Sunday, January 24, 2010

Thai Airways International Wins Norway Grand Travel Award 2010

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has once again received an award for Best Intercontinental Airline in the Norwegian Grand Travel Award 2010. This is the sixth consecutive year that THAI has won this prestigious award. Mr. Pricha Nawongs, THAI’s General Manager for Denmark and Norway, received the award on behalf of THAI at the award ceremony in Oslo on January 7, 2010.


“I am honored to receive this award. Since the route between Oslo and Bangkok was established in June 2009, the support from the Norwegian travel trade have been amazing. The award will encourage us to work harder for the Norwegians,” said Mr. Pricha Nawongs.

The Grand Travel award was arranged for the 15th time, with 18 different categories. The nominees were elected by a travel trade jury, and the voting was done by a random selection of more than 400 travel agents all over Norway.

All three airline categories were won by Star Alliance member carriers; SAS for best domestic airline, Lufthansa for best European airline and THAI for best intercontinental airline.

Thailand was also voted for the category Best Tourist Country in the World. Over ten countries were nominated, and Thailand was the clear winner once again. Thailand has received the award more than ten times, and the award was received by Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Scandinavia, Mr. Manit Boonchim.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO FLY TO MUNICH

From 28 March 2010, Singapore Airlines’ customers can enjoy direct services from Singapore to Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. The five-times-weekly flights will operate Singapore-Munich-Manchester, departing Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.


As a result, customers travelling between Singapore and Manchester will enjoy more flight choices, up from the existing three flights a week. Passengers from Bangkok can conveniently catch the flights to Munich from Singapore. Detailed flight schedules are listed in the Annex.

Munich will be Singapore Airlines’ second destination in Germany after Frankfurt, which is served with two daily flights, one of which carries on to New York.

Customers travelling on the new service will enjoy the Airline’s latest product offerings available on the B777-300ER aircraft. This includes the new 35-inch-wide First Class seat, which provides enhanced privacy, personal attention and convenience and converts into the largest full-flat bed in the sky, complemented with luxurious soft furnishings.

Business Class features a 30-inch wide seat, the widest in its class, which may be converted into a comfortable bed, while Economy Class customers can enjoy the unprecedented comfort and space offered by all-new seats.

Customers can also take delight in the latest movies, TV programmes and a large library of CDs on the newest version of KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning inflight entertainment system available across all three classes. First Class seats are fitted with larger 23-inch screens, Business Class seats feature 15.4-inch screens and Economy Class 10.6-inch screens.

"As a key commercial and cultural centre in Germany which successfully marries tradition and modernity against a backdrop of a spectacular landscape, Munich has something for everyone, whether you are travelling for business or leisure,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions.

“With the launch of these flights, Singapore Airlines will be able to meet demand for this exciting destination, which also provides a gateway into Austria and the surrounding region. En route, customers can savour our latest product and service offerings.”

Home to more than 1.3 million inhabitants and southern Germany’s largest city, Munich marries Germany’s old Bavarian tradition with a vibrant, modern life. It is famous for its celebration of the world’slargest folk festival, Oktoberfest. An annual 16-day festival with traditional German fare and festivities, in 2010 the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest.

Munich is well known for its proximity to famous landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle, often depicted as the fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the stunning Bavarian Alps. It is also home to numerous parks, world-famous companies like BMW and one of the world’s most successful football clubs, Bayern Munich.

The addition of these flights increases Singapore Airlines’ frequency between Singapore and Germany to 19-times weekly.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

ETIHAD AIRWAYS BUILDS ON DUBLIN SUCCESS

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to increase its flying programme to Dublin following the success of its services to Ireland’s capital city, moving from its current daily service to 10 flights per week from March 28, 2010.


Etihad launched its Irish service in July 2007 with an initial four flights a week, increasing to six and then moving to a daily service in March 2008.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Dublin has been one of our most successful ever destination launches, with more than 300,000 people flying on these services since launch and an average seat factor of 80 per cent.

“We have steadily increased frequencies on the route in line with demand not only on the Dublin-Abu Dhabi route, but also via Abu Dhabi to and from our destinations in the Far East, such as Bangkok and Sydney.

“The latest increase in our Irish flying is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market.”

Supporting this increase in services, Etihad is planning a new lounge at Dublin airport, which is set to open in 2010.

The new lounge will offer Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services, including workstations, a prayer room, a relaxing seating area with Italian leather chairs, a selection of foods from around the world and luxurious bathroom and shower facilities.

Etihad Airways provides a complimentary chauffer service for its business class passengers flying into and out of Dublin airport.

The quality of Etihad’s Irish service has been recognised with two industry awards – the ‘Global Business Airline 2010’ by the Institute of Transport Management and ‘Best Business Class Airline’ at the 2008 Irish Travel Trade News Awards.

The airline has been a lead sponsor of the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2008.

Etihad operates a two cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class.

In addition to its own services to Dublin, Etihad Airways offers services on its code share partner airline Aer Arann between Dublin and Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man.
Notes:

Etihad currently operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Dublin. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a double-daily service three days a week – on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: visit www.etihadmediacentre.com

THAI and Nok Air Join Force to Boost Domestic and Regional Air Traffic

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is joining force with Nok Air. From 1 March 2010, Nok Air will operate flight to some of THAI’s domestic destinations: Phitsanulok, Ubol Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son. This cooperation will increase competitiveness of both airlines, and passengers will be able to take advantage of more convenient travel at low-fare prices while still maintaining THAI’s high safety standards.


Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company’s policy to form cooperation with Nok Air is based on its Two-Brand Strategy. Through this strategy, there will be increased cooperation in the services offered on secondary domestic and regional routes. Through THAI and Nok Air’s cooperation, passengers on these routs will continue to receive the same standard of services that they currently receive on THAI, such as: 1. Same flight frequencies, whereby there are no less flights than previously operated, 2. Same standards of aircraft maintenance, and 3. Same cockpit crew standards. THAI has made careful studies thoroughly assessed the flight sectors concerned to prevent negative impacts on customers. Connecting traffic between domestic routes from Nok Air to THAI international flights have been worked out. The cooperation will add more connecting points in the secondary domestic and regional destinations to THAI and Star Alliance’s global network. THAI will be able to better utilize its aircraft by offering more flight option to high-demand destinations, while still emphasizing its premium service standards to passengers based on its strategic plan.

The Company has conducted a study on the performance of its domestic routes during the past 10 years, particularly on secondary routes which was unprofitable for several years but operations were sustained for the travelling public. However, in order to meet demands of a continually changing international airline industry, airlines across the world, including THAI, had to adjust their strategic planning on the recovering world economy: fluctuating world fuel prices that are on the rise, and Influenza A (H1N1), in order to surpass the financial crisis and further its business operations. The Company, therefore, had to establish its corporate strategy and make adjustment on its cost to meet increased competitiveness. Over the past 5 years, losses were incurred for operational results on flights to Phitsanulok at the average of 86.3 million baht per year, to Ubol Ratchathani at 74.9 million baht per year, and to Mae Hong Son at the average of 49.9 million baht per year.

Passengers can be confident on Nok Air’s standards of flight operations and services that will be supported by THAI which is recognised for its high safety standards. In addition, passengers will continue to receive the same standards of service that they previously received from THAI, including the flight frequency and seat capacity at attractive prices.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Eurocopter inaugurates new maintenance center in Bangkok

Eurocopter announced today the inauguration of a new maintenance center in Thailand. Located near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the center has received official certification from Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).


Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA), Eurocopter's subsidiary in Singapore, has made an initial major investment in the new center, covering new facilities, specialized tools and qualification training for personnel. Further investments may be on the horizon as the center's activities increase and this includes the possible hiring and training of local Thailand technicians.

"The inauguration of this maintenance center celebrates the latest link in the network that Eurocopter continues to build throughout Southeast Asia," declared Dr. Bernhard Brenner, president of ESEA. "We are continuously developing our service offer to satisfy our customers by providing them with products perfectly suited to their current needs."

The maintenance center, registered as Eurocopter Thailand Branch, is currently certified for the EC120, AS350, EC130, EC135 and EC155 helicopters. The main activities include helicopter maintenance and training for Thai pilots and technicians. A branch of Eurocopter South East Asia, this center has been set up since June 2009. Being the pioneer and sole helicopter manufacturer with facilities in Thailand (Bangkok), Eurocopter is capable to provide turnkey solution to local customers with prompt service and support.

The first customers to entrust their helicopters’ maintenance to Eurocopter Thailand Branch are the operator Advance Aviation, with their two EC130s and EC135 and the Royal Thai Police with their two EC155s. Royal Thai Police fleet will reach 5 EC155B1 end of 2010.

Eurocopter has been present in Thailand for nearly 20 years. Approximately thirty helicopters from Eurocopter's civil range are currently operating in Thailand.
About Eurocopter South East Asia

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is in-charge of the sales and customer support activities of 14 territories in the region. In 2008, ESEA achieved a turnover of 85 million euros. With a staff-strength of nearly 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of regional sales managers and technical representatives.
About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

ETIHAD TO JOIN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL USERS GROUP

Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.


James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”

SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:

The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.

Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.

“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Air China Signs Exclusive Partnership with Expedia Affiliate Network

Air China's overseas customers can now book accommodation and flights Air China has signed an exclusive partnership with the Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN). More than 100,000 EAN products will now be available to Air China customers across 27 overseas markets.

More Product Offerings on Local Sites

This exclusive deal marks the first time that Air China has worked with a partner to offer global customers accommodation. Through this partnership, customers across 27 markets, including the UAE, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Russia, the UK and USA, can now book
hotels at the same time as booking flights.

To streamline the booking process, the majority EAN's content will be localized across global markets, with Expedia providing local language customer service support.

Mr. Jia Tie Sheng, Managing Director Sales Air China, comments, "We are constantly reviewing the functionality of our website to ensure that we are offering our users products relevant to their needs. In order to ensure efficiency and breadth of choice it was a natural progression for us to sign the partnership with EAN as they were able to work with us to create a bespoke interface that best meets the needs of our customers and our business. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with EAN."

Jens Uwe Parkitny, the Managing Director of EAN APAC, said, "We worked closely with Air China to understand their business and customer needs, and offered a solution that could bring a significant increase in customers and revenue. The ease of integration and usability of our interface is one of our key selling points and the reason we were able to partner with Air China. We look forward to working with them and seeing this partnership develop."
Air China: Carrying China, Spanning the World

Air China is China's only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member. By a fleet of 256 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, our routes serve 32 countries and regions. Thanks to our admission to the Star Alliance, our route network, with Beijing as its hub, is able to place 912 destinations in 159 countries within our reach. Air China now has 10 million PhoenixMiles members.