Wednesday, June 29, 2011
South African Airlink Update Baggage Policy
Privately-owned South African airline, Airlink have updated their baggage policy. For sporting equipment, golf bags weighing up to 15kgs will be accepted at no additional charge, provided such is booked as a Special Service Requirement in respect of Sports Equipment (SSR SPEQ). Golf equipment is restricted to one golf bag per passenger, per flight. There is also a change to the free baggage allowance for flights to Harare, Bulawayo, Lusaka and Ndola (30kgs in Economy and 40kgs in Business Class). Further to that, the free baggage allowance for all other destinations is 20kgs for Economy Class and 30kgs for Business Class.
South African Tourism makes two key appointments to boost industry relations
SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM today announced the appointment of Neesha Padayachy to the position of Global Manager: Product and Sadiq Dindar to the position of Global Manager: Trade Relations.
Neesha’s appointment becomes effective July 1, while Sadiq will join the team at South African Tourism on September 1.
“These appointments are an indication of the extent to which South African Tourism prioritises its relationship with the global and domestic travel and tourism trade; its commitment to building mutual partnerships with the trade to grow arrivals to South Africa; and its determination to be a partner for profitability with everyone who sells South Africa,” said Roshene Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism.
Neesha joined South African Tourism in 2005 as a Senior Research Officer. She has worked her way through the organisation and has been appointed to the position of Global Manager: Product position from her present position as Product Support Trade Relations Manager. She replaces Hanneli Slabber who was recently appointed Country Manager in India.
As Global Manager: Product, Neesha will take responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with key destination trade partners.Working with these various stakeholders in the industry and through servicing the various tourism product offerings, she will help enhance visitor experience and build on South Africa as a value-for-money destination. She will also engage tourism product stakeholders on behalf of the organisation to develop marketing agreements that are critical to increase length of stay and spend by tourists who come to South Africa. As part of her role, Neesha will also produce marketing collateral and represent the destination at trade seminars, road shows and marketing meetings. She has an Oxford Brookes MBA and a BCom from Wits University.
Sadiq is a new recruit to South African Tourism. He comes to the organisation with a rich background in the aviation and airline sector and has worked for, amongst others, IATA (South Africa), Cathay Pacific, Gulf Airways, Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways. His responsibilities at South African Tourism will include negotiating global and trade deals, and working with airlines and the aviation industry to help improve airlift. Sadiq will also negotiate marketing partnerships that will help with global distribution and improving access to South Africa. He brings solid sales and negotiation skills as well as a wealth of contacts in global aviation to the team.
Neesha’s appointment becomes effective July 1, while Sadiq will join the team at South African Tourism on September 1.
“These appointments are an indication of the extent to which South African Tourism prioritises its relationship with the global and domestic travel and tourism trade; its commitment to building mutual partnerships with the trade to grow arrivals to South Africa; and its determination to be a partner for profitability with everyone who sells South Africa,” said Roshene Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism.
Neesha joined South African Tourism in 2005 as a Senior Research Officer. She has worked her way through the organisation and has been appointed to the position of Global Manager: Product position from her present position as Product Support Trade Relations Manager. She replaces Hanneli Slabber who was recently appointed Country Manager in India.
As Global Manager: Product, Neesha will take responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with key destination trade partners.Working with these various stakeholders in the industry and through servicing the various tourism product offerings, she will help enhance visitor experience and build on South Africa as a value-for-money destination. She will also engage tourism product stakeholders on behalf of the organisation to develop marketing agreements that are critical to increase length of stay and spend by tourists who come to South Africa. As part of her role, Neesha will also produce marketing collateral and represent the destination at trade seminars, road shows and marketing meetings. She has an Oxford Brookes MBA and a BCom from Wits University.
Sadiq is a new recruit to South African Tourism. He comes to the organisation with a rich background in the aviation and airline sector and has worked for, amongst others, IATA (South Africa), Cathay Pacific, Gulf Airways, Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways. His responsibilities at South African Tourism will include negotiating global and trade deals, and working with airlines and the aviation industry to help improve airlift. Sadiq will also negotiate marketing partnerships that will help with global distribution and improving access to South Africa. He brings solid sales and negotiation skills as well as a wealth of contacts in global aviation to the team.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
AVIAREPS South Africa has been appointed as the GSA for Fly540 from 01 July 2011.
