issued following the just concluded 49th meeting of the OECS Authority here.
The leaders agreed to apply a levy on each airline ticket purchased for travel within the OECS, as part of a wider Caribbean initiative to set up a Caribbean Tourism Marketing Fund. The fund is to be administered jointly by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
The Meeting also endorsed the Ministers’ mandate to the St. Lucia based OECS Secretariat to assist with drafting model legislation to facilitate the introduction of the ticket levy.
The OECS also plans to examine the implications of a proposal to establish an OECS Tourism Authority to coordinate and manage common action on tourism issues, including marketing, looking in particular at the structure and function of the proposed Authority.
In this regard, the OECS Secretariat is to prepare an economic impact paper jointly with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and in collaboration with national tourism stakeholders, which would set out the critical issues for the tourism sector for national and regional consideration.
The meeting also expressed concern over the stated intention of the Government of the Unite Kingdom to impose a carbon emission tax on airline passengers from that country destined for the region as of November 2009.
It was noted that this has serious consequences for a tourism sector already affected by the economic downturn.
The Heads agreed that continuing strong representation should be made to the United Kingdom government on this matter with a view to averting the negative outcomes of its introduction.
The OECS groups together Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. CMC News Services
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Grenada government is renaming the Point Salines International Airport in honour of slain left wing prime minister, Maurice Bishop, who came to power during a coup in 1979, and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, a friend of Bishop, has been chosen to deliver the feature address at the renaming ceremony on Saturday, May 30.
Government officials said that Gonsalves is among a list of overseas dignitaries, including Cuba’s Vice President Estenban Lezo Hernan, who are expected to attend the ceremony.
According to reports from Grenada, the reason why Hernan is going to Grenada is because he was in charge of Matanzas province at the time of the building of the airport and many of the Cubans who came to Grenada to be involved in the construction of the airport at the time were from Matanzas province.
The renaming of the airport was among the promises made by the ten-month-old National Democratic Congress administration during its campaign for office.
Another highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the new departure lounge at the 35-year-old airport.
The Point Salines International Airport, scene of a raging gun battle in 1983 between Cuban construction workers and the invading American marines, is considered the most important economic project in Grenada’s recent history.Caribbean Net News
Monday May 25, 2009
A new airline plans to launch flights between Antigua and Montserrat in June. Fly Montserrat will provide some much-needed competition for Winair and provide more options to travelers looking to day-trip or linger longer on the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas.
Montserrat previously had ferry service from Antigua and flights from Carib Aviation, but since last fall Winair has been the only option for Montserrat travelers — and an unreliable one at that. Fly Montserrat will launch on June 1 using a nine-seat Islander aircraft and may offer flights to other islands, as well.
Friday, May 22, 2009 – The Saint Lucia Tourist Board is pleased to announce the addition of two new British Airways flights into Hewanorra International Airport this winter, which will further enhance the island’s airlift capacity out of the United Kingdom (UK). The two new British Airways flights from London, are scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays, adding to the existing three flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
In a statement released today, Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Senator Allan Chastanet, remarked: “This is welcome news for Saint Lucia at a time when we are undertaking the re-branding of the island. With hotels like Cap Maison, the Landings, Bay Gardens Resorts and renovations to Almond Resorts and Coconut Bay, we see the additional flights as an opportune time for increased house counts. We are also encouraged by the strengthening of the pound which will have multiplier benefits for the real estate industry in Saint Lucia.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Tourism Director Louis Lewis: “We are extremely excited to have this additional direct service coming out of the UK, which is our most important market by virtue of its bed night contributions. These extra flights out of London are the result of successful negotiations between British Airways and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board,” Lewis said.
Seats are already on sale at http://www.britishairways.com/.
All flights will come out of Gatwick into Hewanorra from October 2009, but will likely remain throughout the 2010 summer months.
May 25, 2009
A decline in the air cargo freight market following the international financial crisis seems to have hit bottom, according to the head of the International Air Transport Association. Air cargo, a key barometer of world trade, has slumped amid the global economic downturn and shortage of financing. Global air freight volumes in January saw a record 23 percent year-on-year dive. “I would say, looking at the numbers, that it has hit bottom,” the global association’s Director-General Giovanni Bisignani said.
Bisignani said the market had at least been stabilising at levels around 20 percent lower than a year ago. “It’s not yet enough to say that the situation is picking up because this is also linked with the level of inventories of the manufacturers. So we have to wait at least another 3 or 4 months in order to see if we start moving.”
Bisignani was speaking on the sidelines of a business summit in Denmark on climate change ahead of a UN conference in December that aims to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Bisignani repeated an outlook made in March for airlines’ carbon emissions to drop 8 percent this year. Most of that drop, around 6 percent, was coming from airlines cutting the number of flights amid a drop in cargo and passenger demand.
The business meeting in Denmark will try to unite behind a call for long-term climate policies on oil, power and technology. Many firms want clearer carbon emissions rules to plan investments and capitalise on green technology.
Bisignani said the aviation industry wanted a global approach to fighting climate change. “We need a global scheme,” he said. IATA said in a statement the global aviation industry would aim at improving fuel efficiency by 25 percent by 2020 compared with 2005, using 10 percent alternative fuels by 2017. It was targeting a 50 percent absolute reduction in emissions by 2050, it said.
