Airline Trends News
ANA introduces women-only toilets
All Nippon Airways is introducing women-only lavatories on its international routes in response to “numerous requests for this service”. The Japanese carrier joins Korean Air as the only other commerical airline to offer such a service.
Premium airline growth set back six years by recession, IATA
Despite recent gains, losses in the premium air traffic market during the global recession have erased the previous six years of growth, according to the International Air Travel Association (IATA).
OAG reports rise in airline traffic
Overall global airline capacity grew for the sixth month in succession during February, according to the latest figures from OAG Aviation.
Airlines suffer worst year since WWII
Last year witnessed the biggest slump in air passenger traffic since World War II, according to the International Air Transport Association. Passenger traffic dropped by 3.5% in 2009 from a year earlier, while freight traffic fell 10.1%, reversing years of steady growth.
Delta plans $1bn fleet upgrade
Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest airline by revenue, has announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next four years to upgrade its fleet and passenger facilities.
Low-cost carriers greener than full-service
Ryanair has emerged as an unlikely model for sustainable travel in new research showing that low-cost carriers produce up to 35 percent less carbon emissions per passenger than their full-service counterparts, due to higher load factors and seat density, as well as newer fleets.
Air France to charge obese fliers double
Obese passengers who are too large to fit into one seat face being charged for a second under new rules being imposed by Air France, and may not be allowed to board for “safey reasons” if they refuse to pay.
BA/AA tie-up dealt bitter blow
British Airways and American Airlines have been dealt a bitter blow by the U.S. Department of Justice, which has ruled that their proposed tie-up would result in “competitive harm” and lead to transatlantic fares rising by as much as 15 percent. It has recommended major concessions in return for granting anti-trust immunity.
New Era at Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Simultaneous parallel departures for the first time ever in Russia ensured in Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Japan and U.S. agree open skies deal
The race between American Airlines and Delta Air Lines to strike a partnership with Japan Airlines has taken on added importance following the completion of agreement between the US and Japan to liberalise air traffic. The “open skies” deal will allow airlines from both countries to have a wider range of destinations and effectively operate as a single carrier.
EU plans to help stranded travellers
Travellers who book holidays online or with budget airlines could receive greater financial protection if companies go bankrupt, under new plans mooted by the European Commission.
Brussels officals say it is time to extend the consumer protection beyond package holidays to also independent trips using websites such as Expedia, as well as as covering passengers if an airline collapses.
ECJ ruling awards compensation for delayed flights
Airline passengers who are delayed by more than three hours should get the same compensation as if their flights have been cancelled, the European Court of Justice has ruled. Under the landmark judgement, passengers whose flights are delayed can receive between €250 and €600, the same as if their flight was cancelled.
Reclaiming air passenger duty is too taxing, says Which? Holiday
With the amount of Air Passenger Duty (APD) levied on travellers increasing* on Monday 2 November, Which? Holiday is calling for airlines to make it easier for passengers to claim back APD on unused flights.
YouGov Survey: 80% of the population support reform of Air Passenger Duty
The vast majority of people in the UK support a reform of Air Passenger Duty (APD), according to a representative YouGov survey published today. The opinion poll was commissioned by easyJet, the UK’s largest airline in the run up to the forthcoming increase in APD on 1 November.
Ryanair row with BBC erupts over Panorama investigation
A row has erupted between Ryanair and BBC over the broadcasting of a Panorama documentary tonight on the budget airline, titled Why Hate Ryanair?, which is an investigation into the reasons why the budget carrier is apparently so unpopular with many customers.
Lufthansa acquires remaining BMI share ahead of sell-off
Lufthansa’s acquisition of the remaining 20 percent of BMI has fuelled speculation that it could imminently try to sell the loss-making airline. The German aviation giant agreed to pay about £38 million to SAS, making it the outright owner, with a further payment should it sell within two years.
Etihad moves to new Heathrow T4 home
Etihad Airways is moving to a new home in Terminal 4 at Heathrow on 30 September 2009. The switch aims to offer customers of the UAE flag carrier improved facilities in a fresh, comfortable and convenient new facility.
Environmentalists attack new emissions deal
Climate activists branded yesterday’s agreement to halve airline emission by 2050 as “complete greenwash” and were a cynical ploy to avoid new taxes that threaten to erode into the industry’s profits.
Airlines to post record-breaking losses
Airlines are predicted to lose a total of $11 billion this year according to IATA – $2 billion worse than previously predicted. The impact of the recession on the airline industry is “worse than the impact of 9/11,” according to IATA CEO Giovanni Bisignani. He predicted that losses would continue until 2010 with the industry expected to report a $3.8 billion net loss.
Ancillary charges boost struggling airlines
Ancillary revenue from excess baggage charges and priority boarding are providing struggling airlines with a much-need cash boost as they grapple the aviation downturn. Analysis of the accounts of 92 airlines has found that ancillary revenues rose a massive 345 percent between 2006 and 2008 to €7.68bn.
