Philippines plans to order at least 100 new aircraft after San Miguel Corporation becomes an investor
Philippines (Philippine Airlines) (Manila) according to this report by Bloomberg, plans to order at least 100 new aircraft while doing more business with Boeing, resuming flights to Europe and increase its routes and destinations in the United States. The flag carrier is expanding after it sold a share in the airline to the San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
According to Bloomberg, Lucio Tan and SMC “will provide $1 billion to help fund the fleet plan, Ramon Ang, president of the airline and of San Miguel, said in an interview in Manila. San Miguel will inject $750 million in PAL and affiliate Air Philippines Corporation, including a $500 million stake purchase, while billionaire Lucio Tan will deliver the rest”.
PAL is looking at adding New York, Chicago and Florida.
Some of the new aircraft will go to Air Philippines.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Micheil Keegan.
Philippines Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Flybe redefines its product and brand
Flybe (Exeter) has announced a significant brand and product repositioning under the tagline “Making Flying Better” to help differentiate itself from the negative perceptions of low-fare travel.
According to the airline, “Making flying better” philosophy has three key objectives:
- Increasing our flight frequency and connections to offer greater choice and flexibility.
- Transparency pricing and booking processes to make it easier for our customers to understand.
- To reduce the hassle of air travel through UK airports.
Flybe continues in their announcement, “a number of recent initiatives by Flybe that are very much part of the ‘Making flying better’ concept, are already proving a success with passengers, particularly the arrival of the new Embraer 175 jet aircraft that are now flying across the network; and the launch of Flybe’s innovative Manchester hub that offers extra regional connections for the UK traveller.
At the heart of “Making flying better” is a fair, open and transparent approach to sales and service policies. Included amongst many of the new product initiatives to be rolled out during 2012 are the following that have been introduced:
- No charges for customers paying by debit card
- Credit card customers being charged on a per booking basis regardless of the number of passengers in the booking
- Creation of three new ticket types:
- 1. Essentials: this is Flybe’s lowest fare ticket that has no debit card charges, 10kg hand baggage allowance and seat selection at check in.
- 2. New Economy: A brand new ticket which, in addition to the free use of cards and 10kg hand bag allowance, also includes – in one upfront inclusive price – a free standard sized hold bag, free advance seat selection at the time of booking, a changeable ticket (which may incur a fare upgrade) plus a free SMS text message detailing the booking information. Prices for this ticket start at under £50.
- 3. Plus: Flybe has retained its top end product with a ticket that includes all the flexibility and comfort a short haul business traveller needs, including Executive Lounge access, a 40kg hold bag allowance and complimentary food and drink on board.
- The airline has also launched a new website and new-look advertising creative, including a soon-to-be aired series of TV commercials all featuring Flybe’s own pilots and cabin crew.
Hot on the heels of this initial launch will see Flybe offering its customers smart phone enabled platforms and Apps that will allow booking and check in for travellers on the move.
The airline then plans for a Flybe first with summer trials of inflight TV programming and entertainment available free of charge for its passengers through onboard wi-fi. Additional product and service enhancements are due to follow throughout the year.”
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton.
Flybe Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Allegiant to end Owensboro-Las Vegas service on August 13
Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) will end Owensboro, KY-Las Vegas service on August 13 due to poor demand according to the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. The airline will continue to serve the Owensboro market with flights to Sanford, FL.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.
Allegiant Slide Show: CLICK HERE
DAE to add Miami and the Curacao-Miami daily route on May 11
DAE-Dutch Antilles Express (Curacao) will add Miami on May 11. The Caribbean airline will add daily nonstop service between Curacao and Miami with this McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N120MN (msn 53120) operated by Falcon Air Express which also makes its return to MIA.
Copyright Photo: Cary Liao – AeroPX. N120MN completes the famous Maho Beach approach into Princess Juliana International Airport - St. Maarten International Airport (SXM).
