THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE I 39 The Review ➔ A380's regional rendezvous
THE Airbus A380 begins its first scheduled service from a regional airport this September as Emirates deploys the Super Jumbo on one of its twice-daily services from Manchester to Dubai. Its inaugural flight from the airport on the first of the month was expected to carry the full complement of 517 passengers across three classes, setting a record for the most passengers to depart from Manchester on a scheduled service. The launch comes in the 20th year of Emirates operations from Manchester. Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman of the Emirates airline and group, says, “The A380 is proving to be a big hit with our customers and advance bookings are 20 per cent up from the same period last year. Our service from the North West has been an incredible success story so far.“ The airport has invested around £10million in upgrading its infra- structure and facilities in order to serve the A380. Its managing director, Andrew Cornish, says
IN THE AIR IN BRIEF
“The start of daily A380 services from Manchester to Dubai is a moment in history for our airport and the wider region.“ Airbus' Mark Barclay refers to
the A380 as an 'innovative and industry-changing aircraft', but also points to the economic gains it delivers to the local area, with the manufacturer having spent more than £2million with suppliers
in the greater Manchester area alone since the start of the year. Return fares from Manchester to Dubai on the A380 start from £539 in economy, £2,309 in business and £3,087 in first class, where private suites, a lounge and showers are among Emirates' additions to its A380 product. The carrier opened its own Emirate lounge at the airport last October.
UNITED-CONTINENTAL MERGER SHOWS ITS COLOURS
THE proposed merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines has moved forward, with the new company name confirmed as UNITED which will be accompanied by Continental's globe trademark on all branding. Continental ceo, Jeff Smisek,
says, ”The combination of Continental and United brings
together the two most complementary networks of any US carriers, with minimal domestic and no international route overlaps.” Continental is the first airline in the world to name new international destinations it intends to serve with its B787 Dreamliners, namely Lagos and Auckland, both from Houston.
• MANCHESTER Airport’s new Escape Lounge is now open for business following a £1.7million investment at Terminal 1. Over 100,000 passengers are expected to make use of the lounge every year, which is open to all passengers and includes separate business and relaxation areas, plus a self- contained meeting room. The airport’s Terminal 2 is already home to an Escape lounge, while a third is planned for T3. Manchester Airport’s commercial director, Andrew Harrison, says, ”Our aim was to create a memorable experience for both our business and leisure passengers with great ambiance, service and food made to order, and we have incorporated some quirky touches such as the Scalextric track and Nintendo Wii which will appeal to all ages, and hopefully help our customers to really enjoy the start of their journey.”
• AIR BERLIN is the latest member elect of the oneworld airline alliance, with full membership scheduled for 2012, around the same time as the opening of the new Brandenburg International Airport. The carrier will add 75 gateways to the alliance's network, taking it close to 900 destinations across 150 countries, operating some 9,500 flights a day.
• THE Servisair network of airport lounges has opened a new facility at London Luton Airport. Called The Someries after a nearby castle, passengers can use the new lounge and other Servisair lounges on a pay-per-use basis or buy annual membership. Lounge guests enjoy complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, light refreshments, comfortable seating, newspapers and magazines and internet access. The Someries is now available to book on online at
www.executivelounges.com.
Copenhagen from £65* Book now at
ba.com
*One way no hidden fees or charges. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
AIRBUS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84