Virgin Atlantic Airways Start New Flights Route Between Vancouver to London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic has announced a new route between Vancouver to London Heathrow. It will start in May 2012 and will continue till the end of October. It will be four-times-a-week service. The airline also added second flight to San Francisco.

Virgin Atlantic Airways yesterday announced the launch of a new seasonal route between Vancouver and London Heathrow Airport.

The new route that is expected to serve up to 40,000 travellers will be operational from May 2012 until the end of October. Virgin Atlantic will offer the flight service four times a week throughout the summer.

With London hosting the Olympic Games 2012 as well as commemorating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, the airline hopes that many Canadians would want to travel to the UK capital.

Reacting to the announcement, the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia was quoted as stating, “Today’s announcement by Virgin Atlantic, of four new weekly flights between London and Vancouver, is positive news for British Columbia’s tourism industry.”

The Premier continued, “The United Kingdom is one of our key markets and also serves as a hub for other international travellers heading to our province. Virgin Atlantic is recognized around the world as a progressive airline and we look forward to welcoming their passengers to British Columbia when their service begins next summer.”

Virgin Atlantic plans to ply Airbus A340-300s on the new London-Vancouver route. The aircraft will have a configuration of 34 Upper Class suites, 35 Premium Economy seats and 171 Economy seats. The high number of economy class seats will ensure that travellers who seek cheap flights tickets will have better chances of netting them.

Flight VS95 will depart from London Heathrow (LHR) at 1:00 p.m. and will land at the Vancouver International Airport () at 3:10 p.m. Flight VS96 will take off from YVR at 7:50 p.m. and touch down at LHR the next day at 1:45 p.m. local time.

Additionally, Virgin Atlantic announced the launch of a second service between London and San Francisco. This service will be initiated from March 2012 and will run until October 2012. It will be a three times a week service (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).

Virgin Atlantic’s Flight VS41 will leave LHR at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 4:50 p.m. local time. Flight VS42 will take off SFO at 6:50 p.m. and land at LHR the subsequent day at 1:45 p.m.

Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Executive said, “The North American market has always been at the core of our business. Our success here has been due to our investment in product innovation and our willingness to respond to customer demand.”

“With almost 20,000 people flying from the UK to Canada each month in the peak season, the UK is the largest overseas market for passengers to British Columbia,” adds Ridgway.”

He hoped that more competition will mean better services and perhaps cheap flight tickets for the passengers.

“Greater competition to both Vancouver and San Francisco will benefit passengers through improved choice and better value for money,” he was further quoted in news reports.

As per the airline estimates, the increased flight frequency to San Francisco and Vancouver will create up to 430 jobs in aviation and tourism sectors in both cities.

Republic Airways Flight Service Pilots Threatened Strike

Republic Airways airline based in Indianapolis, is the parent airline that has a Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America. Reportedly, Republic Airways airline service is threatened by strike pilots, because the pilot labor contract has expired.

Pilots who work for Indianapolis-based Republic Airways could go on strike soon, grounding thousands of flights.

The pilots union told 6News on Wednesday that there are three major issues in negotiations over a contract that ended four years ago.

Pilots said they want to protect their jobs from outsourcing, secure competitive pay and annual raises and get a change in scheduling.

Currently, pilots are only paid for the time they’re flying, not the hours they could be on a layover awaiting their next flight.

“I don’t want to see us go on strike. We understand if we do that we won’t receive a paycheck, and we have families to support as well and we also don’t want to hurt the company,” said Patrick Gannon, of the pilot’s union. “We want the company to be successful. We understand the more successful the company is, the more successful we are as a whole. We understand that. All we’re asking for is a fair contract.”

There is no set time for when pilots might strike. It depends on a federal mediator giving the OK, which could happen as early as next month.

Peter Kowalchuk, director of corporate communications for Republic, said Thursday that progress is being made in labor negotiations and that any potential strike wouldn’t affect holiday travel.

“Regardless of the strike vote, there’s a 30-day cooling off period, and even if they vote to strike, that wouldn’t happen until after the holidays,” Kowalchuk said.

Republic pilots fly a lot of connector flights for the major airlines, including those from Delta and United.

Most U.S. Airlines Raised Airfares to $10 per round trip

Most U.S. airlines raise airfares to $10 per round trip, as the airline attempts to increase revenue in the current year. These efforts have been made by the airline two weeks ago, but this attempt failed and eventually canceled.

United and Continental raised the minimum prices they’ll charge on sales and certain other fares, a spokesman said Thursday. The US Airways increase appeared to target business travelers.

