Airline Trends News
ATOL scheme extended to protect six million extra holidaymakers
The UK government is to offer greater financial protection for millions more package holidaymakers under the ATOL scheme. The programme, which is run by the CAA, currently covers against tour operator collapses but the new proposals will be extended to include air ticket-only trips.
Passengers warned about soaring cost of flying with babies
Infant ticket prices on low-cost carriers have increased so much over the past year that it can prove cheaper to book separate seats rather than sitting a child on your lap, according to new research.
IATA 2011: Sustainable profit holds key to future of aviation
Sustainable profit is the key to future success of global aviation, according to head of the International Air Transport Association. Speaking at the aviation body’s 67th AGM in Singapore, Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani called upon the industry to build a sustainable future based on renewed leadership, continuous innovation, and co-operation.
EU poised to shake-up European aviation
An extra 28 million passengers a year could take to the skies if European airports were allocated slots more efficiently, a study by the European Union has concluded. The study into the use of Europe’s airspace and major hubs found that more efficient use could add £4.4 billion to the economies of Europe between 2012 and 2015.
Global airlines set for record month
A record number of passengers are set to fly this month, despite airlines downsizing their schedules due to the Japanese tsunami and earthquakes. The growth is being fuelled by the Middle East and Asia, as well as low-cost carriers across the globe.
EU to ease flight compensation rules
New European Union proposals could spare airlines from paying customers full compensation when flights are grounded. Siim Kallas, the European Commission vice president, said the EU was poised to change the “denied boarding” regulation 261, which was originally introduced to protect passengers when they were unable to take the flight they had paid for.
2011 airline U.S. ticket sales tracking 11% ahead of 2010
Passenger volume to Ireland swells in March as St. Patrick’s Day approaches
oneworld tops breakthrough year with Big Apple move
oneworld has unveiled plans to relocate its headquarters to New York in a move that aims to reinforce its position as the world’s leading airline alliance, as well as enhancing collaboration between members. The relocation to Manhattan comes in what has proved a breakthrough year for the alliance, culminating in it winning “World’s Leading Airline Alliance” at the 2010 World Travel Awards.
Airline ancillary fees surge
Airlines are expected to collect more than £16.2 billion in ancillary revenues this year, including fees for checked baggage, an increase of nearly £6.5 billion on 2009. The figure could also quadruple to £65.9 billion, accoridng to a new study by Amadeus and IdeaWorks.
The future of budget travel?
Ryanair could be close to fulfilling its dream of squeezing even more passengers onto its planes with the unveiling of a new “standing seat”. The “SkyRider” from Italian designer Aviointeriors provides just 23 inches of legroom, and is a cross between riding horseback and a standing seat found in McDonalds.
World’s largest aviation caterer to serve halal-only dishes
The world’s largest independent airline caterer has announced plans to make most of its dishes halal compliant. GateGourmet, which provides inflight meals for the likes of Cathay Pacific and British Airways, says it wants to standardise production based on cost rather than religious grounds.
British Airways traffic “steady” despite strike fears
British Airways passenger figures held steady in the peak month of August despite fears that the airline’s ongoing cabin crew dispute could cause widespread travel disruption. The airline carried 3,154,000 passengers in August 2010, only 3,000 shy of the 3,157,000 in August 2009.