Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight

Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight


Air Asia, AirAsia Berhad is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Its affiliate airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have hubs in Suvarnabhumi Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport respectively. AirAsia's registered office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor while its head office is located in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia plans to open ASEAN regional headquarters in Jakarta by August or September 2011. The airline itself will maintain its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for the time being.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as (New) Bangkok International Airport, is an international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. It was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006, and opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September. The airport is currently the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers.
The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok. The name Suvarnabhumi was chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and refers to the golden kingdom hypothesised to have been located somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight: Air Asia offers 20000 seats for promotion Bangkok to Hanoi

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-23):

Air Asia’s new promotion offers free Hanoi-Bangkok flight. Air Asia is also offering free flights between Bangkok and cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani in the North eastern of the country. Seats must be booked between October 4 to 31, 2007, and travel must be made between October 15, 2007 and January 31, 2008. Only 20,000 seats are available for the promotion. The free flight includes one-way airfare only and excludes fuel surcharges, taxes and applicable fees. Seats may be purchased online at www.airasia.com and from Air Asia’s sales office in Hanoi at 30 Le Thai To Street, Hanoi. The sales office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6. p.m. Thai Air Asia is the only low fares airline operating both international and domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. (Source: CPV)


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Tourism Indochina: Southeast Asia’s Largest Budget Airline

Introduction to Air Asia

Wikipedia: AirAsia Berhad (MYX: 5099) is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Its affiliate airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have hubs in Suvarnabhumi Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport respectively. AirAsia's registered office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor while its head office is located in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia plans to open ASEAN regional headquarters in Jakarta by August or September 2011. The airline itself will maintain its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for the time being.
AirAsia won the Skytrax World's best low-cost airline award in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.[8] It has the world's lowest operating costs at $0.035/seat-kilometre in 2010. It is also the first airline in the region to implement fully ticketless air travel system.

AirAsia was established in 1993 and commenced operations on 18 November 1996. It was originally founded by a government-owned conglomerate DRB-Hicom. On 2 December 2001, the heavily-indebted airline was purchased by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes's company Tune Air Sdn Bhd for the token sum of one ringgit (about $USD0.26 at the time) with USD$11 million (RM40 million) worth of debts. Fernandes proceeded to engineer a remarkable turnaround, turning a profit in 2002 and launching new routes from its hub in Kuala Lumpur International Airport at breakneck speed, undercutting former monopoly operator Malaysia Airlines with promotional fares as low as RM1 (US$0.27).

AirAsia operates with the world’s lowest unit cost of US$0.023/ASK and a passenger break-even load factor of 52%. It has hedged 100% of its fuel requirements for the next three years, achieves an aircraft turnaround time of 25 minutes, has a crew productivity level that is triple that of Malaysia Airlines and achieves an average aircraft utilisation rate of 13 hours a day.

All scheduled AirAsia departures out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport are operated via the Low Cost Carrier Terminal. AirAsia had abolished its fuel surcharges on November 2008,but due to the rising oil price, the fuel-surcharge has been re-introduced in May 2011.

Air Asia ready to spread its wings

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-03-25):

Southeast Asia’s largest budget airline is continuing to spread its expansion with the purchase of 175 fuel-efficient A320 Airbuses at a cost about 10.5 billion. Air Asia has already acquired 50 planes from Air bus. Tony Fernandes, the Malaysia Company’s chief executive, said buying more aircraft was essential for the airline if it was going to meet the growing number of air routes and the increased liberalization of air links through out the region.


Air Asia recently gained permission of fly the lucrative Kuala Lumpur- Singapore route. Fernandes believes the A320’s vaunted fuel efficiency will help the company cope with the current high fuel prices. The air line reported a year-on- year profit increase of 15% in the third quarter of 2007, well before the traditional holiday period.

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Tourism Indochina: Unique Opportunity for NTOs to Engage Airlines

Tourism Indochina: Unique Opportunity for NTOs to Engage Airlines

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-28):

PATA is joining forces with Routes to host a unique new event that will help destinations successfully leverage airline and airport relationships. To take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 12, the inaugural Tourism and Air Services Development Summit will attract the leaders of national and regional tourism offices (NTOs) from around the world. PATA member NTO chiefs can attend for free.

"The summit is a wonderful opportunity for NTOs to explore new ways of working with airports to influence airlines in their route planning," said PATA Vice President -- Operations Michael Yates. "Airline planners will speak candidly about what they expect from destinations to help them make sound commercial decisions about network development."

