AirAsia sees strong demand despite crisis

Reuters reports that AirAsia expects stronger passenger growth next year as it adds new routes and planes, saying the darkening economic outlook will boost demand for its budget flights. Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost airline plans to add nine new aircraft in 2009 to its existing fleet of 72 planes, said boss Tony Fernandes. “I am [...]

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Tiger Airways bookings up despite economic crisis

The Age reports that Tiger Airways says bookings are up despite an escalating global economic crisis. A spokesman said travellers are seeking cheaper alternatives to allow them to fly by air. “We are not seeing a decline… We are seeing that people are substituting from premium carriers to budget carriers like Tiger because they still [...]

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Airline bankruptcies set to double

Reuters warns that airline bankruptcies around the world are set to double over the winter to at least 70 for the year, according to the DG of the European Regional Airlines (ERA) industry body. “We are now up to around 35 (bankruptcies) this year. I see at least that number over the winter,” Mike Ambrose [...]

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Singapore and Malaysia expand air services agreement

Xinhua reports that Singapore and Malaysia have expanded their bilateral air agreement, allowing both countries’ low cost carriers to increase services. “The new agreement gives low cost carriers of both countries the right to operate between Singapore and three cities in East Malaysia - Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Miri,” said Singapore’s transport ministry. It said [...]

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Jetstar eyes travellers watching the budget

Other Airlines Comments (0)

The New Zealand Herald reports that Jetstar is banking on budget-conscious travellers to support the airline as it expands in New Zealand and moves towards superseding some Qantas services. The subsidiary of Qantas Monday announced it would fly once a day from Auckland to Sydney and once a day to the Gold Coast from next April. Jetstar says it has overheads about 40% lower than parent company Qantas, which set it up in 2004. Jetstar CE Bruce Buchanan said that as people were forced to tighten their belts the appeal of lower fares grew. “The interesting thing will be how much the current economic climate changes the demand profiles.” Buchanan said the flights announced yesterday were complementary to Qantas’ four daily Sydney flights but if passengers demanded it, Jetstar could play a bigger part in the overall Qantas mix.

Prahok @ October 14, 2008

Cheap ticket push for Jetstar’s Auckland debut

Jetstar Asia & Valuair Comments (0)

The New Zealand Herald announced that Australian airline Jetstar will launch its transtasman services from Auckland with an $89 fare sale from midday today. The carrier this morning confirmed plans to expand its New Zealand operations and has put up hundreds of seats to Sydney and the Gold Coast at $89 for just 89 minutes. The airline will begin daily flights out of Auckland from April 28, subject to regulatory approval. Between eight and 10 per cent of Jetstar’s 5000 weekly seats would be offered at the low price, although its normal one-way fares would be the industry entry standard of $199.

Prahok @ October 13, 2008

Vietnam considers third private airline

General news Comments (0)

Thahn Nien Daily reports that the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) is considering an application for Mekong Aviation Company to become Vietnam’s third private airline operator. The airline is awaiting Ministry of Transport approval. The carrier, which will have a registered capital of US$12m, plans to start domestic flights next year from its base at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport to destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Can Tho. It is expected to operate a fleet of about 10 100-seat airplanes. The first two licensed private airlines, Vietjet Air and Air Speed Up, plan to begin operations in 2009.

Prahok @ October 13, 2008