Weekly news roundup

British carriers and airports have announced a range of new routes and special offers in what has been a tumultuous week for the aviation industry.

Despite Alistair Darling's controversial air passenger duty increase, Qantas reduced a number of its fares from London Heathrow Airport; Cathay Pacific held an Asian Pacific sale and Virgin Atlantic cut prices to Africa.

Furthermore, Air Asia confirmed that it will launch a low cost route to from London Stansted Airport to Kuala Lumpur; Ryanair announced a new London Gatwick Airport route to Dusseldorf; and Jet2 revealed that it will provide a service to Albert-Picardie, which was the scene of the Battle of the Somme.

Special Offers:

Virgin's Africa offer ends soon

Virgin Atlantic's special offers on two African routes are set to end this weekend.

Qantas reduces Heathrow fares

Qantas has reduced a selection of its economy flights from London Heathrow Airport to destinations in the Asia Pacific.

Cathay Pacific holds Asia sale

Cathay Pacific is holding a limited availability sale on flights from London Heathrow Airport to a number of Asian destinations.

 

New Routes:

Jet2 launches battlefield service

The airline Jet2 has revealed that it is planning to launch a unique route from Leeds Bradford International Airport to a popular World War I site in northern France.

Ryanair offers Gatwick to Dusseldorf route

Ryanair has announced that it will be operating a sixth low-cost route from London Gatwick Airport to the German city of Dusseldorf.

Air Asia announces Stansted to Kuala Lumpur route

Air Asia X has confirmed that it will launch a route from London Stansted Airport to Kuala Lumpur in March 2009

© Adfero Ltd

Darling receives little support over ADP changes

The aviation industry has responded with dismay to the government's decision to impose ascending air passenger duty (ADP) fees based on the distance travelled to and from the UK.

The proposals, which were made by the Chancellor Alistair Darling in the pre-budget report, will mean that tax on flights to countries such as Thailand and South Africa will increase by more than 50 per cent in two years time.

Airlines widely condemned the decision with easyJet chief executive Andy Harrison suggesting that this was a "bodged-up reform".

Govt to break Heathrow pollution laws

The climate change secretary has refused to rule out breaking air quality laws to give the go-ahead for London Heathrow Airport's third runway.

The Evening Standard has reported that Ed Miliband is prepared to "turn a blind eye" to breaches of nitrogen dioxide levels, which are expected to increase with the growth of the UK's busiest airport.

Virgin's Africa offer ends soon

Book by 10pm, November 29: Virgin Atlantic's special offers on two African routes are set to end this weekend.

The airline, which is partly owned by the Virgin group and Singapore Airlines, is offering passengers reduced fares on economy flights from London Heathrow Airport to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

All taxes, fees and surcharges are included in the offers, which are strictly subject to availability, while Flying Club miles and tier points are also available.

Jet2 named UK's best low-cost airline

Jet2 has been voted the UK's best low-cost airline in the Daily Telegraph's annual travel awards.

The budget operator secured second place in the Best Low Cost Airline category of the Telegraph travel awards, behind the German carrier Air Berlin.

Foreign Office advises against Mumbai travel

Following the recent terrorist attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai, the Foreign and Commonwealth office is advising passengers against all but essential travel.

The attacks close to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and Trident Nariman Point are believed to have killed more than 100 people, while there are also reports that foreign hostages have been taken.

Airport officials in Mumbai say that domestic and international flights are operating normally; however, passengers due to depart today or tomorrow should check with their airline for the latest information.

Birmingham pledges to fill bmibaby routes

Birmingham International Airport has promised to find new carriers to cover the routes lost following bmibaby's decision to suspend five of its services, according to The Birmingham Post.

The budget airline announced yesterday (November 26) that it would be halting flights to Rome, Milan, Lisbon, Madrid and Bordeaux next summer, blaming a drop in consumer demand.

Jet2 launches battlefield service

The airline Jet2 has revealed that it is planning to launch a unique route from Leeds Bradford International Airport to a popular World War I site in northern France.

The twice-weekly service to Albert-Picardie will attempt to capitalise on the massive rise in battlefield breaks enjoyed in the country and will commence on Mondays and Fridays between April and June next year.

Fares to the area, which was the scene of the infamous Battle of the Somme, will begin at £60.99 one-way fully inclusive of taxes and are already on sale.

Bmibaby suspends five routes

Bmibaby will suspend five of its 21 routes from Birmingham International Airport next summer, in response to a lack of demand.

The low-budget airline will put on hold routes to Rome, Milan, Lisbon, Madrid and Bordeaux between March 29 and October 24 from the sixth busiest airport in the UK.