The moves are the latest attempt by airlines to boost revenue during a normally slow time of year for travel. They succeeded in raising prices two weeks ago, but another fare hike last week fizzled and was eventually canceled.

US Airways Group Inc. confirmed Thursday that overnight it had raised fares by $4 to $10 per round trip. American said it was considering whether to match the increase. Southwest and JetBlue said they had not matched the increases.

Jamie Baker, an analyst for J.P. Morgan, said the US Airways price increases were on tickets favored by business travelers, including first-class and economy fares eligible for instant upgrade.

Airline officials have said that demand among corporate travelers has been holding up better than leisure travel because vacationers are more sensitive to small increases in price.

Airlines have been able to boost prices partly by limiting the number of flights and available seats. U.S. airlines have tried about 20 fare hikes this year, with half of them sticking. The others were rolled back, usually because some airlines – typically a low-cost carrier such as Southwest or JetBlue – declined to go along.

Efforts made by some airlines raise airline ticket can help increase revenue in the third quarter. Delta and United Continental Holdings Inc. earned more than $ 500 million respectively in the third quarter, while American Airlines parent AMR Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. lost money.

Chandigarh Airport Soon Come on International Aviation

Chandigarh Airport gets Customs clearance, to get immigration nod soon.
From next month, Chandigarh may soon come on the international aviation map after getting the long-awaited Customs clearance from the Union government. The Centre is also expected to provide immigration clearance soon.

The Punjab government and the airport director received the copy of the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) on August 19 giving the go-ahead for the Customs facility to be set up at the Chandigarh Airport. Around 1,500 square feet of space has been provided to Customs officials.

An officer of the rank of assistant commissioner of customs along with his team will be on duty at the airport. The clearance for immigration facility is expected within a fortnight, sources said.

“The x-ray machines to screen the baggage have already been set up at the airport and now the work is on to set up a computer system for immigration. Around 30 Punjab police personnel have been trained at the Amritsar International Airport for immigration duties and these personnel will now be sent on deputation to Chandigarh Administration so that they can be posted at the Chandigarh Airport for immigration duties,’’ said an official.

According to an Airport Authority of India survey, it is estimated that by 2013 the Chandigarh Airport will see around 15 lakh passengers. At present the passenger traffic is 6 lakh. Three years ago the passenger traffic was 1.5 lakh. It is estimated that this year it will reach 8 lakh passengers.

Sources said Air Arabia has applied to the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) to start a flight from Chandigarh to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The airline operates from various cities in the country.

Fly Dubai, a low-cost airline of Emirates Airlines, had got clearance from the Union government to fly from Chandigarh to Dubai, but could not fly as the customs and immigration clearance had not come then. Other major airlines are also expected to commence operations soon.

“Besides passenger traffic from the region, the other major reason is that the fuel cost will be less. In Delhi, the Value Added Tax is 12 per cent, here it is only 4 per cent. The parking charges are also less than Delhi.” said an officer.

A special customs counter was set up at the Chandigarh Airport during the Cricket World Cup semi final match between India and Pakistan as the Pakistan prime minister along with a delegation had flown directly from Islamabad to Chandigarh.

Get You Flight Destination with Offer Big Sale Airline Ticket from Several Major Airlines

Travelzoo is offering up deals from several major airlines that will get you to destinations across the country without breaking the bank.

AirTran Airways is one of the companies joining in on the discounts, helping travelers save as much as $200 roundtrip on competing fares.

The best part? No matter where you want to visit, there’s likely a deal to get you there. The “aggressive nationwide fare sale” is available for travel from 60 departure cities with rates starting as low as $54 each way!

Looking for an escape to France? Travelzoo can help there too.

A sale from Air France is cutting up to 35 percent off peak season fares , offering up non-stop flights through October for as little as $303 each way.

Las Vegas lovers will also score big with this week’s deals, which provide major discounts on travel through December.

Flights from across the U.S. are starting at just $24 each way, offering the perfect excuse to press your luck in Sin City. New fare sales and unadvertised price reductions will help travelers save as much as $150 off regularly priced tickets.

easyJet to increase flights to Netherlands as New Partnership Low-cost Airline With NBTC

easyJet has revealed that it is to increase the number of flights it operates to the Netherlands in a new tourism drive.

The announcement is part of a new partnership between the low-cost airline and the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) “going Dutch” to market city breaks.

The three-year deal is part of easyJet’s strategy to build up marketing partnerships with tourist authorities across Europe. The airline currently operates flights to Amsterdam from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester airports.

The airline has been flying to Amsterdam since 1996 and is forecasted to fly 3.1 million passengers to and from the Netherlands this year.