Fly540 is known as “East Africa’s low cost carrier” operating within and to-and-from Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda.
The airline started operations in 2006. An interesting fact is that the airline's name refers to its price of Sh5,540 per adult return fare between the above-mentioned cities.
Fly540 is known for its commitment to delivering value for money product without compromising on quality and service delivery. By carefully controlling the best way of doing business Fly540 offer fares enabling more people to travel often and with less hassle.
The fleet consists of modern ATR turbo-prop and we also recently acquired a CRJ-100/200 Jet aircraft. These pleanes burn ½ of the guel of other models of aircraft and in turn burn less carbon into the atmosphere. Fly540 is a ‘GREEN AIRLINE’.who cares for their environment. The Fly540 crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.
All fares are loaded in Galileo and all agents are welcome to contact Fly540 AVIAREPS for more information on pricing and ticketing.
Sales Department: Sales540.jnb@aviareps.com
Reservations & Ticketing: res540.jnb@aviareps.com
Telephone: 011 722 0229
Reservations & Ticketing: res540.jnb@aviareps.com
Telephone: 011 722 0229
Thursday, June 23, 2011
SWISS named Best Airline in Western Europe
Swiss International Air Lines has been voted “Best Airline - Western Europe” in this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards. The distinction is based on the latest annual survey of several million air travellers conducted by the UK-based Skytrax consultancy.
The 2011 Skytrax poll to determine the world’s best air carriers extended to travellers from over a hundred countries. Once again, SWISS scored top marks for the quality of its services in the air and on the ground.
“We are delighted to receive this award, because it demonstrates to us that our product and service strategy is well appreciated by our customers,” said Frank Maier, Head of Product & Services at SWISS, accepting the distinction during today’s awards ceremony at Le Bourget, where the Paris Air Show is currently being held. “We aim to provide our customers with a travel experience that is as pleasant, smooth and seamless as possible, with consistently high-quality service on the ground and in the air. And we will carry on doing everything we can to offer our travellers continually high quality standards.”
SWISS previously earned the title of “Best Airline: Europe” for both short- and long-haul services in the 2009 Skytrax awards. The carrier was also named number one in Europe for “Staff Service Excellence” in the 2010 Skytrax poll.
Etihad named best first class airline in the world, number six airline overall by Skytrax
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been named as the airline with the Best First Class in the world in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Awards, as well as #6 in the Airline of the Year overall category. This is the second year running for both honours for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. Etihad was also recognized for the Best First Class Onboard Catering for its signature ‘Inspired Service’ culinary program.
Results of the latest Skytrax World Airline Survey, regarded as one of the leading rankings and benchmarks in the industry, were released at the Paris Air Show.
During the 10 month survey period, 18.8 million air travellers from more than 100 countries shared feedback on all aspects of their travel experience, via email, on-line interviews, questionnaires and phone interviews. They voted on their experiences on the ground, at the airport and onboard, as well as the quality of customer service delivered by each of the airline’s staff.
Edward Plaisted, Skytrax’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways continues to be a key player in the First Class market and to regain both awards for World’s Best First Class and Best First Class Catering is a tribute to the quality of product available to passengers flying at the front of their aircraft.”
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is yet another wonderful recognition of how well our product strategy and service philosophy work for our customers and to win this award in successive years reinforces our ongoing commitment to excellence. It’s great to see investments paying back and leading us to success in attracting the premium travel market.”
Each of Etihad’s Diamond First Class suites is 82 inches long with Arabic-styled sliding privacy doors, fully flat bed upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, in- seat massager, lumbar support and adjustable headrest, 23-inch personal TV/video screen, personal mini bar, designer amenity kit, illuminated wardrobe with personal mirror and in-seat power sockets for PCs, iPod connector, USB ports, Ethernet port and audio jack. The First Class cabin also boasts a luxury changing room with full length mirror, raised wash basin and leather fold-down seat.
“We will also soon be introducing internationally acclaimed onboard Chefs dedicated to food service excellence in our First Class cabin, enabling us to offer a five-star, restaurant-style service in the sky. This is just another example of our commitment to product innovation,” Mr Baumgartner said.
“In the last two years, we have completely revamped both our Diamond First and Pearl Business Class cabins and won numerous awards for both. We also have some very exciting plans for Coral Economy passengers which will be unveiled in the coming months.”
