Mexicana Joins Oneworld As Its 11th Full Member

Mexican airline Mexicana has joined Oneworld as its eleventh full member, with its subsidiaries MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink becoming affiliate members of the alliance. The 3 airlines bring forth an extensive Central American network to Oneworld, extending the alliance’s reach to almost 700 destinations in nearly 150 countries.

 

As part of Oneworld, members of the MexicanaGo frequent flyer program can now earn and redeem mileage awards on any of its partner airlines, with Conquer, Discover and Explore cardholders being accorded Oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby status respectively. The 100 million members enrolled in the frequent flyer programs of the other Oneworld member airlines will also be able to earn and redeem awards, as well as receive benefits on Mexicana and its subsidiaries.

 

To commemorate the joining, Mexicana has unveiled 2 aircraft, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 717, in a special Oneworld livery at its hub at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport as part of a rebranding and marketing campaign. The airline will also have its logo added to the alliance and its member airlines’ marketing platforms, while featuring the Oneworld emblem on its aircraft, advertising, publications and stationery.

 

Together with its affiliates, Mexicana serves 67 destinations in 14 countries using a combined fleet of 105 Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Fokker aircraft from its hubs in Mexico City, Cancun and Guadalajara. The airline joins American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian in Oneworld, which was recently voted the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the 2009 World Travel Awards for the seventh year running.

 

For more information, visit www.mexicana.com and www.oneworld.com.

Flydubai Touches Down In Sudan

Low cost carrier Flydubai has added its eighth route since its inaugural flight in June 2009. The airline commenced services from its base in Dubai to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan on Sunday, 8 November 2009. Onboard the inaugural flight was Flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith al Ghaith, who was welcomed by a Sudanese delegation on arrival.

 

From now until 16 December 2009, flight FZ 631 departs Dubai daily at 1845 hrs, arriving in Khartoum at 2150 hrs. The return flight, FZ 632, will depart Khartoum International Airport at 2235 hrs and land back at Dubai International Airport at 0340 hrs the next morning.

 

The outbound flight will be retimed to take off at 2045 hrs from Dubai for a 2350 hrs arrival into Sudan from 17 December 2009, with the return leg departing Khartoum at 0035 hrs and arriving back in Dubai at 0540 hrs. All flights will be operated with Flydubai’s 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

 

Khartoum is Flydubai’s third destination in Africa, after Alexandria and Djibouti. The airline is on an aggressive expansion and is set to launch flights to Baku, Azerbaijan later this month.

 

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com.

United Adds New Destinations For 2010

United Airlines has announced it will begin flights from the USA to new destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East in 2010. The Chicago-based airline will inaugurate a daily, same-plane service to Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria, as well as flights to Brussels and Bahrain.

 

Washington DC – Accra – Lagos

From 2 May 2010, United will fly non-stop from Washington DC to Accra, connecting the capital cities of the USA and Ghana. The service is United’s first-ever non-stop flight to Africa and continues to Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Flight UA 990 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 2210 hrs, arriving in Accra at 1240 hrs the next day, before continuing to Lagos at 1420 hrs where it lands at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 1625 hrs. The return flight, UA 991, takes off from Lagos at 2115 hrs for Accra, where it arrives at Kotoka International Airport at 2120 hrs, before departing at 2300 hrs back to Washington DC, where it arrives at 0625 hrs the next morning.

 

United will operate on the route daily with a 4-class Boeing 767-300ER aircraft configured with 6 First, 26 Business, 71 Economy Plus and 80 Economy Class seats. 

 

Chicago – Brussels

United Airlines will also expand its operations at Brussels with a new flight connecting the Belgian capital to Chicago. The new service, which begins on 28 March 2010, adds a second US city to the airline’s flights from Brussels, in addition to its existing Washington DC-Brussels service.

 

Flight UA 972 departs Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1800 hrs and arrives in Brussels Airport at 0920 hrs the next morning. The aircraft returns to Chicago as flight UA 973 at 1100 hrs, landing back at O’Hare International Airport at 1315 hrs.

 

Flight timings have been scheduled to allow for connections at O’Hare International Airport to cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Across the atlantic, the new route allows passengers to enjoy convenient connections to onward destinations on Brussels Airlines, which joins the Star Alliance next month. United will fly a 4-class Boeing 767 aircraft on the route daily.