The day after the summit, NTO chiefs can participate in the Routes Leaders Forum, at which aviation leaders such as British Airways' Willie Walsh and Air Asia's Tony Fernandez will focus on the theme of sustainable growth within air transport. They can then enjoy free access to the networking village at the main Routes Forum, which is world's largest trade event for airlines and airports, expected to draw more than 3,000 delegates. And, on October 14, they can attend the annual ICAO/World Bank Civil Aviation Development Forum. While the opportunity-packed programmed is free of charge for NTO chiefs, second delegates can attend for a special fee of US$795.



Written by Ozgur Tore


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Tourism Indochina:AirAsia Abolishes Fuel Surcharges across its Entire Network

Tourism Indochina:AirAsia Abolishes Fuel Surcharges across its Entire Network

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-11-18):

Asia’s leading low cost carrier, AirAsia has announced that it will be the first in the world to waive fuel surcharges across its entire network including AirAsia X destinations.

Beginning on Tuesday, November 11 both international and domestic passengers flying with AirAsia and AirAsia X will only have to pay the airlines low fares, airport taxes and administration fees.

AirAsia will commemorate this special “No more Fuel Surcharge” initiative with the launch of a regional campaign, which will give away 500,000 free seats.

AirAsia passengers can book their free seats* to all of the airlines destinations with no fuel surcharge from 12– 16 November 2008 for travel between 22 June – 24 October 2009.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia Berhad said: “We make every effort to ensure that we measure up to our guests’ expectations and give them the best value for their travel plans. With our brand new modern fleet fitted with leather seats and spacious cabin, an array of hot meals to choose from, high quality service, fun and friendly cabin crew, our On Time Guarantee services and now, topped with AirAsia’s “No Fuel Surcharge” initiative, AirAsia is indeed the airline to travel with.

“AirAsia’s No Fuel Surcharge is aimed to live up to AirAsia’s commitment in offering truly low fares. We believe in giving a fair and positive experience. This initiative recognizes the current economic situation and the need to provide more affordable and transparent air fares for business and leisure travellers. To top it all, we are offering 500,000 free seats to all AirAsia domestic, regional and international destinations and will shoulder the fuel surcharges from now on as a token of gratitude to our loyal guests.”

Mr Fernandes continued: “With the current economic uncertainties, we understand how important low cost travel is to the people and the economy of ASEAN countries. By abolishing our fuel surcharges, our low fares will stimulate new demand and boost tourism, thus bringing new revenue through visitor spending, stimulating employment, export earnings, and foreign investment. In addition, our increased flight frequencies and low fares can also help to bridge strong social and family ties especially for expatriates by providing accessible opportunities to return home.

“When other airlines began levying higher fuel surcharges after international fuel prices skyrocketed, AirAsia maintained the same low fuel surcharge. Instead, we expanded our route network strategically tapping new underserved markets and we use innovation and technology to remain at the forefront. Being the


1 people’s airline, it is our commitment to offer the lowest fares and provide an amazing 5-star value to our guests.”

With the launch of AirAsia’s “No More Fuel Surcharge” initiative today, AirAsia’s published fares will exclude airport taxes and administration charges.


Source ETB

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Tourism Indochina: Suvarnabhumi Airport is Getting Back to Business

Tourism Indochina: Suvarnabhumi Airport is Getting Back to Business

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2008-12-08):

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport resumed full services from 11 am (0400 GMT) on Friday, after the end of an eight-day siege by anti-government protestors on Wednesday.

Among the airlines resuming operations on Friday were Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways AirAsia and Bangkok Airways.

Emirates, Qantas and Jet Airways resumed full services on Saturday while Lufthansa resumed scheduled flights to Suvarnabhumi on Sunday.

Other major airlines are in the process of resuming their operations to Suvarnabhumi and will continue to do so in the coming days.

At 9am on Friday morning, acting Transport Minister Santi Promphat joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) officials and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to inspect Suvarnabhumi’s readiness.

Mr Santi expressed confidence that Suvarnabhumi airport is 100 per cent secured, and said that the government would be dedicated to restoring the confidence of tourists and businessmen.

Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts, General Manager Andrew J Wood expressed the sentiments which are no doubt being felt by all in Thailand’s tourism industry, “we are all looking forward to getting back to business as usual”.

Six Senses Resorts & Spas, Chief Marketing Officer, Raymond Hall has urged Australian not to reconsider their travel plans to Thailand.

“As an Australian living in Bangkok, I have no hesitation at all in saying to come. Thailand has not changed and is still a great experience and is affordable. The demonstrations were unfortunate, to say the least, however, like Australia, Thai politics can be robust.”

