Global Perspective
TIM ZANDBERGEN Manager, sales and marketing dept. TFK corporation
JAPAN ECONOMIC INJECTION Desperate times call for desperate measures and in order to try to jolt Japan out of its two-decades long economic slump, the recently- elected Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has come out with new policies which are being referred to as 'Abenomics'.
If you're not familiar with this term and the thrust of his efforts, let me explain. This is a bold and ambitious new economic stimulus plan that will either cure or kill business activities in Japan.
Since the 1990s Japan has suffered weak consumer spending, low or negative growth rates, and deflation. The new plan is a gigantic experiment in monetary policy that includes aggressive yen depreciation, a detailed inflation target, economic growth strategies, large-scale public expenditures, and a top-down attempt to regain confidence among the wider
Japanese population to encourage them to start spending again. While it is too early to judge how effective Abenomics is or whether it will in fact work, there are clearly signs of a surge in business and domestic confidence not least within our own industry.
One clear sign of progress, for example, must surely be news that Narita International Airport recently
Japanese Golden Week which ran from April 26 to May 6 (similar to spring vacation), more travellers took to the air than in recent memory. They clearly took a more optimistic view of the future and as a result were prepared to open up their wallets and fly.
The most popular destinations this year were all the old favourites for this market: Hawaii, Guam and
"It's too early to judge how effective the new 'Abenomics' will be for Japan but Narita International Airport recently recorded an all- time high in its number of take-offs and landings"
recorded an all-time high in its number of take-offs and landings. This is in part attributed to a surge in the number of domestic low-cost carriers operating from the airport, as well as the fact that travellers at least are feeling more inclined to spend so they can head overseas. This year during the Annual
Saipan, as well as South Korea. Unfortunately significant travel between Japan and China is still being soured by a territorial dispute over some uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.
It's hardly conclusive evidence of recovery but certainly spring is in the air!
LINDA CELESTINO General manager, Inflight Services, Oman Air
MIDDLE EAST ALL IN THE DETAILS Over the last couple of decades, many legacy carriers have seen their reputations diminished as a result of ignoring the details and hoping that the big picture will impress customers enough to make them want to return. Their conspicuous lack of success with this approach has given younger, fresher and more imaginative rivals – notably those from the Middle East – the opportunity to step into the breach and remind customers that air travel can be an enjoyable experience, rather than just a method of transport. In fact, the ability of carriers from the Middle East – and some other regions – to rapidly attract huge customer bases, expand their fleets and deliver outstanding onboard services has given the global industry a much-needed shot in the arm. We are now seeing many of those who were left behind now playing an increasingly successful
game of catch-up.
Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than at Aircraft Interiors Expo Hamburg, the annual show whose raison d’etre can be summed up in the phrase ‘attention to detail’. Whilst this is a much-overused phrase
and Oman Air – all of which were well-represented at Hamburg and all of which were recognised and rewarded at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards.
Each has invested considerable time, effort and money in ensuring
" The phrase ‘attention to detail’ is much-overused but it is one that the aviation industry lives by while other business sectors often fail to practice what they preach "
it is one that the aviation industry lives by while other business sectors often fail to practice what they preach. It underpins not only the safety measures that are vital to air travel, but also every aspect of the passenger experience. The more successful an airline is in tending to even the smallest details, the more customers appreciate it and offer return business. If you need proof, take a look at the trajectory of Emirates, Etihad, Qatar
that every aspect of the onboard experience, from seating to amenity kits, has been well thought through, is appreciated by customers and (most crucially) remains under constant review.
Attention to detail lies at the heart of these carriers’ success and, when combined with an ability and willingness to make the changes customers want, it is what will keep them at the top of their game.
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