 

Washington DC – Kuwait – Bahrain

Beginning 18 April 2010, United will extend its existing Washington DC-Kuwait service to Bahrain. United Airlines will become the first and only US carrier to serve Bahrain and the flight will be the only same-plane service between Bahrain and the North America.

 

Flight UA 982 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 1812 hrs, arriving in Kuwait at 1335 hrs the next day, before taking off again at 1450 hrs for Bahrain, where it arrives at 1555 hrs. The return flight, UA 981, takes off from Bahrain International Airport at 2125 hrs, landing in Kuwait at 2230 hrs. The flight continues to Washington DC at 2345 hrs for a 0647 hrs arrival the next morning.

 

Operated by a Boeing 777-200 fitted with 348 seats in a 3-class configuration, passengers can look forward to a product enhancement as the airline outfits its aircraft with the new United First and Business Class cabin product in 2010 and 2011.

 

For more information, visit www.united.com.

Air Astana Begins Almaty – Kuala Lumpur, Tiger Airways Resumes Singapore – Hat Yai

Air travellers in Southeast Asia now have greater options when flying beyond and within the region. Kazakh national carrier Air Astana has commenced flights from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur, while low cost carrier Tiger Airways returns to the southern Thai city of Hat Yai.

 

Air Astana Links Malaysia With Kazakhstan

Travellers now have a direct link when flying between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty. Air Astana has launched a weekly, nonstop service using a 2-class Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 30 Business and 190 Economy Class seats.

 

The inaugural flight on 31 October 2009 was welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, YB Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat, and officials of Malaysia Airports. Onboard the flight was the Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Committee for Civil Aviation, Talgat Lastaev, accompanied by Ibrahim Canliel, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales at Air Astana and members of the media from Kazakhstan. 

 

Flight KC 935 departs Almaty International Airport every Saturday at 0055 hrs, arriving in Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 1055 hrs. The return flight, KC 936, takes off from Kuala Lumpur at 2335 hrs, landing back in Almaty at 0625 hrs the next morning.

 

Kuala Lumpur is Air Astana’s 7th international destination in Asia and the Middle East, joining Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Dubai, Seoul and Urumqi. From its hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau, the airline flies to 44 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of Airbus A319, A320, Boeing B757, B767 and Fokker 50 aircraft.

 

For more information, visit www.airastana.com.

 

Tiger Airways Returns To Hat Yai

Singapore-based Tiger Airways has resumed flights to Hat Yai in southern Thailand. The low cost carrier will operate 3 flights a week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

 

Flight TR 132 departs Singapore at 1325 hrs, arriving in Hat Yai at 1350 hrs. The return flight, TR 133, takes off from Hat Yai International Airport at 1420 hrs, landing back in Changi International Airport at 1645 hrs. Tiger Airways will operate a 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft on the route.

 

The resumption of flights to Hat Yai increases the number of Thai destinations in Tiger Airways’ network to 4, including Bangkok (served triple daily), Phuket (served double daily) and Krabi (served 4 times weekly), which was also recently restarted in October 2009.

 

For more information, visit www.tigerairways.com.

Japan Airlines Enhances Offerings On Chicago, Los Angeles Routes, Reopens Frankfurt Lounge

Tokyo-based Japan Airlines has introduced several enhancements in the air and on the ground to selected North American and European services respectively. Passengers flying to and from Chicago and Los Angeles can now enjoy the improved product onboard the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while the airline’s lounge in Frankfurt has reopened following the completion of renovations.

 

Boeing 777-300ER Service On Chicago And Los Angeles Routes From Tokyo (Narita)

First introduced in summer 2008 on the New York and San Francisco routes from Tokyo, Japan Airlines has deployed the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its flights to Chicago and Los Angeles. The aircraft, configured in a 4-class layout, has been operating the daily JL 009/010 and JL 061/062 services to both cities respectively from 25 October 2009.

 

First Class passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of the JAL Suite reminiscent of a traditional lounge chair and convertible into a full-flat bed. JAL Executive Class – Seasons passengers are accomodated in the JAL Shell Flat Neo seats, which are softer than previous generation seats and feature slip-proof upholstery, repositioned seat controls and 15.4-inch personal screens.