He continued, “Quite frankly, many thousands of Thai hospitality workers need the Australian market to have confidence that Thailand has not changed fundamentally. It is still the land of smiles, however corny that may sound, and the hospitality is legendary.

“Already it is possible to get peak period accommodation at low season rates at may destinations, including at Six Senses properties in Hua Hin, Samui, Phuket, and Yao Noi and Naka – just beyond Phuket.

“As far as I am concerned, personal safety of visitors was not an issue in the recent demonstrations. The airport issue was a huge inconvenience to many visitors and very embarrassing to almost all Thais. It really is a great time to visit in a period in which it is often difficult to get accommodations, it is now possible to have choices and at great rates.”

The damage to Thailand’s tourism industry has been colossal with the airport shutdown already costing the tourism- and export-dependent economy hundreds of millions of dollars.

Thailand authorities have said that they are prepared to weather the storm, "We might lose about one million (tourists) but not more than that," Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, referring to a target of 15.5 million arrivals this year, a 7 percent rise from 2007.

"Most of our tourists are repeat travellers. I've talked to many of them. They said they will come back and they're not worried," she said.

Thailand’s tourism directly employs 1.8 million people and brings in the equivalent of 6 percent of GDP to the county’s coffers.

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Tourism Indochina: Taiwan's TransAsia Airways to fly Taipei Siem Reap route

Tourism Indochina: Taiwan's TransAsia Airways to fly Taipei Siem Reap route

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-12-31:)

Taiwan's TransAsia Airways is slated to launch its first direct charter flight Friday between Taipei and the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, the gateway to the world renowned temple complex of Angkor Wat.

Joe Chu, the airline's sales manager, said that the new service will fill a gap in market demand left by the previous airline that flew the route. It will also save travel time to the famous Cambodian tourist attraction, which is listed as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Far Eastern Air Transport, which in cooperation with the Cambodia-based Angkor Airways used to provide regularly scheduled flights on the route, canceled the service in May due to financial difficulties.

Chu said that TransAsia Airways, which will be the only airline serving the route, will fly 15 charters a month, serving only tour groups and travelers that join foreign independent travel (FTI) packages offered by the travel agencies.

The initial response to the charter scheme, which will continue for at least for one year, has been good, with the first two scheduled charters already fully booked, he added

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Tourism Indochina: Singapore Air Cargo pilots offered unpaid leave on demand slump

Tourism Indochina: Singapore Air Cargo pilots offered unpaid leave on demand slump

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-01-05:)

Singapore Airlines Ltd., the world’s biggest airline by market value, said its cargo unit is offering pilots as much as 30 months’ unpaid leave because of slumping air-freight demand.

The cargo unit is also planning to park some aircraft over the next few months, airline spokesman Stephen Forshaw said in an e-mail today. The airline’s passenger unit isn’t planning any similar steps at present, he added.

Singapore Airlines joins Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. in offering employees unpaid leave, as airlines battle to cut costs amid slowing demand. Global freight traffic fell 13.5 percent last month from a year earlier, the sixth straight decline, while passenger traffic dropped for the third month in a row, the International Air Transport Association said yesterday.

“SIA Cargo needs to do all it can to contain costs,” Forshaw said. The freight unit has about 300 pilots, while Singapore Airlines employs about 2,000 pilots, the Business Times said today, when reporting the plans.

The cargo unit posted an operating loss of S$76 million ($53 million) in the six months ended September, compared with a S$19 million profit a year earlier, the airline said in November.

Singapore Airlines started the cargo division in 1992. The unit operates 14 Boeing Co. 747-400F freighters as well as using capacity on Singapore Airlines’ passenger aircraft, according to the company’s Web Site.

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Tourism Indochina: Will Thai Airways have the courage of Malaysia Airlines

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-01-31):

Repeated rumors about Thai Airways International quasi-bankruptcy have surfaced in Thailand’s newspapers over the last ten days, forcing the country’s national carrier to issue a release to officially deny it. But, according to The Nation newspaper, Thai management last Thursday also had to reassure the airline’s employees assuring of “stable outlook’” and adding also that staff lay-offs would be the last option.

It is definitely true that the airline will not go bankrupt. Thailand’s government, which holds 51 percent of the airline through the Ministry of Finance, will not let it happen. Thai Airways might even get a financial injection due to a severe liquidity shortage. The airline needs some Baht 19 billion (US$ 540 million) to resolve its liquidity problems. It has earlier discussed an agreed with Airbus to postpone the first payment of six new Airbus A330-300 by three months. The six jets must be delivered over the year and replace aging aircraft such as Airbus A300 and Boeing 747-300.