“easyJet is already a major force in tourism and commerce within the Netherlands. We have been flying to Amsterdam since 1996 and have carried a total of 23 million passengers to and from the city over that time,” said Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director.

“Working closely in partnership with the NBTC will only help to strengthen our commitment to making travel easy and affordable for passengers travelling to Holland from all over Europe and boost tourism to the country.”

In spring 2012 the airline will also be adding flights to Amsterdam from Glasgow, and their “new” airport – London Southend.

easyJet has announced plans to fly 70 flights per week from the Essex airport from 2 April 2012. Apart from Amsterdam, the list of destinations includes Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca.

easyJet claims that more than 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport, more than any other airline.

Japan Airlines and American Airlines Increase International Cargo Flight Destination and Cargo Capacity

Airlines to Utilize Worldwide Networks to Offer Customers More Routing Choices and Increased Cargo Capacity Between Asia and the Americas.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and American Airlines (American) have embarked on a closer cooperation aimed at strengthening international cargo operations for the two airlines. Their agreement, concluded in April this year, provides cargo customers with more routing choices, new destinations, and increased cargo capacity by more effectively utilizing the combined worldwide network of both airlines, covering some 300 distinct destinations worldwide, while maximizing the value of their combined routes between Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

The two airlines have begun using Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York and Honolulu as key transfer points for cargo traffic in the United States and Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya as transfer points in Japan. The agreement enhances the significance of Honolulu as an important transfer point for cargo between Asia and the Americas. The tighter cargo relationship is expected to enable both airlines to provide their respective customers with additional value, while maximizing the utilization of cargo capacity for both airlines.

In addition, new synergies between the carriers’ express products will now provide seamless transfer of express shipments between the airlines. Shipments which do not exceed 100kg will now receive immediate confirmation of space on both airlines, when customers select JAL’s J-PRIORITY and American’s EXPEDITE(SM) product for the routing.

The joint business agreement between JAL and American which began April 1, 2011, is expected to benefit customers on many levels, including cargo. Both airlines continue to explore ways in which closer cooperation can bring increased benefit to customers.

About JAL Cargo

JAL Cargo, a division of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., (JAL), provides cargo transportation services within Japan and to 17 countries and regions or 33 overseas airports utilizing the airline’s operations of approximately 1,000 flights a day on 109 domestic routes and 47 international routes (as of May 1, 2011). JAL, awarded the most punctual major global airline in 2009 and 2010, is a member of the oneworld® Alliance and has a global passenger network reaching more than 225 airports in 38 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners. With a fleet of some 220 aircraft including Boeing 777s, 767s, 737-800s, and Brazilian-made regional jets, Embraer E170, JAL serves destinations in Asia, Europe, and Oceania, as well as in North America including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver. JAL CARGO, which carried 897 thousand tons of payload in fiscal year 2010, offers a series of high-quality, tailored services collectively known as J Products that cater to the unique needs of various shipment that make all kinds of transportation possible. For more information, visit: www.jal.co.jp/en/jalcargo/.

About American Airlines Cargo

American Airlines Cargo(SM), a division of American Airlines, Inc., provides over 100 million pounds of weekly cargo lift capacity to major cities in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® regional airlines serve more than 250 cities in over 50 countries with more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world, with cargo terminals and interline connections available across the globe.

Cheap Flights Airline Jet2 Success Inaugural at East Midlands Airport

Cheap flights airline Jet2.com has made a success of its inaugural year at East Midlands Airport by providing approximately 100,000 passengers with flights to Europe.

The airline used to only have one aircraft based at the airport which serviced 7 different destinations. Now, with the addition of an extra aircraft, Jet2.com has two planes which give their customers the options for cheap flights to Europe servicing 12 popular holiday hot spots.

Jet2.com managing director Ian Doubtfire said: “We’re delighted with our first year of operation at East Midlands Airport. The growth we’ve already seen, combined with the growth planned, means we can fly more and more people living in the region where they want to go directly from their local airport. Also, with the airport benefiting from great motorway access, we are finding that our flights are drawing passengers further afield from areas including Lincolnshire and the South.”

He added that the expansion of flight routes from East Midlands Airport had led to a significant increase in cheap flights being sold in preparation for summer holidays next year. Tenerife holidays have been the most popular thus far, closely followed by flights to Paphos in Cyprus.

Jet2.com has plenty more in store for its East Midlands Airport base in terms of new flight routes. By the end of the year, Jet2.com passengers will be able to choose flights to Turkey (Bodrum), Alicante for Spain holidays, Rhodes, Majorca and Portugal.

In addition, lovers of Christmas shopping can look forward to some specially chartered cheap flights to New York at the end of the year. The airline said that it enjoyed such success with the promotion of these flights last year that felt it simply had to offer them again.