 

Japan Airlines will also offer a Premium Economy product on the Chicago and Los Angeles routes with the new aircraft. The award-winning JAL Sky Shell seat offers 20% more legroom than in Economy Class, with its shell-shaped slide down recline ensuring each passenger’s personal space is maintained throughout the flight. In Economy Class, new seats incorporate a ‘hammock headrest’ for added comfort and a 9-inch personal monitor installed in the seatback. All passengers onboard enjoy Japan Airlines’ state-of-the-art MAGIC III on-demand entertainment system. 132 channels of movies, music, videos and games can be accessed at their convenience throughout the flight.

 

The twin-engined aircraft will also allow Japan Airlines and passengers to reduce their carbon footprint whilst flying.  Offering better fuel efficiency, the jet produces 20% less carbon dioxide than the 4-engined Boeing 747-400 it replaces on the routes.

 

Renovated Lounge Reopens In Frankfurt

In Europe, Japan Airlines has reopened its departure lounge at Frankfurt International Airport. Recently renovated, the new facility comprises a separate First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge and is a convenient 2-minute walk from the departure gates.

 

Modelled after the Japan Airlines’ lounges at Narita International Airport, the revamped Frankfurt lounge is spacious and well-equipped with amenities to allow passengers to relax or catch up with work before their flight. Following feedback from passengers, the facility now incorporates amenities such as shower rooms, complimentary high-speed internet access and power outlets, in addition to comprehensive business and dining options.

 

Japan Airlines flies connects Frankfurt with Tokyo daily, operating a 4-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route. Passengers can connect at Frankfurt to other destinations across Europe through the airline’s Oneworld alliance partners.

 

For more information, visit www.jal.co.jp.

In-Flight Internet Returns Onboard Lufthansa Flights

German airline Lufthansa is set to re-introduce its inflight broadband service FlyNet. From the middle of 2010, passengers will be able to enjoy communications options on-par with powerful wireless hotspots or upmarket hotels onboard the airline’s long-haul flights by logging on the network using their computers or GSM/GPRS-enabled devices from any point in the aircraft.

 

Partnering with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Lufthansa aims to install FlyNet on a major part of its intercontinental aircraft fleet within the first year of operation for the service. The improved FlyNet allows passengers to not only surf the internet wirelessly, but also send and receive emails, text messages and transfer data via their smartphones. Lufthansa is focusing on the high-bandwidth service to facilitate web surfing, file transfer and Virtual Private Networks (VPN), which will benefit business travellers who need to catch up on work whilst in the air.

 

Specific prices for the use of FlyNet has not yet been determined by Lufthansa, but the Cologne-based airline has plans to introduce different pricing models, ranging from an hourly rate to a monthly flat rate. Passengers may also be able to utilize their frequent flyer miles for the use of the service.

 

FlyNet was first introduced by the airline in January 2003, before being withdrawn at the end of 2006 by Lufthansa’s then-partner Connexion by Boeing. 69 of Lufthansa’s long-haul aircraft were fitted with the system, which had approximately 30,000 users each month. Lufthansa’s re-introduction of FlyNet follows similar services offered or planned by its competitors, including American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines and Virgin America.

 

Today, Lufthansa operates a fleet of Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 747 on intercontinental flights from Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich. The airline is set to take delivery of the double-deck Airbus A380 in early 2010.

 

For more information, visit www.lufthansa.com.

Flydubai Announces Flights To Qatar

Low cost carrier Flydubai has announced it is to grow its network and begin flights to Doha, introducing the first low-cost service on the popular route. The Qatari capital is the airline’s first destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council and will be operated twice daily.

 

From 18 October 2009, flight FZ 001 will depart Dubai at 0730 hrs, arriving in Doha at 0730 hrs before returning as flight FZ 002 at 0830 hrs, landing back in Dubai at 1030 hrs. The evening service, FZ 007, takes off from Dubai International Airport at 2020 hrs and arrives in Doha International Airport at 2020 hrs. The return flight, FZ 008, departs Doha at 2120 hrs, arriving back in Dubai at 2320 hrs.

 

Both flights have been scheduled to target peak travel times on the route, which is one of the busiest in the Middle East. Flydubai will operate the services with its Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 180 seats.

 

Launched in June 2009, Flydubai currently flies to 6 destinations (Aleppo, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, Damascus and Djibouti) within the Middle East and Africa.

 

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com.