Results of the latest Skytrax World Airline Survey, regarded as one of the leading rankings and benchmarks in the industry, were released at the Paris Air Show.
During the 10 month survey period, 18.8 million air travellers from more than 100 countries shared feedback on all aspects of their travel experience, via email, on-line interviews, questionnaires and phone interviews. They voted on their experiences on the ground, at the airport and onboard, as well as the quality of customer service delivered by each of the airline’s staff.
Edward Plaisted, Skytrax’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways continues to be a key player in the First Class market and to regain both awards for World’s Best First Class and Best First Class Catering is a tribute to the quality of product available to passengers flying at the front of their aircraft.”
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is yet another wonderful recognition of how well our product strategy and service philosophy work for our customers and to win this award in successive years reinforces our ongoing commitment to excellence. It’s great to see investments paying back and leading us to success in attracting the premium travel market.”
Each of Etihad’s Diamond First Class suites is 82 inches long with Arabic-styled sliding privacy doors, fully flat bed upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, in- seat massager, lumbar support and adjustable headrest, 23-inch personal TV/video screen, personal mini bar, designer amenity kit, illuminated wardrobe with personal mirror and in-seat power sockets for PCs, iPod connector, USB ports, Ethernet port and audio jack. The First Class cabin also boasts a luxury changing room with full length mirror, raised wash basin and leather fold-down seat.
“We will also soon be introducing internationally acclaimed onboard Chefs dedicated to food service excellence in our First Class cabin, enabling us to offer a five-star, restaurant-style service in the sky. This is just another example of our commitment to product innovation,” Mr Baumgartner said.
“In the last two years, we have completely revamped both our Diamond First and Pearl Business Class cabins and won numerous awards for both. We also have some very exciting plans for Coral Economy passengers which will be unveiled in the coming months.”
Qantas Reaches Commercial Agreement with Rolls-Royce
Qantas today announced it had reached an agreement with Rolls-
Royce plc in relation to the disruption incurred as a result of the QF32 uncontained IP disc failure of a Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine on 4 November 2010 and the subsequent temporary grounding of Qantas’ entire A380 fleet.
The settlement reached today includes the discontinuance of the legal proceedings initiated by
Qantas in the Federal Court of Australia on 2 December 2010.
While the terms of the agreement are confidential, the profit and loss impact of the settlement,
which will be recognised in Qantas’ financial results for FY11, is A$95 million.
In its interim report released on 18 May 2011, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
states that "the disc failure was initiated by a manufacturing defect in an oil feed pipe that resulted in a wall thickness reduction". The ATSB’s investigation is ongoing and a final report is expected in mid-2012.
Following the incident, Qantas immediately grounded its A380 fleet in order to carry out a
comprehensive engine inspection and replacement program. Qantas and Rolls-Royce worked
closely together to address the concerns raised by the incident. Qantas A380 services to London resumed on 27 November 2010. The remainder of the airline’s A380 services (between Australia and Los Angeles) resumed on 16 January 2011.
Qantas and Rolls-Royce have had a long and successful commercial partnership spanning several
decades. Qantas looks forward to a continued strong relationship with Rolls-Royce on the basis of
the settlement announced today.
Royce plc in relation to the disruption incurred as a result of the QF32 uncontained IP disc failure of a Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine on 4 November 2010 and the subsequent temporary grounding of Qantas’ entire A380 fleet.
The settlement reached today includes the discontinuance of the legal proceedings initiated by
Qantas in the Federal Court of Australia on 2 December 2010.
While the terms of the agreement are confidential, the profit and loss impact of the settlement,
which will be recognised in Qantas’ financial results for FY11, is A$95 million.
In its interim report released on 18 May 2011, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
states that "the disc failure was initiated by a manufacturing defect in an oil feed pipe that resulted in a wall thickness reduction". The ATSB’s investigation is ongoing and a final report is expected in mid-2012.
Following the incident, Qantas immediately grounded its A380 fleet in order to carry out a
comprehensive engine inspection and replacement program. Qantas and Rolls-Royce worked
closely together to address the concerns raised by the incident. Qantas A380 services to London resumed on 27 November 2010. The remainder of the airline’s A380 services (between Australia and Los Angeles) resumed on 16 January 2011.