Thai Airways lost already Baht 6.6 billion (US$ 188 million) during the first nine months of the year with experts estimating now that the airline could lose up to US$ 300 million. In an interview conducted in late December, Thai Airways executive vice president for commercial and marketing Pandit Chanapai estimated that the closure of both Bangkok airports between November and December had cost the airline some Baht 500 million per day.

However, Bangkok airports’ woes just accelerated a rapid downturn in the airline’s fortune. If Thai Airways wants to survive, it has to change its way to conduct business and get rid of political interference, nepotism and its culture of inefficiency. In the last decade, Thai Airways’ strategy has been constantly fluctuating due to regular changes in its board of directors. They are generally acknowledged as rather incompetent as most of them are political appointees.

Thai Airways currently has one of the oldest fleet of any large Southeast Asian carrier. On average, 11.6 years with over 20-years old aircraft such as Airbus A300 and Boeing 747-400.

Adding to the airline’s woes is its overstaffing problem. The airline currently has 27,000 employees, compared to 14,000 at Singapore Airlines or 19,000 at Malaysia Airlines.

The Thai flag carrier is also struggling to build an efficient air hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. complete missed integration of low cost subsidiary Nok Air into Thai’s network strategy, the forced transfer of some domestic routes to Don Muang or Thai website’s failed revamp can be described at best as “misguided” strategic decisions from the board.

Transport Minister Sopon Sarum acknowledged himself recently the need to have a board of directors capable to deal with hard times. “The new board must consist of people who can devote themselves and their time to their work,” the minister explained.

Under close scrutiny are all perks and advantages provided to all employees and especially directors and board members. The Bangkok Post revealed that the minister would like to review various allowances for fuel expenses, entertainment and attending board of directors meeting. Each year, directors, their families and accompanying passengers are entitled to 15 free first-class tickets for domestic and international routes with previous directors and their families to pay only 25 per cent of normal fares for up to 12 international and six domestic trips per year. Staff can enjoy up to 90 percent discount on air tickets, according to The Bangkok Post.

Although Thai Airways can’t indulge itself such luxuries for its employees, it is unlikely that anything will happen. The Minister will definitely face resilience from Thai staff with a board of directors watering down any decision until another Minister of Transport takes over. It is also unlikely that Thai Airways will reduce its staff, many of them being there thanks to their connections. “Retrenching employees will be the last option,” reassures Chanapai.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij asked already Thai Airways management to present a restructuration plan that will lead to financial sustainability of the airline and have long-term effects. Only a credible plan would open up the doors to the Ministry’s generosity.

Some measures have already been taken but they are certainly insufficient. According to Chanapai, Thai has started restructuring its network. Non-stop very long haul routes from Bangkok to Los Angeles and New York are already gone, Johannesburg was close on January 16 and Auckland is now under review.

“With the sharp decline in markets such as Korea and Japan, we think to provide more intra-orient flights,” added Chanapai.

Under consideration are frequencies such as Bangkok-Manila or Taiwan-Japan or Bangkok-Manila-Korea. Chanapai would also like to fly to the USA via Mainland China. Capacities will now be adjusted strictly to demand and not anticipated with a close eye on yields. But rather to close routes, Chanapai is keener to play on frequencies.

The airline wants also to renegotiate fees with its GDS. “It still costs us US$3 per transaction,” stresses the executive vice president. Other decisions include the reshaping of Thai website. “Only 3 percent of our sales are on the web as we would like to reach at least 12 percent”.

And by next March, Thai will finally retransfer all its domestic operations from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi.

Financial relief will also come from the end of a costly fuel hedging operation in March and an anticipated travelers’ come-back in the second half of the year. Despite controversies about the delivery of new Airbus A330, the brand new aircraft will help Thai airways to cut its fuel and maintenance costs substantially. But Thai Airways must further act and is due to present more measures in February. And they should be painful, if politics allow it.

The airline could take its inspiration from its Malaysian neighbor. Managed in a similar way to Thai Airways today, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2006. It went then through a painful but successful restructuring process. With new cash injected into the airline, Malaysia’s government also told the management that it would be the last time they would bail out the national carrier. But they also promise not to interfere into MAS management and commercial decisions. Today, Malaysia Airlines is again profitable. A lesson to be meditated by Thai authorities and Thai Airways board of directors.

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Tourism Indochina: Korean Air Set to Purchase Two Additional A380s

Tourism Indochina: Korean Air Set to Purchase Two Additional A380s

Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. (KRX: 003490), operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45 countries, while its domestic division serves 20 destinations. It is among the top 20 airlines in the world in terms of passengers carried and is also the top-ranked international cargo airline. Incheon International Airport serves as Korean Air's international hub. Korean Air also maintains a satellite headquarters campus at Incheon.