New Southeast Asian Route Updates From KLM, Silkair

Beginning in December 2009, KLM and Silkair will add new flights to Bali and Penang respectively. The new services mark KLM’s return to the Indonesian resort island, while Silkair takes over the morning flight from sister carrier Singapore Airlines.

 

3 Times Weekly Amsterdam-Singapore-Bali Flights From KLM

Following a 12-year absence, KLM resumes services to Bali in Indonesia from 6 December 2009. KLM will operate a 2-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 35 seats in World Business Class and 390 seats in Economy Class on the route.

 

Flight KL 835 departs from Amsterdam at 2100 hrs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Singapore at 1620 hrs the next day before taking off at 1730 hrs for a 2010 hrs landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport. The return flight, KL 836, departs Bali at 2130 hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing in Changi International Airport at 0005 hrs the next morning before continuing back to Amsterdam at 0120 hrs where it arrives at 0800 hrs.

 

The tropical destination is popular amongst Dutch and European holidaymakers. With the new flights, KLM will operate 10 flights each week between the Netherlands and Indonesia, where it also flies to the capital Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur.

 

For more information, visit www.klm.com.

 

Silkair To Fly Triple-Daily On Singapore-Penang Route

Singapore-based regional carrier Silkair will increase flights on the Singapore-Penang route from 1 December 2009 when it takes over the daily morning service from affiliate Singapore Airlines. Rich in culture, history and heritage, Penang is one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations with its charming colonial buildings and famous food such as the Penang laksa and char kway teow.

 

Flight MI 352 will depart Changi International Airport Terminal 2 at 0850 hrs, arriving in Penang International Airport at 0930 hrs. The aircraft returns as flight MI 351 at 1025 hrs, landing back in Singapore at 1150 hrs.

 

Passengers who have made bookings to travel between Singapore and Penang on Singapore Airlines will be re-accomodated on Silkair flights. The airline, which began flying the route in June this year, currently operates an afternoon and evening flight using a 2-class Airbus A320. Silkair also flies to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Langkawi in Malaysia.

 

For more information, visit www.silkair.com.

Singapore Airlines Inaugurates A380 Flights To Melbourne

Singapore Airlines has launched a daily A380 flight to Melbourne. The inaugural flight, SQ 227, departed from Changi International Airport Terminal 3 at 2101 hrs yesterday and arrived in Tullamarine International Airport at 0543 hrs this morning.

 

Melbourne is the second Australian destination and sixth city in the Singapore Airlines network to receive A380 service, after Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. The airline currently operates 21 weekly flights between Singapore and Melbourne, using Boeing 777 aircraft.

 

Flight SQ 227 departs Singapore at 2100 hrs daily, arriving in Melbourne at 0610 hrs the next morning. The return flight, SQ 228, takes off from Tullamarine International Airport at 1550 hrs for a 2140 hrs landing back at Changi International Airport.

 

Singapore Airlines currently has 10 A380s in its fleet, with a further 9 aircraft on order. The airline is the second operator of the aircraft type in Melbourne, following Australian carrier Qantas, which flies the double-deck aircraft from Melbourne to Los Angeles.

 

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com.

KLM Introduces Economy Comfort Zone

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced it will offer more space and comfort with a new Economy Comfort zone onboard its aircraft on intercontinental flights. The new zone supplements KLM’s preferred seats which are available at an additional charge.

 

Economy Comfort seats offer up to 10 centimeters more legroom and back supports that recline twice as far as standard seats. While cabin service will be the same as in Economy Class, passengers will be able to disembark the aircraft first with the zone located in the front of the Economy Class cabin. With effect from November 2009, Economy Class passengers will be able to reserve seats or upgrade to the new zone at the airport with self-service check-in kiosks for an additional charge, while passengers holding fully-flexible Economy Class tickets and Platinum members of its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme can do so for free. KLM will also offer a 50% and 25% discount to Flying Blue Gold and Flying Blue Silver members respectively.

 

The new Economy Comfort zone will be available on all aircraft onboard KLM’s intercontinental fleet, with the first aircraft already converted. Conversion of the remaining aircraft, including the Airbus A330, Boeing 747, 777 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11, is currently underway and expected to be completed in time for the Economy Comfort zone’s introduction in December 2009.

 

Netherlands-based KLM currently operate services to more than 90 destinations around the world from its base at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

 

For more information, visit www.klm.com.