Qantas and Rolls-Royce have had a long and successful commercial partnership spanning several
decades. Qantas looks forward to a continued strong relationship with Rolls-Royce on the basis of
the settlement announced today.
Friday, June 17, 2011
South African Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-McLean resigns: statement from Chief Marketing Officer, Roshene Singh
Today Mr Jabu Mabuza, the Chairperson of the Board of South African Tourism announced that he has with regret accepted the resignation of the CEO, Ms Thandiwe January-Mclean, who is leaving the organisation to pursue her own personal interests.
Ms January Mclean has been with South African Tourism for a year and a half, and has led the organisation through its most challenging and exciting times. The year 2010 was a momentous year for all in tourism and under her leadership and drive working closely with stakeholders across various sectors, South Africa attracted an all-time high of over eight million foreign tourist arrivals.
Together with her team, the CEO always demonstrated professionalism and openness in engaging stakeholders to continue the positive momentum and brand positioning that was leveraged off the success of the tournament. She leaves a legacy of having moved the organisation forward to explore new markets and she firmly placed Africa and the domestic tourism agenda at the forefront of South African Tourism’s marketing efforts, while entrenching its core markets.
The personal touch and warmth of the CEO was always felt with all stakeholders, and particularly her staff, and her immense contribution will be missed.
Ms January-McLean will leave South African Tourism at the end of August 2011 at which time Mr Tim Scholtz will be acting CEO until the board has completed its recruitment process.
Comair Offers Travellers More Convenience with New Schedule on Mpumalanga Route
Comair Limited, operator of British Airways in South Africa
will now be offering business and leisure travellers two daily flights between OR Tambo International and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit as part of its new schedule.
As of 1 July 2011, British Airways will introduce an increased schedule which will include an early morning and late afternoon departure from OR Tambo International to Nelspruit.
Stuart Cochrane, Comair’s Executive Manager for Network Development and Alliances, says “The increase and change in our schedule allows for greater flexibility for our business travellers who wish to fly to Nelspruit and Johannesburg, to attend to their business commitments and fly back on the same day.
“Traditionally a popular route for the local and international tourism market, we’ve seen an increase in demand from business travellers which necessitated the revision of our schedule in order to accommodate this growing market,” says Cochrane.
The new flights are available for sale from the 15 June 2011.
For more information please contact the British Airways Call Centre on 0860 I FLY BA, visit the website on www.ba.com to make your on-line reservations or contact your local Travel Agent.
will now be offering business and leisure travellers two daily flights between OR Tambo International and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit as part of its new schedule.
As of 1 July 2011, British Airways will introduce an increased schedule which will include an early morning and late afternoon departure from OR Tambo International to Nelspruit.
Stuart Cochrane, Comair’s Executive Manager for Network Development and Alliances, says “The increase and change in our schedule allows for greater flexibility for our business travellers who wish to fly to Nelspruit and Johannesburg, to attend to their business commitments and fly back on the same day.
“Traditionally a popular route for the local and international tourism market, we’ve seen an increase in demand from business travellers which necessitated the revision of our schedule in order to accommodate this growing market,” says Cochrane.
The new flights are available for sale from the 15 June 2011.
For more information please contact the British Airways Call Centre on 0860 I FLY BA, visit the website on www.ba.com to make your on-line reservations or contact your local Travel Agent.
2011 UNIGLOBE conference
The 2011 UNIGLOBE Travel Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya was a great success. It was attended by UNIGLOBE Travel delegates from South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Uganda, Kenya,Tanzania, Nigeria, Canada and Israel
Guest of Honour was UNIGLOBE Travel International President and COO Mr. Martin Charlewood, who also took time off before and after the conference to visit franchisee offices in Kenya and Tanzania as well as going on safari in the Masai Mara & Ngorogoro Crater and Zanzibar.
The theme of the conference seemed to be how to do more with less.
More sales with less debtors - a theme handled very well by representatives from Equatorial Bank who identified many new innovations in payment.
More value with little extra effort - Amadeus and their introduction of new GDS tools to help the consultant and traveller.
More sales with less effort - a talk on how to get more profit from fewer clients.