Ryanair offers Gatwick to Dusseldorf route

Ryanair has announced that it will be operating a sixth low-cost route from London Gatwick Airport to the German city of Dusseldorf.

The budget airline will commence the service from January 7 at Gatwick after switching the flight from its London Stansted base, where it has recently reduced its capacity by 20 per cent as a result of high costs.

Newquay flights could be halted

Flights in and out of Newquay Airport could be axed from Monday (December 1) as the local council has not yet been given a licence.

Cornwall County Council has experienced delays in getting the Civil Aviation Authority licence needed to switch to the site of RAF St Mawgan, which is adjacent to Newquay Airport.

Bangkok Airport brought to 'standstill'

Anti-government protesters have brought Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport to a standstill, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.

In a major escalation of their four-month campaign to remove the Prime Minister, demonstrators have stormed the airport, resulting in all flights being cancelled and passengers being taken to hotels.

The airport is a major transport hub for Asia, usually operating 700 flights a day, and a Thai Airlines official estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 of its passengers are stranded in its transit sections today (November 26).

For more information on Asia, look at our Useful Links for Asia page.

Ryanair: Increased air duty will 'devastate' UK tourism

Ryanair has condemned the UK government's increase in air passenger duty (APD) as a regressive step that will damage the UK tourism industry.

According to the low-cost carrier, the increase in APD for short haul traffic from £10 to £11 in 2009 and £12 in 2010, which was announced by the Chancellor Alistair Darling in the pre-budget report, will be "devastating" for regional airports where passenger demand is already low.

BAA makes Heathrow noise promise

The owner of London Heathrow Airport has suggested that it would ask the government to appoint an independent assessor to check noise and air quality if it received permission for a third runway.

A spokesman for BAA, which is also the owner and operator of six other British airports, said that the group would only increase the number of flights at Heathrow if it can adhere to limits set by the independent body.

Qantas reduces Heathrow fares

Book by November 30: Qantas has reduced a selection of its economy flights from London Heathrow Airport to destinations in the Asia Pacific.

Australia's second largest airline unveiled cut-price routes to a number of international cities with return flights included, immediately after the UK government's announcement of an increase in Air Passenger Duty.

The offer, which is not available to frequent flyers, has a maximum stay of one year and a minimum stay until the first Sunday after departure.

For further information on Asia, look at our Useful Links page.

Ryanair pulls out of Blackpool Airport

Ryanair is to withdraw flights from Blackpool Airport in the new year in protest at the introduction of a new passenger charge.

The low-cost carrier has axed its daily services to Dublin and its Girona route after Blackpool announced a £10 airport development fee, which will be payable by all passengers over 16 years old.

Air Asia announces Stansted to Kuala Lumpur route

Air Asia X has confirmed that it will launch a route from London Stansted Airport to Kuala Lumpur in March 2009.

The Malaysian low-cost airline will offer fares beginning from £99 each way in economy and £549 each way in premium for services operating five times a week.

Passengers will be flown in a brand new Airbus A340 aircraft, which has a capacity of 286 with leather seats, spacious cabins and hot meals.

For more info on Aisa, look at our Asia Useful Links page.

Chancellor scraps aircraft duty plans

The government has scrapped plans for an aircraft tax to replace Air Passenger Duty (APD).

The announcement was made by Chancellor Alistair Darling in his pre-budget report yesterday (November 24), who said that the proposed duty was not the right conclusion as it would harm the aviation industry.

Instead, the report outlined that a new four-band APD is set to be introduced in November 2009, which will ensure that passengers flying the furthest and making the most environmental impact will pay the biggest charges.

MAG joins Virgin's Gatwick bid

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is to join Virgin Atlantic's £2.5 billion bid for London Gatwick Airport, Crain's Manchester Business has reported.

The holding company, owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester, is believed to be part of a consortium in talks with Goldman Sachs' infrastructure group over financing the bid.

BAA launches Heathrow text messaging service

BAA has launched a text messaging service at London Heathrow Airport that will keep passengers informed of the status of their flights.

The Flying Messenger service will distribute information - to customers who sign up online - on expected departure times, delays and when boarding is beginning.

Cheapflights comments on pre budget report re passenger duty

Cheapflights welcomes the decision to drop the proposed Aircraft Duty but regrets that by retaining a modified Air Passenger Duty, the Chancellor has made no provision to reduce the tax burden for consumers, especially lower income travellers. Air travel is the only viable mode of transport for both leisure and business travellers for mid to long haul destinations. The increase in Air Passenger Duty, especially on long-haul, stated by the Chancellor as being for environmental reasons, actually harms the environment by delaying the introduction of fuel efficient and cleaner emissions aircraft.** Furthermore, the option for travellers to fly from Paris or Brussels to long haul destinations looks increasingly attractive for both economy and for business class passengers with APD at £110 and £170 respectively.

