IN THE AIR ➔ Gatwick looks to the East
can serve London as effectively from Gatwick as Heathrow – and do so for less than half the cost,” says Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport’s COO. Hong Kong Airlines, mean-
GATWICK airport is strengthening its links to the Far East with the launch of Air China and Hong Kong Airlines services this spring. They follow the intro- duction of flights with Vietnam Airlines in December – to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh – and the move of Air Asia X flights across from Stansted Airport. Air China will operate a four- times-weekly service to Beijing in May from Gatwick's North Terminal, while Hong Kong Airlines introduces an all- premium class service – in two cabin categories – in March. Air China services will depart Gatwick at 1315 and arrive in
Beijing at 0625 local time the following day, while return journeys will leave at 0135 and touch down at Gatwick at around 0550 the same day. A330-300s will be used on the route, featuring 223 seats in economy class and 28 in business class. “Gatwick currently has capacity to grow and can accommodate more flights, thereby helping strengthen Britain’s connectivity into the rapidly growing economies of the world. What’s more, Air China’s decision to expand this route from Gatwick sends a strong message that airlines
while, will begin a daily service from the North Terminal on March 8th. Operated by an Airbus A330-200, it will feature 34 flatbed seats in Club Premier class and 82 cradle seats in Club Classic class. Gerard Clarke, the airline's general manager UK, says, “We have gained a reputation for outstanding service over the past five years and we look forward to extending this to our new flagship route, conn- ecting two global business capitals of the world. “The concept for the all-
Club Class aircraft will provide passengers with a private jet style ambience and an exceptional crew to guest ratio, and we are confident that we have the right knowledge and experience to make a success of the new daily service.” Gatwick Airport's impressive renaissance has also been bolstered by Turkish Airlines, which launched a daily service to Istanbul in December.
AA WORKS FLAT OUT
AMERICAN Airlines has unveiled new interiors for its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, despite parent company AMR Corporation filing for Chapter 11 bank- ruptcy protection. The carrier intends to continue normal business operations throu- ghout the reorganisation process. Its new First and Business Class cabins will both feature flatbed seats, plus wifi internet access and a walk-up bar. The carrier is due to take delivery of ten B777-300ERs this year and next, with London lined up as the first market to enjoy the new-look product.
MERGER NEARS COMPLETION
Five minutes with... Sarah Hurst
PROFILE
Senior Sales Manager AIR EUROPA
Sarah has worked in the travel industry for several companies, including American Express, EOS Airlines and Continental Airlines before joining Air Europa. In her current role she is responsible for working with the UK’s large travel corporations, online travel companies and tour operators to increase sales and brand awareness.
What is your most memorable business travel trip and why? The familiarisation trip on Air Europa I escorted in June this year with ten agents to Argentina. It was a fantastic trip with great company and very well organised by our DMC partner. The only downside was getting stuck there for three extra days due to the Chilean Ash cloud. Still, spirits were high as there could have been worse places to be stuck!
What is your favourite destination worldwide and why? South Africa holds a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with the country after taking a girl’s road trip with my best friend many years ago. It is a place that has so much diversity in a destination offering everything you could want. One day you can be in the heart of a bustling city with fantastic culture, cuisine and vibrant nightlife, and the next out in the wild on safari seeing some amazing sights.
What three items do you never leave home without when on business? Laptop, BlackBerry and a good book.
What single thing could be done to improve your business travelling life? Reduce the time it takes to get through airport security.
THE United-Continental merger is one step closer to completion after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved a single operating certificate for the airline. The final milestone, due at the end of March, is the integration of the two airlines' IT systems. “The project will be finished this summer,“ says Charles Duncan, VP Sales,
Transatlantic, Middle East & India, for United. “We’re well into this 18-month project and TMCs are excited by the merger. We now have a much better offering in the UK.“ Continental is set to launch
new daily non-stop flights from Manchester to Washington/ Dulles in May, and from Dublin to Washington/Dulles in June.
What destinations would you like to visit next and why? There are so many places I still want to visit as the world is so vast! However, if I had to choose it would be more of South America, especially as I work for an airline specialising in travel to that part of the world. After making my first ever trip down to Argentina this year I can’t wait to explore the neighbouring countries in the future.
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