UNIGLOBE wishes to thank our key suppliers and sponsors; Amadeus, City Lodge, First Sixt Car rental, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Guest of Honour was UNIGLOBE Travel International President and COO Mr. Martin Charlewood, who also took time off before and after the conference to visit franchisee offices in Kenya and Tanzania as well as going on safari in the Masai Mara & Ngorogoro Crater and Zanzibar.
The theme of the conference seemed to be how to do more with less.
More sales with less debtors - a theme handled very well by representatives from Equatorial Bank who identified many new innovations in payment.
More value with little extra effort - Amadeus and their introduction of new GDS tools to help the consultant and traveller.
More sales with less effort - a talk on how to get more profit from fewer clients.
UNIGLOBE wishes to thank our key suppliers and sponsors; Amadeus, City Lodge, First Sixt Car rental, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia unveil long-term partnership
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia group of airlines have signed a landmark agreement which will enable them to establish a longterm
alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to:
· Codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights;
· Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;
· Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and
· Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines’ extensive international network with Virgin
Australia’s wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations. Through the Singapore
Airlines network, Virgin Australia customers will have access to some 70 more
destinations, while through the Virgin Australia network Singapore Airlines customers will
have access to some 30 more destinations. Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer
frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia
flights, while Virgin Australia’s Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles
on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
The two airlines will lodge an application with the relevant regulatory authorities to
enable them to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions. Approval will
allow the airlines to build a deep and integrated alliance with seamless service offerings
to the travelling public.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “Singapore Airlines has been committed
to the Australian market for more than 40 years and we are always looking for ways to
serve our customers better. With regulatory approval, the partnership will enable us to
offer even more choice for domestic and international air travel. Together with Virgin
Australia we will provide the public with access to an enlarged network, offering a firstrate,
integrated travel experience.”
Mr Goh added: “The partnership presents a significant opportunity for Singapore Airlines
to drive growth in a manner consistent with our focus on service excellence, product
innovation and network connectivity. It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a
travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia.”
Virgin Australia group of airlines CEO John Borghetti said: “We are delighted to be
partnering with one of the most respected and innovative airlines in the world. When it
first launched in Australia, Singapore Airlines revolutionised international air travel for
Australians, providing a world class service to Asia, Europe and beyond.”
Mr Borghetti added: “Asia is clearly a critical market for us as we build our international
alliance network. Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be
particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers and this
partnership, along with our other alliances, will mean Virgin Australia can now offer truly
global flight coverage.
“With the recent re-positioning of our brand and the launch of our product
enhancements, including domestic business class, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines
are ideally suited as airline partners.”
As part of the announcement today, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have agreed
that from 1 August 2011:
· Singapore Airlines customers will be able to interline on Virgin Australia’s domestic
network, allowing them to travel through to a range of destinations with one
ticket, through-checked baggage, terminal transfers and inclusive meals; and
· Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold
members will have reciprocal access to each airline’s airport lounges.
Subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, customers should be able to
experience the full benefits of the alliance from late this year.
alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to:
· Codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights;
· Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;
· Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and
· Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines’ extensive international network with Virgin
Australia’s wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations. Through the Singapore
Airlines network, Virgin Australia customers will have access to some 70 more
destinations, while through the Virgin Australia network Singapore Airlines customers will
have access to some 30 more destinations. Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer
frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia
flights, while Virgin Australia’s Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles
on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
The two airlines will lodge an application with the relevant regulatory authorities to
enable them to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions. Approval will
allow the airlines to build a deep and integrated alliance with seamless service offerings
to the travelling public.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “Singapore Airlines has been committed
to the Australian market for more than 40 years and we are always looking for ways to
serve our customers better. With regulatory approval, the partnership will enable us to
offer even more choice for domestic and international air travel. Together with Virgin
Australia we will provide the public with access to an enlarged network, offering a firstrate,
integrated travel experience.”
Mr Goh added: “The partnership presents a significant opportunity for Singapore Airlines
to drive growth in a manner consistent with our focus on service excellence, product
innovation and network connectivity. It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a
travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia.”
Virgin Australia group of airlines CEO John Borghetti said: “We are delighted to be
partnering with one of the most respected and innovative airlines in the world. When it
first launched in Australia, Singapore Airlines revolutionised international air travel for
Australians, providing a world class service to Asia, Europe and beyond.”