UK Airlines have faced a devastating past year with a number succumbing to the lethal effect of historically high fuel prices resulting in many job losses in the UK. Taxes which make it more expensive to travel do not help fill aircraft and make them more environmentally "efficient". Neither does the current collapse of jet fuel prices assist UK airlines. Down 27% year on year (Source: The Jet Fuel Price Monitor - a joint IATA - Platts initiative), the crash of Sterling versus the dollar more than offsets jet fuel's Dollar price. In reality UK airlines are paying approximately 37.5% more now for fuel in Sterling than they were a year ago.

Contact:

Cheapflights Ltd:

John Barrington-Carver; Corporate PR

Tel: +44 (0) 207 467 3535

Mobile +44 (0) 7831 655 630

e-mail: corporate-pr@cheapflights.com

**Confirming the very challenging times being experienced by the global aviation industry, AF/KLM has just cancelled an order for new fuel efficient aircraft

Aer Arann to make London City debut

Aer Arann will be the latest carrier to operate from London City Airport when it commences its scheduled service from the Isle of Man next year.

The service, which will begin on January 19, will operate three times a day on the Irish regional airline's latest 72-seat ATR72-500 aircraft.

BA unveils air miles sale

Book by November 28: British Airways has halved the number of air miles required to earn award flights to all destinations over the next few days.

The UK's flag carrier has unveiled the offer through its Executive Club frequent flyer programme, enabling members to earn flights in any cabin with as few as 4,500 miles, instead of the usual 9,000.

Cheapflights calls again for immediate scrapping of taxes on air travel

Cheapflights welcomes Chancellor's intention to "…..Support the economy by helping businesses, by helping people."

London 24 November 2008: Cheapflights Ltd., a leading international flight price search and comparison site welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement last week in which Alistair Darling stated:

"….. At a time when the economy slows down…….…trying to get more tax out of people that would make a difficult situation worse, so what you do is you support the economy by helping businesses, by helping people."

Cheapflights therefore looks forward with interest to the Chancellor's Monday PBR Statement when he has the opportunity not only to help the UK aviation industry, but also the millions of UK leisure and business travellers by ending Air Passenger Duty (APD).

Terminal extension for Edinburgh Airport

Work is about to get underway on a £40 million project that will extend Edinburgh Airport's departure lounge.

Scotland's busiest airport, which has seen international traffic increase by 11.5 per cent this year, announced the plans after a multi-million pound project to resurface its runway was completed on budget and ahead of schedule last week.

AOA: Aviation duty will add £100 to flights

Passengers on long-haul flights will face an added £100 on to the price of their tickets if government plans for a new aviation duty are passed, according to an airport chief.

Speaking at the Airport Operators Association (AOA) conference this week, the executive chairman of the AOA, Ed Anderson, claimed that this tax would "jeopardise regional air links" and "damage the UK's competitiveness".

Cathay Pacific holds Asia sale

Book by November 30: Cathay Pacific is holding a limited availability sale on flights from London Heathrow Airport to a number of Asian destinations.

The Hong Kong-based airline is offering passengers the chance to purchase economy-class return fares to a selection of exotic locations throughout the continent, for a minimum stay of three days and a maximum duration of two months.

The fares include taxes, fees and surcharges but are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Customers hoping to cancel their flights before departure will be charged £150.

For more info on Asia, look at our Useful Links page.

Weekly news roundup

This week has seen another batch of new routes launched by British carriers, while a number of airlines got into the festive mood with a range of special offers.

Ryanair revealed that it will be operating two further flights from London Gatwick Airport to Spanish destinations; British Airways added a fourth daily flight to Dubai; while Monarch Airlines will be flying lucky customers on a weekly service to the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, bmibaby opened a Caribbean sale on routes from a number of UK airports; Emirates and Qantas offered consumers cheap flights to the Asia-Pacific region; and Virgin Atlantic unveiled reductions on limited upper class fares.

For more info on Asia, try our Useful Links.

BA: Failing to expand Heathrow will have '30 year impact'

British Airways has warned the government that the UK economy will be held back by 30 years if plans for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport are not approved.

Britain's flag carrier has suggested that the rejection of the extension project will leave the country without an airport to match the capacity of rivals in Europe and the Middle East.

