Airlines
Strong June for WestJet
WestJet posted a 79% load factor for June 2012. The carrier's revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 6.7% year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 2.3% over the same period. The carrier achieved a second quarter record load factor of 81.6% and flew nearly 4.27 million guests in the quarter; an increase of 326,000 guests year over year. WestJet president and CEO, Gregg Saretsky commented: "The strong June traffic results and the record second quarter load factor are evidence that guests are continuing to choose WestJet in record numbers....
Porter posts solid results
Porter Airlines registered a 62% load factor in June. Passenger numbers, ASMs (Available Seat Miles) and RPMs (Revenue Passenger Miles) all set new records for the month. Close to 212,000 passengers travelled in June, 4.2% more than last year. Figures for the month show 126.5 million ASMs and 78.4 million RPMs. ASMs grew 8.5% from 116.6 million and RPMs increased 4.1% from 75.3 million last year. Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, said: "Numbers for June, although slightly less than in 2011, met our expectations, especially considering the fact that a strike at one of our...
Emirates, JetBlue launch joint FFP
Emirates and JetBlue Airways are launching a joint frequent flyer partnership. Emirates' Skywards members are now able to earn Skywards Miles on JetBlue's network throughout the Americas, while members of JetBlue's customer loyalty program, TrueBlue, will be able to earn TrueBlue points across Emirates' network of more than 120 destinations worldwide. The partner airlines plan to introduce a redemption agreement in February 2013. Thierry Antinori, executive vice-president of passenger sales worldwide, said that: "Emirates is proud to develop its successful partnership with JetBlue by offering...
Etihad strategy paying off
Etihad Airways has reported a 31% rise in revenues in the second quarter of 2012 -- increasing to US$1.25 billion, compared to US$957 million during the same period in 2011. As a result increased overall capacity and improved seat factors, revenues for the first half of 2012 are up 30% to US$2.24 billion. The record results were boosted by the airline's growing network of codeshares and strategic partnerships which together fed 800,000 passengers into Etihad Airways' network in the last six months, contributing US$281 million. During the quarter, Etihad Airways took minority equity stakes in...
TAM loyalty program wins award
Kudos to Brazilian carrier TAM Airlines, which saw its loyalty program - TAM Fidelidade - win the award for Best Redemption Ability in the Americas at the Freddie Awards. The Freddie Awards - named after prominent British aviation figure Freddie Laker - sees airline consumers vote in different categories, and are touted as the frequent traveller's "answer to the Oscars"by their creator. TAM reports that Fidelidade "received the best score across all of the categories."The airline is represented by Airbridge International in Canada....
Etihad adds self-service tools
Etihad Airways' customers can now manage their travel bookings at the touch of a button following the introduction of new enhanced services on the airline's web site -- http://www.etihad.com . The new Manage Booking online service allows customers to add requirements such as special meals, seat location on board the aircraft and update personal information. Customers can amend existing bookings by changing dates and class of travel as well as use the highly successful Web Check-In that is in place from 24 hours to 2 hours before departure. Other features include adding itineraries to...
VIDEO REPORT: A good day for Tiny Tots
It was a good day in Caledon as another successful "Tee Off for Tiny Tots" golf tournament teed off to raise funds for the African Pre-Schools Society (headed by Marianne Schaubeck of Reservations Africa). The event was organized by Chisty and Firdosh Bulsara, with the help of many volunteers, with sponsors of the annual event including TOPAC, the South Africa Chamber of Business, Baxter Travel Media and several other travel organizations. The tournament was held at the Caledon Country Club, with 100% of the funds raised going towards sourcing water, getting electricity, installation of a...
IATA reports slowing demand
IATA said that global traffic results for May show a general downward trend that is inline with deteriorating global economic conditions. While passenger demand was 4.5% ahead of levels in May 2011, growth was virtually flat compared to April. Capacity increased by 4.0% and load factors stood at 77.6%, below the historically high levels recorded in April. Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO, commented: "The airline industry is fragile. Relief in oil prices provides some good news. Unfortunately, the softness in oil markets comes on the back of fears of deterioration in the European...