Mr Borghetti added: “Asia is clearly a critical market for us as we build our international
alliance network. Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be
particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers and this
partnership, along with our other alliances, will mean Virgin Australia can now offer truly
global flight coverage.
“With the recent re-positioning of our brand and the launch of our product
enhancements, including domestic business class, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines
are ideally suited as airline partners.”
As part of the announcement today, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have agreed
that from 1 August 2011:
· Singapore Airlines customers will be able to interline on Virgin Australia’s domestic
network, allowing them to travel through to a range of destinations with one
ticket, through-checked baggage, terminal transfers and inclusive meals; and
· Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold
members will have reciprocal access to each airline’s airport lounges.
Subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, customers should be able to
experience the full benefits of the alliance from late this year.
TAP and SAA Redesign Commercial Partnership
Johannesburg 6 June 2011. TAP Portugal and South African Airways (SAA), both members of Star Alliance, are introducing new code-share services between Portugal and the Republic of South Africa, operated by both carriers via London (Heathrow) as of 2 June 2 2011. These new services are available for booking and purchase via the Travel Trade. and will provide daily services for the large number of passengers travelling between South Africa and Portugal.
Through this new agreement, SAA´s code will be added to TAP flights departing Lisbon to London on a daily basis. SAA customers can also benefit from connecting flights beyond Lisbon, which are available to other Portuguese cities of TAP domestic network, such as Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira).
Conversely, TAP passengers can now fly on daily services via London to five South African destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town and three other cities (Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth).
"This new step in our commercial ties with SAA represents an important opportunity to offer diverse, convenient and attractive service options to passengers," said Jose Guedes Dias, VP Alliances & External Relations TAP.”
"SAA is proud to move forward with its agreement with TAP and resultantly offer our customers added connectivity and convenience, allowing for ease of travel between both South Africa and Portugal’s major and smaller hubs, this arrangement will provide the exceptionally large Portuguesecommunity in South Africa with easy access to prime cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto, Faroand Funchal (Madeira). The South African Portuguese community maintains strong business and family ties with Portugal and this development will further strengthen the bond between the two countries” said Theunis Potgieter, GM Commercial for SAA.
In an effort to meet customers’ highest expectations, both TAP and SAA will continue pursuing the enhancement of their joint service offer between Portugal and South Africa.
As members of Star Alliance, TAP Victoria Members can earn miles when flying on qualifying flights, with a 200 percent Class-of-Service Bonus when flying in Business Class. All miles accrued count toward earning status.
As members of Star Alliance, SAA Voyager offers its members an added advantage towards earning and spending their Voyager Miles across the network. Our top tier members can also enjoy access to Star Alliance lounges wherever applicable.
Additionally, SAA and TAP Portugal offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.
Through this new agreement, SAA´s code will be added to TAP flights departing Lisbon to London on a daily basis. SAA customers can also benefit from connecting flights beyond Lisbon, which are available to other Portuguese cities of TAP domestic network, such as Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira).
Conversely, TAP passengers can now fly on daily services via London to five South African destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town and three other cities (Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth).
"This new step in our commercial ties with SAA represents an important opportunity to offer diverse, convenient and attractive service options to passengers," said Jose Guedes Dias, VP Alliances & External Relations TAP.”
"SAA is proud to move forward with its agreement with TAP and resultantly offer our customers added connectivity and convenience, allowing for ease of travel between both South Africa and Portugal’s major and smaller hubs, this arrangement will provide the exceptionally large Portuguesecommunity in South Africa with easy access to prime cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto, Faroand Funchal (Madeira). The South African Portuguese community maintains strong business and family ties with Portugal and this development will further strengthen the bond between the two countries” said Theunis Potgieter, GM Commercial for SAA.
In an effort to meet customers’ highest expectations, both TAP and SAA will continue pursuing the enhancement of their joint service offer between Portugal and South Africa.
As members of Star Alliance, TAP Victoria Members can earn miles when flying on qualifying flights, with a 200 percent Class-of-Service Bonus when flying in Business Class. All miles accrued count toward earning status.
As members of Star Alliance, SAA Voyager offers its members an added advantage towards earning and spending their Voyager Miles across the network. Our top tier members can also enjoy access to Star Alliance lounges wherever applicable.
Additionally, SAA and TAP Portugal offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.