Monarch to operate Caribbean service

Monarch Airlines has announced that it will operate a former XL Airways route from London Gatwick Airport to the Caribbean islands of Grenada and Tobago.

The British charter, which is based in Luton, will begin the weekly service from December 17, with flights departing Gatwick at 9.30am and arriving in Grenada at 2.50pm and Tobago at 4.40pm.

Bmibaby offers Caribbean sale

Book by November 30: Bmibaby has unveiled a number of special offers on routes to the Caribbean and Las Vegas from a selection of UK airports.

The fares to Antigua, Barbados and Las Vegas - which are quoted as return journeys and inclusive of tax - are now on sale for travel up to March 31, 2009.

All offers are subject to availability, while changes to reservations are permitted at any time at a charge of £50, plus any difference in fare level.

Consumers have the choice of the warm seas, beautiful beaches and relaxation of the Caribbean or the sights and sounds of the vibrant and exciting US city of Las Vegas.

A selection of routes included in this offer are listed below.

Fly from London Heathrow Airport to:

Antigua from £357 (November 1 to December 5 and January 1 to March 31)

Barbados from £387

Las Vegas from £490 (November 1 to March 31)

Fly from Manchester Airport to:

Antigua from £349 (November 1 to December 5 and January 1 to March 31)

Barbados from £349 (November 1 to December 5 and January 1 to March 31)

Las Vegas from £525 (November 1 to March 31)

© Adfero Ltd

Ryanair announces two new Gatwick routes

 

Ryanair will launch two new London Gatwick Airport routes to Spanish destinations from December 18.

Europe's largest low-cost carrier has revealed that it will begin operating a daily route from Gatwick to Barcelona Giron and a twice daily service to Alicante, which will increase the number of routes Ryanair operates from the airport to five.

BA gives passengers 'more comfort'

British Airways will be improving the comfort and privacy of its Club Europe customers from February 2009, by removing the use of the middle seat.

Business class customers of BA's Club Europe cabin will be guaranteed a window or aisle seat, while their ability to work or rest onboard will be improved.

Should airlines provide failure insurance?

Calls for airlines to cover their passengers against failure increased today (November 20), as a leading travel insurance provider joined the debate.

Mondial Assistance urged carriers to provide their customers with failure insurance, in wake of numerous airline collapses this year that have left passengers out of pocket.

Mondial already counts a number of carriers among its clients, including Ryanair which joined the group in 2006, and is calling on others to offer their passengers airline failure insurance.

This form of insurance - which repays the cost of a ticket on a failed carrier, or the cost of getting another ticket on a different airline - has been around since the 1990s - though airlines are not presently obliged to offer a policy.

BA signs in-flight entertainment deal

British Airways has signed a multi-million pound deal for the installation of a new in-flight entertainment system on its latest aircraft.

The UK's flag carrier will benefit from Thales TopSeries latest multimedia systems, which will give customers access to more than 100 movies, 300 programmes and 400 CDs on enhanced widescreens.

Ryanair threatens Fuerteventura closure

Ryanair is threatening to cancel all of its routes to Fuerteventura from January 2009, unless a local tourism group honours an agreement to promote the island as a tourist destination.

Europe's largest low-cost airline began flying to the Spanish Island in 2006 and has witnessed passenger numbers increase from 2,000 to more than 200,000.

Eastern drops Manchester to Stansted route

Eastern Airways has decided to scrap flights between Manchester and London Stansted Airport as the route has become "unviable".

The carrier has revealed that it will be suspending the service, which operated three times a week, on November 28 - as it was unable to make money, despite reducing the price of fares.

Lufthansa appoints British chef

Lufthansa has announced that it will be serving British dishes on its flights as it attempts to lure corporate clients away from British Airways, the Evening Standard reports.

The German carrier will be serving its business class customers fish and chips and rabbit terrine following the appointment of a British chef, Chris Staines, for the first time in its history.

Flybe targets Aberdeen expansion

Flybe has its sights set on adding a further four new routes from Aberdeen Airport, the Press and Journal has reported.

The expansion, which would further cement the low-cost carrier's position at the airport, is believed to involve three additions to domestic schedules and an international route.

Flybe's chief commercial officer, Mike Rutter, confirmed that the operator was looking at possible additions but refused to name any destinations.

Emirates offers economy deals

Book by November 30: Emirates has opened an economy class special fares sale, which offers reduced prices to a number of international destinations.

The international airline of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled the sale for return flights leaving London Heathrow Airport, which require purchasing before the end of the month.