Korean Air's main global headquarters campus, the Korean Air Operations Center (대한항공 빌딩[1]), is located in Gonghang-dong, Gangseo-gu in Seoul. Korean Air also maintains a domestic office campus at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. Korean Air's lesser domestic hubs are based at Jeju International Airport, Jeju and Gimhae International Airport, Busan. The maintenance facilities are located in Gimhae International Airport.

Skytrax rates Korean Air as a four-star (out of five) airline. As of Spring 2011, Korean Air offers the broadest selections of Asian routes departing from North America. Its main rival is Asiana Airlines, the second largest South Korean carrier. Korean Air is a founding partner airline of SkyTeam, the world's second largest airline alliance.

Korean Air was founded by the South Korean government in 1962 as Korean Air Lines to replace Korean National Airlines,which was founded in 1946. On 1 March 1969 the Hanjin Transport Group took control of the fledgling airline. Long-haul freight operations were introduced on 26 April 1971 followed by passenger services to Los Angeles International Airport(LAX) on 19 April 1972.

International flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Los Angeles were flown with Boeing 707s until the introduction of Boeing 747 in 1973. In 1973, KAL introduced Boeing 747s on their Pacific routes and started a European service to Paris using the 707 and DC-10. In 1975 KAL became one of Airbus's first Asian customers with the purchase of three A300s, which were put into immediate service on Asian routes.

Korean Air has announced plans to purchase two additional A380 superjumbo jets from Airbus, at a cost of approximately USD$514 million in list price terms.

The two new aircraft orders will be delivered in May and June, 2014. Airbus is set to deliver the eight previously ordered A380s to Korean Air between 2010 and 2013.


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Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Offers 500,000 FREE seats to Exciting Holiday Hotspots

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-02-11):

AirAsia is offering 500,000 FREE seats on flights to the most exciting holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, China and Australia.

AirAsia’s FREE seats promotion will take travellers to holiday hotspots Bali, Bangkok, Gold Coast, Haikou, Hangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Melbourne, Perth, Phuket, Shenzhen, Siem Reap, Singapore, Yogyakarta and many more. .

Travellers who would like to take advantage of this fabulous offer simply have to book online at www.airasia.com or via mobile phone at mobile.airasia.com. .

The free seats are available for bookings made from 10 - 15 February, 2009 for travel from 12 October, 2009 to January 31, 2010.

AirAsia’s no fuel surcharge policy means that passengers will simply have to pay for airport tax and administration fee.

Guests may also buy complete holiday packages at goholiday.airasia.com, where they will by able select their holiday lodgings from over 50,000 hotels. .

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia said, “During a time when most people are cutting down on traveling and holiday-making, AirAsia comes up with an irresistible alternative that reinforces its commitment to grow tourism in the region.

“Our 500,000 regional free seats campaign is an important impetus to boost tourist numbers and spread the economic benefits brought on by tourism. We continue our role as the chief campaigner for tourism in this part of the world.

“This campaign allows travelers from all sectors to easily fly to our destinations and experience more of the region’s unique cultural offerings and enjoy various oriental landscapes. We foresee interest in Southeast Asia and China to snowball among travelers from within and from outside the region.”

“With the ongoing expansion of AirAsia’s fleet, opening of new routes and addition of flight frequencies, AirAsia is best positioned to cater to the growing interest in regional travel.

“AirAsia aims to increase its share in the world market for tourists and to fly these tourists all around Asia Pacific. This should speed up development of tourism and transportation infrastructure here,” Kathleen added.

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First Boeing 747:8 resplendent in Lufthansa livery

The first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental emerged from the paint hangar at Boeing’s Everett factory near Seattle on Sunday resplendent in the Lufthansa livery. The fuselage is painted in the classic Lufthansa White, while the tailfin and the Lufthansa logo on the fuselage are painted in Night Blue. The Lufthansa emblem on the tailfin – an encircled crane in flight – is offset in Night Blue against a Melon Yellow background.

After completing extensive ground tests, the aircraft will undergo initial test flights in November, and is scheduled to go into service next spring with the registration D-ABYA. Lufthansa is the launch customer for the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 and has therefore been involved from the outset in the design of the aircraft. The Boeing 747-8 has been stretched by six metres compared with the Boeing 747-400. The new Jumbo measures 76.3 metres in length, making it the world’s longest passenger airliner.

The Boeing 747-8 is also setting new standards in terms of sustainability. For example, the redesigned wings with their state-of-the-art profile and ranked wingtips give the aircraft an aerodynamic advantage. In addition, the newly developed GEnx-2B67 engines offer greater fuel efficiency as well as reduced emissions and noise levels. The Boeing 747-8 consumes 13 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400.

Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8s, which are due for delivery from the beginning of 2012 through to mid-2015, and also has options on a further 20 aircraft. Source ETB

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines to open direct flight to the US

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines to open direct flight to the US

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-02-18):

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced a new plan to open direct flights to the U.S in 2010 if conditions are right, three years later than its earlier plan which was delayed for three years.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed that it would open direct flights to the U.S once the carrier is again economical strong enough.

At the moment, the airlines is preparing the market and planes to reach the goal of direct flights to the US by 2010.

According to the Vietnam Aviation Department, the US is a difficult market, and that aviation authorities in the country impose many conditions on airlines wanting to open direct flights to the country.

Besides making the airlines follow the US’ tight security and safety regulations, US aviation authorities also require airlines to supply a passenger list with personal information on all passengers on-board the planes four hours before take-off. This is an unprecedented condition, not require by most other countries. However, the US remains the number one aviation market, so most airlines in the world want enter it. That is why Vietnam Airlines is trying to open direct flights to the country, even in this time of worldwide economic crisis.

Like other airlines around the world, Vietnam Airlines’ number of passengers and cargo flights are decreasing.

In the first quarter of 2009, the number of international passengers traveling with the airline fell 5%, and the airline has set a target to carry only around 9.4 million passengers in this challenging year of 2009.

Last year, Vietnam Airlines carried nine million passengers.

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Tourism Indochina: Guests commend Airasia's self check in service

Tourism Indochina: Guests commend Airasia's self check in service

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-02-22)

AirAsia guests have commended the airlines’ latest addition to its self check-in facility – the web check-in that was made available from Tuesday, 17 February 2009.

With the new innovation, air travelers can now save time on pre-departure procedures by using the free- of-charge web check-in facility implemented across AirAsia and AirAsia X’s entire network.

“This is a wonderful innovation. With AirAsia’s web check-in, I can perform check-in myself in the office. I do not have to worry about long queues at the counters anymore. It allows me to plan my trip better and saves me a lot of time, and it minimizes chances of missing my flight,” said Janice Kuek, an AirAsia guest from Kuala Lumpur when met at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal today.

The web check-in facility allows AirAsia and AirAsia X guests to skip long check-in queues at the airport if they web check in at www.airasia.com from 48 to 4 hours before their scheduled flight departure.? Web check in is available for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights.

During web check-in, guests may also opt for AirAsia’s Baggage Supersize and “Pick A Seat,” new services that allow for carriage of more baggage weight and the option to choose seats, respectively. “Pick A Seat” has been smoothly implemented on all AirAsia flights beginning 17 February 2009.

Another guest, Nazatul Ismail Kamaruddin from Sungai Buloh who was en route to Bandung for a holiday with his family, said: “The web check-in is really convenient for me and my family. All we need to do upon reaching the airport is present our printed boarding passes and drop our luggage at the special counter. Also, with Pick A Seat, we no longer have to worry about rushing to board the aircraft. With a nominal fee we can choose where we want to sit, and that is important for a family with small kids like us.”

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, “At AirAsia, long check-in queues will be history.? We have invested in technology that now offers web check-in services to guests flying across our network of over 114 routes to over 64 destinations.? With our increasing use of technology to enhance services, we stay in step with the needs of our guests, who call for convenience in their travels.”

AirAsia’s web check-in is complemented by the self check-in kiosks that allow self-check in from 6 to 1 hour before departure. Airports that allow kiosk check-in include those in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang), Thailand (Chiang Mai, Hatyai, and Phuket) and Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali).

With the latest addition of web check-in facility, AirAsia now boasts of three check-in options for its guests:? via web at www.airasia.com, self check-in kiosk at selected airports, and through conventional check-in counters at airports.

“We expect our host of check-in options to increase demand for AirAsia seats, especially among professionals and young adults who gravitate towards fast and efficient do-it-yourself electronic services.? This increase in demand can only strengthen AirAsia’s lead among low-cost airlines in Asia.? Our string of innovations brings ease of travel to guests from Southeast Asia, China, Bangladesh, India, Australia and UK.? These electronic services are incredibly user-friendly; guests from all walks can easily use them,” Kathleen said.

Check In Options

1. To check in via the web, guests must log on to www.airasia.com between 48 to 4 hours before flight departure, key in details pertinent to their travel, then print their web check-in boarding passes.

2. To check in via self check-in kiosk, guests need to key in details pertinent to their travel into self check-in machines at selected airports.