Friday, June 3, 2011
IMPERIAL tourism subsidiary Edusport appointed Sales Agent for the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Johannesburg – 31 May 2011- IMPERIAL Holdings’ tourism division subsidiary, Edusport Travel, has been awarded exclusive hospitality programme agent in South Africa for 2014 FIFA World Cup BrazilTM and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Edusport Travel is one of South Africa’s key players in the sports travel industry and provided hospitality packages for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through its partnership with MATCH Hospitality, it will provide local fans with a range of exciting packages for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM. This includes tickets, accommodation, transport and tourist activities in Brazil.
Managing Director of Edusport Travel, Ed Hill, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Edusport Travel and the IMPERIAL Holdings Group. Soccer is a major passion in South Africa, and, with Brazil already being a popular destination for South Africans, we believe that many local companies will choose the 2014 FIFA World CupTM as an ideal incentive opportunity.”
“Edusport Travel was intricately involved in the travel logistics for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM in South Africa. We worked closely with MATCH in managing supporter movements over the six weeks of the tournament and we understand the challenges of operating logistics during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Our experience will ensure that our hospitality clients will be well looked after in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a variety of packages for obtaining match tickets, booking accommodation and arranging all travel arrangements.“
CEO of IMPERIAL’s Tourism division, Moeketsi Mosola, said: “This partnership with Match Hospitality is a clear indication of Edusport’s expertise and networks in the South African market. Through Edusport’s extensive footprint, the IMPERIAL Group is assured exposure to international sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup. This has expanded our profile as a key service provider for international sporting events.”
Global ticket sales for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM will commence on 1st October 2011 and thereafter Official Commercial Hospitality Packages will be offered exclusively by Edusport to South African based companies, clubs, organisations and individuals wanting to attend. More information is available at www.edusport.co.za
Edusport Travel is one of South Africa’s key players in the sports travel industry and provided hospitality packages for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through its partnership with MATCH Hospitality, it will provide local fans with a range of exciting packages for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM. This includes tickets, accommodation, transport and tourist activities in Brazil.
Managing Director of Edusport Travel, Ed Hill, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Edusport Travel and the IMPERIAL Holdings Group. Soccer is a major passion in South Africa, and, with Brazil already being a popular destination for South Africans, we believe that many local companies will choose the 2014 FIFA World CupTM as an ideal incentive opportunity.”
“Edusport Travel was intricately involved in the travel logistics for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM in South Africa. We worked closely with MATCH in managing supporter movements over the six weeks of the tournament and we understand the challenges of operating logistics during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Our experience will ensure that our hospitality clients will be well looked after in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a variety of packages for obtaining match tickets, booking accommodation and arranging all travel arrangements.“
CEO of IMPERIAL’s Tourism division, Moeketsi Mosola, said: “This partnership with Match Hospitality is a clear indication of Edusport’s expertise and networks in the South African market. Through Edusport’s extensive footprint, the IMPERIAL Group is assured exposure to international sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup. This has expanded our profile as a key service provider for international sporting events.”
Global ticket sales for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM will commence on 1st October 2011 and thereafter Official Commercial Hospitality Packages will be offered exclusively by Edusport to South African based companies, clubs, organisations and individuals wanting to attend. More information is available at www.edusport.co.za
Kenya Airways set to receieve 7th Embraer Aircraft www.kenyaairways.com
Kenya Airways, the Pride of Africa, is expected to grow its capacity with the arrival of a new Embraer E190 jet to KQ’s fleet.
The aircraft is expected into service within the next two weeks and will be deployed to operate to the Southern and Central Africa regions.
The new long range plane will join the growing family of Embraer jets that Kenya Airways uses for its regional operations in Africa. This is in line with the plans to build capacity that is more efficient for its Africa market which is the core focus for the Pride of Africa.
“With our route network expansion firmly on course, the addition of a new aircraft into the fleet is quite timely,” said the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni.
He explained that the preliminary information from the manufacturers and testing teams showed that the aircraft was ready for delivery by end of the week.
“We have already conducted the test flights and are in the final stages of securing all the necessary regulatory approvals for the aircraft to start operating,” said Dr. Naikuni, noting that the aircraft will undergo some further customization by its engineers before eventually being commercially deployed.
He added that the increase in capacity had been necessitated by growing regional passenger and cargo demand and a rapidly expanding route network.
