Airline briefs 06Aug12
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
Some headlines from the airline industry
Virgin Atlantic posts £80m loss
Virgin Atlantic has posted a pre-tax group operating loss of £80.2 million in its annual results ending 29 February. The airline blamed the economy, high fuel prices and the increase in APD on the result, which saw passenger numbers increase 2% to 5.4 million and load factor at 78%. It now expects passenger numbers to increase to 1.3 million in Q1 (up 2.3%), with revenue up 5.8% to £481.9 million. The carrier has already launched new flights to Cancun, Mumbai and Vancouver, as well as a sixth daily service between Heathrow and JFK and six Airbus A330s to be delivered this year. Click here for full story
Venezuelan carrier signs Travelport deal
Venezuelan carrier Avior Airlines has signed a full content agreement with Travelport. Its deal also includes its ‘Direct Sell and Seamless Availability’ which enables real-time reservation and confirmation of bookings for agents. “Our full content agreement with Travelport is an important part of our distribution strategy to ensure our flights are available to the largest possible audience across Venezuela,” said Zaki Aroutin, IT director at Avior on the announcement.
Leeds Bradford-Pula flights announced
Jet2.com has announced it will fly from Leeds Bradford to Pula next summer. The Croatian town is the airline’s 45th destination and will operate weekly on Sunday from 26 May 2013 through to 29 September. “We’re confident that Pula will be a welcome addition with local holidaymakers as our other Croatian hotspots, Split and Dubrovnik, also continue to grow in popularity,” said Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2.com.
SAA new baggage policy
South Africa Airways has introduced a new check-in baggage policy to streamline its service. From 5 September business travellers from the UK to Africa will be allowed two pieces weighing 32kg each, while economy passengers will have an allowance of one 23kg piece. Any excess luggage will be charged at a flat rate per piece of luggage.
More Glasgow-Palma flights
easyJet has announced it is to fly between Glasgow and Palma, Majorca year-round from October. Twice weekly flights will continue each Wednesday and Saturday following popular demand. “As part of our continued strategy to enhance choice for Scottish customers on the most popular destinations in Europe, we have identified an opportunity to extend this route to offer year-round sun,” said Hugh Aitken, commercial manager for Scotland at easyJet. “We now fly on 16 routes from Glasgow Airport with the extension of this service further strengthening our commitment to the city of Glasgow”.