3. At the airport, domestic travelers with check-in baggage go to the baggage drop/document check counter before proceeding to the departure gate.?

4. All international travelers go to the document check counter for baggage check-in, if needed, and travel document verification before proceeding to immigration and departure gates.

5. Domestic travelers with check-in baggage and all international travelers need to receive verification stamps on their web check-in boarding pass before proceeding to the departure gate.

Web and kiosk check-in are available to guests except those who are expectant mothers, traveling with infants, 16 years old and below and traveling alone, traveling in a group of more than 9 under the same reservation number, and those who have reduced mobility and special needs and who book flights using credit cards within 24 hours of flight departure.? Kiosk check-in is not available to guests who fly within 12 hours after booking their seats? Other terms and conditions apply.


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Tourism Indochina: Gulf Air signs on for four new Boeings

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-02-25 ): Intent on continuing re-fleeting and product-enhancement plans, Gulf Air signed an agreement with Jet Airways late last week to lease four new Boeing 777 ER aircraft.

The national carrier of Bahrain will receive three aircraft during March of this year and the fourth plane will arrive in May.

Trade Arabia reported that the new Boeings will slowly replace the Airbus 340s, serving routes between London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and intra Gulf routes.

“The introduction of these four aircraft is another important step in our strategic direction towards re-fleeting, enhancing our product and strengthening our presence as the carrier of choice in the Middle East and beyond” said CEO.

As the largest long-range twin-engine commercial airplane in the world, the wide-body Boeing 777-300ER will feature a three class configuration with a total of 312 seats.

“It will further strengthen our successful hub-and-spoke network and our operational efficiency while offering enhanced passenger comfort and flying experience”

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines aims to rank second in South East Asian

Vietnam Airlines aims to rank second in South East Asian

Vietnam Airlines Company Limited, trading as Vietnam Airlines (Vietnamese: Hãng Hàng không Quốc gia Việt Nam), is the national flag carrier of Vietnam. It was established as a state enterprise in April 1989, and is headquartered in the Long Bien district of Hanoi, with hubs at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. From there, the airline flies to 46 destinations in 19 countries, excluding codeshares, using its fleet of 69 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines was subsequently formed in 1996, after bringing together several service companies. The company is overseen by a seven-seat management board, members of which are appointed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Vietnam Airlines was the major stakeholder in Vietnam's second largest carrier, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, but its share has recently been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, then subsequently, to the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC).

With the core activity of the airline being passenger transportation, Vietnam Airlines also earns revenue from catering and the maintenance and overhauling of aircraft through a number of its subsidiaries. The maintenance and overhauling of aircraft is handled by Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO), while the former is performed by Noibai Catering Services Join-Stock Company and Vietnam Air Caterer, who cater airlines that use Vietnam Airlines’ hubs for the flag carrier. The airline also controls and operates its cargo division, Vietnam Airlines Cargo, using the airline’s luggage hold on its passenger fleet, as well as a number of dedicated airplanes.2 Vietnam Airlines owns 100% of Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO)—a regional airline in southern Vietnam, and 49% of Cambodia Angkor Air—the national flag carrier of Cambodia.

The airline is ranked as a 3-star airline according to the independent research consultancy firm Skytrax. Vietnam Airlines became a member of SkyTeam on 10 June 2010 making it the sole Southeast Asian carrier to join that airline alliance. During the months of September and October 2010, Vietnam Airlines was slated to manage all the transportation for the Miss World beauty pageant in its capacity as the official airline of the contest, although recent rumours of Vietnam's withdrawal as host have cast doubt on this. Recently, Miss World had decided to hold the contest in Sanya, People's Republic of China.

Vietnam Airlines has set out to achieve its 2015 goal to become the second largest airline in the South East Asian region, just after Singapore.

As planned, Vietnam Airlines will improve the quality of its services in addition to expanding its aircraft fleet to 104 in 2015 and 150 in 2020.

Vietnam Airlines currently ranks fourth in the region with 50 aircraft operating on 29 domestic and 36 international air routes.

Vietnam Airlines believes this goal will become attainable through a direct focus on upgrading air routes, developing infrastructure, training pilots and improving maintenance work.

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Airlines lose $1.7 billion from volcanic ash

Airlines lost more than $1.7 billion in revenue during the six days after the initial eruption of the Icelandic volcano, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated on Wednesday.

During the three-day period from 17-19 April, when disruptions were greatest, the lost revenues reached $400 million per day.

"At the worst, the crisis impacted 29% of global aviation and affected 1.2 million passengers a day" said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.

"For an industry that lost $9.4 billion last year and was forecast to lose a further $2.8 billion in 2010, this crisis is devastating.