The second Embraer E190 arrival will be in fulfilment of an order that the Airline placed last year. The first jet was delivered in December 2010. Three more E190 jets will be delivered within the next one year.
The Embraer E190 is a Brazilian-built state of the art regional jet. The aircraft is configured as per Kenya Airways design and will carry just under 100 passengers in a superbly appointed cabin which features the latest in In-flight Entertainment system. It brings to Kenya Airways an even higher level of technological advancement, lower maintenance and operational costs.
Dr. Naikuni said “The combination of the E170 and E190 in our network will offer greater flexibility in right-sizing the aircraft to meet route demand, using the same crew and ensuring consistent, high comfort for our passengers”.
The aircraft is expected into service within the next two weeks and will be deployed to operate to the Southern and Central Africa regions.
The new long range plane will join the growing family of Embraer jets that Kenya Airways uses for its regional operations in Africa. This is in line with the plans to build capacity that is more efficient for its Africa market which is the core focus for the Pride of Africa.
“With our route network expansion firmly on course, the addition of a new aircraft into the fleet is quite timely,” said the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni.
He explained that the preliminary information from the manufacturers and testing teams showed that the aircraft was ready for delivery by end of the week.
“We have already conducted the test flights and are in the final stages of securing all the necessary regulatory approvals for the aircraft to start operating,” said Dr. Naikuni, noting that the aircraft will undergo some further customization by its engineers before eventually being commercially deployed.
He added that the increase in capacity had been necessitated by growing regional passenger and cargo demand and a rapidly expanding route network.
The second Embraer E190 arrival will be in fulfilment of an order that the Airline placed last year. The first jet was delivered in December 2010. Three more E190 jets will be delivered within the next one year.
The Embraer E190 is a Brazilian-built state of the art regional jet. The aircraft is configured as per Kenya Airways design and will carry just under 100 passengers in a superbly appointed cabin which features the latest in In-flight Entertainment system. It brings to Kenya Airways an even higher level of technological advancement, lower maintenance and operational costs.
Dr. Naikuni said “The combination of the E170 and E190 in our network will offer greater flexibility in right-sizing the aircraft to meet route demand, using the same crew and ensuring consistent, high comfort for our passengers”.
Iberia offers new destinations in Africa and The Middle East
Iberia's customers can now book to new destinations in Africa and the Middle East. Since today, under code shares with British Airways, the Spanish airline is offering flights to Accra (Ghana), Lusaka (Zambia), Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Meanwhile, British Airways has added its code to Iberia flights to Santiago de Chile, Guatemala and San Salvador.
The new code-sharing arrangements are a consequence of the merger of Iberia and British on January 24 of this year. Since then, more and more flights have both airlines’ codes. British Airways is placing its code in Iberia’s Latin American destinations, while Iberia is placing its code in British Airways flights to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. More destinations will be added to this code-share agreement in the coming months, so customers from both airlines will have access to a broader network.
Thanks to the merger, flights operated by each airline are progressively becoming available on the other's web site and telephone reservations lines. It is also possible in certain routes to combine fares of the two airlines, and to choose the most suitable. Other advantages to passengers include access to more than 120 VIP lounges in airports around the world.
The new code-sharing arrangements are a consequence of the merger of Iberia and British on January 24 of this year. Since then, more and more flights have both airlines’ codes. British Airways is placing its code in Iberia’s Latin American destinations, while Iberia is placing its code in British Airways flights to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. More destinations will be added to this code-share agreement in the coming months, so customers from both airlines will have access to a broader network.
Thanks to the merger, flights operated by each airline are progressively becoming available on the other's web site and telephone reservations lines. It is also possible in certain routes to combine fares of the two airlines, and to choose the most suitable. Other advantages to passengers include access to more than 120 VIP lounges in airports around the world.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
AVIAREPS South Africa celebrated their 2 birthday on 01 June 2011 www.aviareps.co.za
We currently represent Air Namibia, JetExpress the Charter Airline, Wyndham Hotel Group, HongKong Airlines & HongKong Express and happy to announce that from 01 July 2011 we will be representing 2 new clients; 1001Events DMC Dubai, Oman & Abu Dhabi as well as the airline Fly540 which offers local flights within Kenya and Tanzania as well as regional flights from both these countries.
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