(Reuters)
Celebration with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Kicked off Inaugural Flight on May 21
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – May 21, 2009 – Jamaica spiced up JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on May 21, as island-style celebrations took place for the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay (MBJ). Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch were present at the morning festivities and participated in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with JetBlue’s Senior Vice President of Customer Services Rob Maruster and JetBlue crew members. Customers were also treated to live Jamaican music, refreshments from Dunkin’ Donuts and a special celebratory cake.
“We are delighted that JetBlue is operating daily flights to Jamaica. The new service illustrates our continued efforts to attract more air carriers to Jamaica, thus making it an even more accessible destination for travelers,” said Minister Bartlett. “JetBlue is a very competitive and popular airline, and we are confident that with the new daily service from New York we will continue to welcome even more visitors to Jamaica from this market.”
The inaugural flight was even more significant as many of the JetBlue crew members on board were part of the Jamaican Diaspora in the greater New York area.
Welcome to Montego Bay
The flight was received with great excitement in Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport with a water cannon salute as well as music, food, and special greetings from Jamaican officials. Representatives from JetBlue and Jamaica participated in a press conference, ceremonial ribbon cutting and offered “exchange of gifts” to signify this new partnership.
Special Events
In addition to the May 21 morning celebrations at JetBlue’s Terminal 5, the Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue teamed up with Thrillist.com to throw a Jamaican soiree on May 20 at one of New York City’s swankiest venues, The Hudson Terrace. The evening started off on a high note with a special live performance by Jamaican reggae sensation Mojo Morgan from Morgan Heritage performing songs from his debut solo album, “Got MoJo?” and The Kevin Batchelor Band. Guests enjoyed featured Jamaican drinks and cuisine catered by Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill and got a chance to enter to win a trip to Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort.
Promotions
The Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue also partnered to create a series of promotions to create awareness of this new flight among the New York Caribbean Diaspora community. Promotions ran from May 14-17 on CNPTV, and in the New York Amsterdam News and New York Carib News, offering consumers a chance to win a trip on the May 21 inaugural flight to Jamaica and an all-inclusive stay at SuperClubs’ Starfish Trelawney Resort & Spa. More than 3,500 entries were received.
“Airport events both in New York and in Jamaica, along with specially created consumer promotions leading up to the inaugural flight, have helped build excitement and create awareness that there is an added option when flying from New York to Jamaica,” said Director Lynch. “JetBlue is yet another high-profile partner with which the Jamaica Tourist Board is thrilled to work as we continue to promote travel to our island.”
The daily JetBlue flight departs JFK at 7:55 a.m., arriving in MBJ at 10:51 a.m. The return flight departs MBJ at 11:50 a.m. and arrives at JFK at 4:39 p.m.
For more information on planning a getaway to Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com. To book a trip to Jamaica onboard JetBlue, visit www.jetblue.com or call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583).
ST JOHNS, Antigua, May 22, 2009 – LIAT staged a sickout that has so far forced the regional airline to cancel 10 of its flights.
The airline confirmed what it called a “partial disruption’ in its service as flight crews based in Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada, and St Vincent called in sick this morning.
The action has already resulted in the cancellation of flights from all four hubs to Barbados, St Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, Grenada, St Vincent, San Juan and Curacao. “LIAT sincerely apologises to affected passengers for the inconvenience caused as a result of the action by its flight crews and will issue further advisories throughout the day,” a statement from LIAT said.
The Leeward Islands Air Pilots Association (LIALPA) has been threatening strike action for some time over a number of issues, including salaries and overtime pay. However, LIAT had said that negotiations with LIALPA were continuing.
Among the flights that have been affected as a result of the action are LI370 from Barbados to St Lucia and Martinique and LI754 from Barbados to Antigua. In Trinidad the affected flights are LI704 to Barbados; LI310 to Grenada, St Vincent and Antigua; LI308 to St Lucia and Antigua, LI384 to St Vincent, St Lucia and San Juan and LI771 to Curacao. Flights out of Grenada were also cancelled. They are LI754 to St Vincent and Barbados; LI310 to Trinidad, Grenada, St Vincent and Antigua and LI303 to Trinidad.
May 15, 2009
US airlines expect a 7 percent fall in travel this summer as the global recession hurts demand, an industry group said on Friday.
The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) expects 195 million passengers to fly on US airlines between June 1 and August 31, down from 209 million during summer 2008. “The weak economy has forced additional aircraft out of the marketplace, so despite fewer travellers, planes will remain near full,” ATA President and chief executive James May said in a statement.
Airlines have been hard hit as the weak economy caused consumers and businesses to curtail spending on travel. Many airlines have cut their seat capacity. This month, all but two of the nine-largest US carriers posted traffic declines for the month of April. Load factors rose for seven of the nine, aided by the capacity cuts. Shares of many US airlines rose in trading on Friday. The Amex airline index was up 2.5 percent.
(Reuters)
May 15, 2009
The number of passengers passing through European airports fell 12.4 percent in the first quarter of 2009 and freight traffic was down 23.1 percent, airports body ACI Europe reported on Friday.
March passenger traffic was down 12.6 percent year-on-year at the 102 airports represented by ACI Europe, while freight was down 21.4 percent. The figures follow a week in which Spanish airline Iberia reported a worse-than-expected EUR147 million euro first quarter operating loss and reminded investors that it also expected a net loss for the full year.
Germany’s Lufthansa last month reported a better-than-expected EUR44 million first quarter operating loss, and in March Europe’s largest airline Air France-KLM ruled out making a profit this year. Exceptions to the decrease in airport traffic included Stockholm with a 19.6 percent increase and Berlin Schonefeld with a 1.5 percent increase. (Reuters)