Airlines
Kingfisher’s oneworld entry on hold
India's Kingfisher Airlines and oneworld have agreed to put the airline's entry into the alliance on hold to give it time to strengthen its financial position. Its implementation into oneworld had been planned for Feb. 10. According to oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby, "These are turbulent times for the airline industry in India and many other parts of the world. We have been working closely with Kingfisher Airlines over the past months and it has become increasingly clear recently that the airline needs more time to resolve the financial issues it is confronting before it can be welcomed into...
WestJet has strong start to 2012
WestJet has reported January 2012 traffic results with a record load factor of 79.9%. Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), or traffic, increased 11.5% year over year, and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASMs), grew 8.6% over the same period. "We are very happy with this strong start to 2012 and the new record January load factor. Our capacity increases are being nicely absorbed and the healthy demand for air travel has continued into the new year,"says WestJet president Gregg Saretsky. Other 2012 highlights include a new codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines and a summer schedule...
Etihad continues Africa expansion
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Lagos, the airline's first destination in West Africa, from July 1, subject to regulatory approvals. The direct flights will link Abu Dhabi and Lagos six times a week and will be operated by a two class A330-200 aircraft with 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy seats. Lagos becomes the 83rd destination in Etihad Airways' global network and the return flights will create a new link between Nigeria, Africa's third largest economy, and the United Arab Emirates. Following the launch of services to the Seychelles in November, Tripoli...
Malev shuts down, oneworld offers help
Late last week, Malev Hungarian Airlines shut down all of its services. At that time, the carrier issued a statement advising that: "According to the government regulation which entered into force on Jan. 31, 2012, assistance can be provided to those passengers who purchased their valid tickets before Malev ceased and whose travel dates are on the suspension day or on the following three calendar days. In addition, to those who already travelled to their destination on the suspension day or before and possess valid return tickets on Malev flights on a date not later than Feb. 29. Those who...
AC reports January numbers
Air Canada has reported a record load factor of 79.1% for January 2012, compared to 78% for January 2011 -- an increase of 1.1%. AC notes that system traffic increased 3.3% on a system-wide capacity increase of 1.9%. Air Canada reports traffic results on a system-wide basis, including regional airlines from which Air Canada purchases capacity. Calin Rovinescu, president and CEO of Air Canada, said: "I am pleased to report a record load factor of 79.1% for the month of January. Air Canada generated greater traffic in all markets with system wide growth of 3.3% on a capacity increase of 1.9%...
CX advises of res system upgrade
Cathay Pacific Airways is advising that it will be changing over to a new passenger reservations system during the weekend of Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, 2012. During the transition the carrier indicated that it will be necessary to temporarily suspend certain customer facing technology. This includes Cathay Pacific's web site -- www.cathaypacific.com -- and its mobile sites. The carrier's North America Reservations Centre will also be closed on Sat., Feb. 11 February, resuming its operations from 6 am PST on Mon., Feb. 13. Agents should not, however, that Cathay Pacific's flight schedule over the...
Emirates appoints new western sales manager
Emirates Airlines has announced the appointment of Savio Pires to the position of sales manager for Western Canada. In his new role, Pires will be responsible for Emirates' sales operations in Western Canada and for facilitating local partnerships and initiatives. Pires is the airline's first sales manager in Western Canada and has a background of experience in the airline, cruise, tour and online consumer travel industries. His appointment comes shortly after the airline announced an interline agreement with WestJet, and before the launch of a new daily service from Seattle, starting March...
Malev Airlines shuts down
The Hungarian flag carrier ceased operations today (Feb. 3) after 66 years of virtually continuous operations. In a statement on its web site, Malev said that its board of directors made the decision to shut down in order to minimize its losses. The carrier advised passengers to call +36-1-802-11-11 or e-mail [email protected]...