"It is hitting hardest where the carriers are in the most difficult financial situation. Europe's carriers were already expected to lose $2.2 billion this year—the largest in the industry,"

IATA is now urging airports and governments to help mitigate the financial impact on airlines.

"London Heathrow and Dubai are waiving parking fees and not charging for repositioning flights. Others airports must follow" said Bisignani.

He also requested that airports relax their rules on take-off and landing slot allocation and governments to relax bans on night flights to get passengers home as soon as possible.

The EU was also urged to ease its passenger care regulations, IATA saying it was "unfair" that airlines were held responsible to pay for hotels, meals and telephones for stranded passengers when the volcanic crisis was "completely beyond the control of airlines."

Governments were also asked to help carriers recover the cost of the disruption.

"I am the first one to say that this industry does not want or need bailouts. But this crisis is not the result of running our business badly.

"It is an extra-ordinary situation exaggerated with a poor decision-making process by national governments. The airlines could not do business normally."

Source: ETB

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Virgin Blue orders 105 planes

Virgin Blue announced today its signing of an agreement with Boeing for its largest order of aircraft ever.

It has signed for up to 105 brand new 737 aircraft, completing nine months of negotiations between the carrier and the aircraft manufacturer.

The order includes 50 firm B737-800NG aircraft, with flexibility to convert to either B737-700 or B737-900, 25 additional firm delivery positions secured as options and 30 future purchase rights.

Virgin Blue did not disclose the pricing of the aircraft but said that it expected to finalise its funding arrangements for the aircraft soon.

Delivery is scheduled from June 2011 through to 2017, the carrier said.

The new aircraft is expected to replace Virgin Blue’s existing narrow body fleet, while the remainder will be deployed to new routes and boost frequency where demand dictates.

“Securing this agreement now places Virgin Blue in a strong position to prepare for steady future growth as domestic and short haul markets recover” said Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey in a statement.

“It will also ensure a turnover of aircraft to maintain the youngest fleet of modern aircraft which is crucial for maintaining our commitment to on-time performance and the lowest cost base possible.”

Source ETB

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AirAsia causes concern for Vietnam Airlines

AirAsia’s plan for a joint venture with a local Vietnam carrier has jolted a nervous Vietnam Airlines into action, urging the government this week to stop the move.

Last month, the Malaysian budget carrier purchased a 30 percent stake in Vietnam’s local VietJet Air. The carriers announced soon after joint venture plans for a new budget airline which was approved by the Ministry of Transport.
According to Thanh Nien Daily, VietJetAirAsia will operate both international and domestic flights starting May.

However, in a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Vietnam Airlines asked the government to prevent the venture from materialising.

The carrier said AirAsia’s stake in VietJet was only a ploy to enter the domestic market.

Vietnam Airlines said foreign carriers such as AirAsia and Jetstar were taking advantage of the government’s 30 percent cap on foreign ownership in a local airline.

It said the trend of foreign airlines coming into the country to purchase stakes in local carriers was bound to harm the local industry.

If the venture goes ahead, Vietjet AirAsia will compete directly with Jetstar Pacific, who has not raised any objection to the planned venture. Source ETB

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Cambodia Travel, Cambodia Tours: Cambodian domestic flights

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian government will not renew its agreement with Bangkok Airways, under which the Thai-owned airline flies Cambodian domestic routes, when it expires on Oct. 25, local media reported on Friday, citing a senior aviation official.

State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Secretary of State Mao Havannal was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that the decision was made to give a boost to the new national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), which made its maiden flight on July 28. "Now that we have our own domestic airline, Bangkok Airways will not be allowed to continue flights when the agreement finishes on Oct. 25," he said. Bangkok Airways has been flying four flights daily between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap since taking over the route last November when its subsidiary, Siem Reap Airways, was grounded by the SSCA. SSCA Cabinet Chief Long Chheng said Thursday that the body sent Bangkok Airways a letter last week informing it of the decision.

Bangkok Airways Acting Country Director Amornrat Kongsawat has not been available for comment.

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THAI says goodbye to Don Mueang airport

THAI says goodbye to Don Mueang airport

THAI Airways will stop using Don Mueang airport and operate all flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport as of March 29, acting THAI president Nargongsak Sangkhapong said Friday.

Under the single-airport policy, all 23 of Don Mueang’s THAI flights will be transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport, in an effort to strengthen the airport as a major hub for THAI and Star Alliance.

THAI’s decision to cease domestic and international operations from Don Mueang is expected to save the national flag carrier an estimated Bt600 million in salaries and operational overhead costs annually.


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