EasyJet delays Airbus order

EasyJet has announced that it will be delaying the purchase of four Airbus planes, in response to uncertain economic times in the aviation industry.

The low-cost carrier, which operates 166 aircraft from 20 bases across Europe, revealed that it has delayed the planned 2010 acquisition of four Airbus A320 family jets, which could have an effect on the delivery of a further 109 planes expected in the next four years.

Bristol strikes low cost flights deal

Bristol International Airport has secured a deal with a tour operator to help cater for the gap left after the collapse of XL, the Bristol Evening Post has reported.

Officials at the UK's ninth busiest airport have signed a contract with Teleticket to offer more flights from Bristol to European destinations next year, following a reduction of 90 arrivals and departures at the airport every month.

Indian carrier drops Heathrow service

Jet Airways is dropping its London Heathrow Airport to Amritsar service, as it attempts to reduce costs and lower capacity, the Travel Trade Gazette has reported.

The Indian carrier is halting the schedule to focus on its more profitable routes, as it was failing to achieve significant passenger numbers.

Ryanair set to launch new Spanish routes

Ryanair will today (November 18) announce the launch of services from London Gatwick Airport to Alicante and Girona, TravelMole has claimed.

The online travel industry community has learned that the low-cost carrier will reveal the addition of the flights to its winter schedule.

Ryanair, which currently operates 166 airports on 729 routes across Europe and North Africa, is set to hold a press conference later today to publically confirm the expansion.

Virgin Atlantic unveils first class sale

 

Book by 10pm November 25: Virgin Atlantic has unveiled an upper class sale for London Heathrow Airport services to a variety of international destinations.

The airline, which is part-owned by the Virgin group and Singapore Airlines, has unveiled the reductions at a difficult period for the aviation industry amid global economic uncertainty.

The offer, which is strictly subject to availability, applies to selected first-class services from November 20 to December 31, but does not include a chauffer driven car.

BA adds fourth daily Dubai flight

 

British Airways has announced that it will add a fourth daily service for its London Heathrow Airport to Dubai route.

The UK's flag carrier revealed that it will operate the additional service, five days a week from January 2 on a four-class BA Boeing 777.

BA introduces pre-arrival US clearance

British Airways has revealed that customers flying business class on its service from London City Airport to New York will now be able to clear US customs at a Shannon airport stop-over.

The UK's flag carrier's introduction of a pre-clearance service means that customers will be allowed to bypass the normal arrivals checks when they land at JFK.

EasyJet denies Gatwick bid

EasyJet has denied that it is putting together a joint proposal with Virgin to purchase London Gatwick Airport.

The low-cost carrier has been forced into a denial after the Times reported that it was in talks with Richard Branson's airline to form a united bid for the UK's second busiest airport.

The ins and outs of visiting the US

17 November 2008: With US Thanksgiving celebrations looming shortly at the end of this month, many UK citizens may be planning a trip to the US. However, before you go a quick visit to the US Embassy site is time well spent as it contains a huge amount of information which visitors to the US may find useful, (including the names of the President's household pets).

We all know that getting a visa is a bore and can be time consuming. The good news is that most British and EU citizens travelling on a valid, individual machine readable passport, with a return or onward ticket, and those who are staying for less than 90 days, qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. There are specific conditions, however, so please review the information concerning visa-free travel on the American Embassy London Nonimmigrant Visas Services Home Page before you arrange your flight.

US Customs and Immigration procedures entering the US can be daunting, but there is one tip which may help when leaving the US. How often have you found that that small slip of paper a border official slipped back into your passport when you arrived had gone missing by the time your visit ended? In the US this elusive piece of paper is the bottom part of the I-94 or I-94W forms given to you to complete by your airline before you arrive in the US. Make sure you keep this safe during your visit as losing it will certainly complicate your life, especially if you are planning a return trip to America.

If you do lose the form, the following information about I-94 and I-94W can be found on the US Embassy's website.

When visiting a particular state, a number of tourist destinations have representation in the UK. A list of their UK contact telephone numbers can be found on http://www.usembassy.org.uk/rctour.html.

Please remember that none of these state tourist offices are qualified to answer visa-related information for which you should check via the Embassy web page for a phone helpline.

 

© Cheapflights Ltd

Qantas offers half price deals

Book by 11.59pm November 17: Qantas (website: http://www.qantas.com.au) has unveiled a number of two-for-one flight offers on selected international airfares for departures from London.

The national airline of Australia began the global sale on November 15, which allows customers to save 50 per cent of their fare when booking two tickets.

The offer applies to selected schedules between February 1 and May 31 2009 for seats in economy, premium economy, business and first class.