LOT Works to Launch Beijing Connection
LOT Polish Airlines is currently awaiting a decision from the relevant authorities in China to secure take-off and landing slots at Beijing Capital International Airport for a new regular link from Warsaw. It hopes to receive the necessary permits in the coming months when it will then finalise the schedule of the new service and upload this into its reservation system for launch next year. Its plans received a welcome fillip earlier this month when Russian aviation authorities gave the green light to its plans to route its aircraft across Siberia. This has been a significant development in the process as flying into Russia via Siberia, opens up the shortest air corridor, which will bring savings in terms of both fuel consumption and flight duration.
Oakland International Airport Sees Hawaiian Developments
Alaska Airlines has announced new daily non-stop service to Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, from Oakland International Airport (OAK) from April 10, 2012 and Hawaiian Airlines plans to bring more capacity on the route in the New Year, a major boost for the US facility. Combined, the two airlines will offer six peak day non-stop flights from OAK to the Hawaiian Islands during 2012. Alaska’s daily service to Honolulu is its sixth non-stop destination from OAK and the fourth Hawaiian Island destination, securing the airline’s place as the airport’s second largest carrier. It currently offers daily service to Kahului, Maui, and will expand to daily service to Kona, on the Big Island, and Lihue, Kauai, beginning March 12, 2012. Alaska also has multiple daily flights to Seattle-Tacoma, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Hawaiian Airlines flies daily from OAK to its Honolulu hub, and will increase its seasonal non-stop service to Maui to year-round in early 2012. “This spring, there will be more than 1,000 peak day seats leaving to the Hawaiian Islands from Oakland International,” said John Albrecht, Aviation Marketing & Communications Manager for the Port of Oakland, which owns and operates OAK. “Given that the first transoceanic flights from North America to the Hawaiian Islands originated from OAK in 1927, it is fitting that Oakland International becomes a major gateway to Hawaii today. The number of airlines seats to Hawaii has rebounded from the recession, and has more than quadrupled from the 264 daily seats offered in summer 2008. OAK has emerged as a major mainland gateway to the Hawaiian Islands, joining a select group of US airports with flights to the four major islands.
Etihad and Malaysia Airlines Develop Frequent Flyer Partnership
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has confirmed a reciprocal Frequent Flyer agreement with codeshare partner Malaysia Airlines. Under the terms of the arrangement Etihad Guest programme members can now earn Etihad Guest Miles when flying on Malaysia Airlines, while members of Enrich, Malaysia Airlines’ loyalty and frequent flyer programme, can also earn Enrich Miles on Etihad Airways’ flights. “We are delighted to take our successful partnership with Malaysia Airlines to the next level by extending it with a close frequent flyer cooperation,” said Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways. “This offers both airlines’ loyal customers the opportunity to earn and burn miles on each other’s network.”
Airbus Sees Opportunities in Brazil
According to the recently released Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Brazil will require 701 new passenger aircraft of more than 100 seats between today and 2030. The 501 single-aisle, 174 twin-aisle aircraft and 26 very large aircraft have an estimated value of $82 billion,” said the manufacturer. By 2030, Brazil, the largest and fastest growing passenger market for Airbus in Latin America, will become the fourth largest domestic air travel market in the world following the United States, China and India with an annual growth rate of 7.4 per cent,. according to the Airbus GMF. Brazil is currently ranked fourth in the world in terms of seats on departing flights, offering twice as many seats today than a decade ago. During the same time span, the country’s international and domestic air travel more than doubled, and as of 2010 Sao Paulo became the biggest gateway city for international travel to Latin America. Looking ahead, the growth is only expected to continue and between 2010 and 2030, economic indicators suggest the country’s GDP is expected to skyrocket 144 per cent, 20 per cent higher than the Latin America average. This is being driven by strong economic growth; an increased propensity to travel by air, driven by rapid growth of a travelling middle class and a growing tourism economy. “Brazil has become one of the world’s top 10 markets for new passenger aircraft in terms of aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years,” said Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President Latin American and the Caribbean, Airbus. “With international traffic to and from Brazil doubling over the past decade and showing no signs of slowing, Brazilian carriers have a tremendous opportunity to gain greater market share.” Interestingly, Airbus also sees a requirement for some very large aircraft sales in Brazil during the forecast period, suggesting that Gol, TAM Airlines or a new industry start-up will become customers for either the Airbus A380 on the Boeing 747-8I, the only two aircraft in this particular size category. In the wider Latin American market, Airbus foresees a 20-year demand for more than 2,000 new passenger aircraft, including 1,653 single-aisle, 334 twin-aisle and 41 very large aircraft, estimated at approximately $200 billion. Globally, by 2030 some 27,900 new aircraft valued at $3.5 trillion will be required to satisfy future robust market demand, says the manufacturer.
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