Find More Cheap Flights for Family Summer Vacation to Boston

Finding fun summer vacation trips for the family can be challenging, but also very rewarding if done right. One way to get the most bang for your buck is to see as many cities as you can on one vacation. The easiest way to do that is by heading to the East Coast.

With cities like Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., you have three options that offer endless possibilities of things to see and do – whether you’re a foodie, sports fan or culture enthusiast. If seeing amazing museums or historical sites are what you look for, these are three cities that offer some of the best in the country.

A cost-effective way to see these cities is by looking for cheap flights to Boston. Once you get there, there’s no shortage of things to see and do – and since it is where American democracy started, the historical sites are a wonderful place to begin.

The Freedom Trail is a 2 1/2-mile long red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites – a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burial grounds, parks and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and the country’s earliest days.

The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot granite obelisk that marks the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution between the more experienced and well-trained British soldiers and the newly formed Colonial army. The monument was built over a 20-year period in the mid-1800s.

After Boston, see what New York vacation packages are available. There’s enough to see and do in New York to make it a week-long trip in itself, so making it a theme trip is a great way to see a lot without getting overwhelmed.

If museums are your thing, some of the most famous in the world are in New York City. Walk along Museum Mile – a 22-block stretch of 5th Avenue from 82nd Street to 104th Street – which offers nine museum experiences, including the Guggenheim and the four-block-long Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If you prefer a more modern art experience, the Museum of Modern Art offers a six-floor extravaganza of art and sculptures from the likes of Picasso, Monet, Pollock and Warhol, to name just a few.

When you’re ready to leave New York, you’ll find that there are no shortages of cheap flights to Washington DC. There, you have the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution and its 19 museums, including the Air and Space Museum, National History Museum, African American History and Culture Museum, and the American History Museum. Most of the museums are conveniently located on the National Mall near the White House, the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and many of the popular sights.

Once you head to the East Coast, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Make sure you plan ahead to avoid getting too overwhelmed once you get there.

Virgin America Carrier Announce Reported Operation and Profit in 2010

Virgin America enjoyed its first profitable reporting period in the 2010 third quarter but was unable to sustain the momentum in the fourth quarter, posting a $25.1 million net loss, widened from an $18.8 million net deficit in the 2009 December quarter and pushing the company to a $68.7 million full-year net loss.

The 2010 deficit was narrowed from an $80.8 million net loss in 2009. The San Francisco-based carrier, which launched in August 2007, earned a $7.5 million net profit in the 2010 September quarter (ATW Daily News, Nov. 10, 2010). VX pointed to strong revenue growth in 2010 (up 32.2% compared to 2009 to $724 million) as evidence that it is progressing toward profitability, and noted that the year’s results were hurt by high fuel costs and severe winter storms in the US northeast.

“As a young airline still fueling growth, we continue to move in the right direction with our top line progress and revenue results, especially given the backdrop of global recession and an unprecedented run-up in oil prices since our 2007 launch,” President and CEO David Cush said in a statement issued Thursday. “We’re seeing strong revenue performance in 2011 and with industry capacity discipline we remain encouraged by the outlook. Oil prices remain a concern and as a result we plan to tap the brakes slightly on our 2012 growth plans. That said, as a new airline we’re still continuing to grow overall and look forward to expanding our network in major business and leisure travel destinations like Chicago.” It will launch service to Chicago O’Hare from Los Angeles (twice-daily) and San Francisco (thrice-daily) from May 25.

The carrier, which operates 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft, said its fleet will nearly triple to 113 aircraft by 2019. VX earlier this yearplaced a firm order for 60 A320s including 30 A320neos (ATW Daily News, Jan. 19).

Full-year 2010 expenses rose 25.5% to $736.5 million, including a 65.3% leap in fuel costs to $246.7 million. VX’s 2010 fuel expense was more than double any other of the company’s cost categories. It said it has hedged 50% of its 2011 projected fuel requirements. Some 77% of its first-quarter requirements were hedged at an average crude oil price of $82 per barrel.

Operating loss for 2010 was $12.4 million, narrowed from an operating deficit of $39 million in 2009. 2010 traffic increased 15.1% year-over-year to 6.24 billion RPMs on a 16.9% rise in capacity to 7.65 billion ASMs, producing a load factor of 81.5%, down 1.3 points. Yield lifted 16.1% to 10.51 cents as RASM heightened 15.6% to 9.46 cents and CASM grew 9.7% to 9.62 cents. CASM ex-fuel lowered 2.1% to 6.4 cents.