IN THE AIR ➔ Royal additions from KLM
DUTCH carrier KLM launches a new Europe Business Class at the end of March which will replace the existing KLM Europe Select product. More comfort and space are
the benefits that the airline is pushing, not least the fact that the middle seat cannot now be booked and will always be left empty. Every seat in the new- look cabin across its fleet of
AIRBERLIN'S SME OFFER
BTMS NEWS
AIRBERLIN has set forth on a new campaign
to raise awareness of its Business Points programme. While the airline offers corporate rates to its major customers, the Business Points scheme is tailored to the SME market, with points credited to a company for every trip taken by an employee. The number of points earned depends on the distance, tariff and class of travel, with an economy fare within Europe earning up to 40 points. Reward flights start from 1,000 points for European routes, and employees can still take part in the TopBonus FFP. See businesspoints.
airberlin.com for more information. The airline carried over 2.1 million passengers in January, up 5.7 per cent year on year.
B737s will also feature an electrical socket. Services such as premium check-in, extra baggage allowances, access to airport lounges and priority boarding and baggage pro- cessing remain part of its new-style continental business class product. Erik Varwijk, executive vice president KLM commercial, says, “Extensive research
among KLM business class passengers revealed a clear need for a better, more comfortable service to enable passengers to work or relax in while on board.” He continues, ”We are delighted to be able to meet our customers’ needs by offering in Europe Business Class a vastly improved, new, and comfortable product.” The airline is also over- hauling its onboard menus and meals presentation, with four high-quality menus featuring each month and meals varying according to routes and flight departure times. Meals in Europe Business
Class will now be served on the same china service that is used in World Business Class and is part of a scheme from Dutch designer Marcel Wanders to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the weight of the tableware carried onboard.
CONTINENTAL'S UNITED FRONT
Five minutes with... Jane Dibble
PROFILE
Director of Business Development INNTEL
Jane has worked in the travel industry for over 15 years in both supplier and buyer roles, with the past five years at PwC, as their travel services manager. She enjoys putting her corporate experience to good use by really understanding what Inntel’s clients want from a meetings and travel management agency.
What is your most memorable business travel trip and why? It was a three-day conference in Cairns some years ago, which turned into an extended holiday. The sunshine and laid- back attitude of the location probably didn’t make it the most successful business conference, but it was certainly the most fun. I have some great memories of that trip, particularly the superb Australian wine and getting upgraded to First Class on the way home.
What is your worst business travel experience and why? My worst business trip was on an airline fam trip to Poland. The outbound flight was fine and the hospitality in Warsaw was fantastic. The return flight was a different story though, with a fire on board, some not very calm aircrew and a pretty dramatic landing. I don’t think the “life flashing before your eyes” experience was among the airline’s objectives for a successful fam trip!
What is your favourite destination worldwide and why? It's really hard to choose this one as there are so many amazing places on this planet, but New York wins. I just love soaking up the whole atmosphere – the shopping, the eating, the people, the sightseeing, the whole buzz of such a fantastic city.
CONTINENTAL Airlines will adopt the Economy Plus seating featured on United Airlines as the two carriers seek to align their product in the wake of their merger. United currently offers Economy Plus across its fleet, while Continental will begin carrying the cabin in 2012. The seats – which offer up to five inches of extra legroom in the forward section of economy – will feature on more than 700 aircraft once the adoption is completed by Continental. United Continental Holdings'
chief revenue officer, Jim Compton, says. “Our customers value Economy Plus and the additional personal space that it provides. Customers who sit in Economy Plus are significantly more satisfied with their travel experience.” The carrier says the decision to retain Economy Plus on United and expand it across to Continental is a significant milestone in the product integration of United and Continental. In the mean- time, Continental passengers can continue to book extra legroom seats in economy.
What three items do you never leave home without when on business? My iPhone, shades and, of course, I never forget my toothbrush.
What single thing could be done to improve your business travelling life? Can I have two please? Better train toilets and decent hairdryers in hotel rooms.
What destination/s would you like to visit next and why? Kamchatka in Russia – the land of fire and ice. The scenery is spectacular, it has active volcanoes, bears, hot springs and lots of snow. What an adventure!
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©KLM
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