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Continental Europe NewsAir Berlin validates noise abatement approaches
Air Berlin, the second largest German airline, is validating new noise abate-ment approach procedures as part of a joint research project conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) and Fraport AG. Service with a smile above the clouds: Air Berlin is looking for flight attendants
GERMANY : Germany’s second largest airline is again taking on more cabin crew. Air Berlin with new GSA for Dubai
GERMANY : Oasis Travels LLc has been nominated Passenger General Sales Agent for the Air Berlin Goup for the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Oasis Travels LLc is a company fully owned by the Sharaf Group of companies. Air Berlin: New routes for winter
GERMANY : The second largest German airline is offering several new services to attractive destinations in Italy, Spain and Austria this winter. Air Berlin: Increased number of passengers in Jul-2010
GERMANY : In July 2010, Air Berlin, Germany's second-largest airline company, welcomed 3,700,971 passengers on board, i.e. an increase of 6.4 percent (July 2009: 3,479,401 passengers, including those traveling on the acquired NIKI and TUIfly routes). Air Berlin Group announces first non-stop service between Zurich and Alicante starting this winter
The Air Berlin Group is increasing its services from Zurich airport in time for the winter season 2010/11 and will be offering direct flights to Alicante starting on 5th November 2010. EANS-Adhoc: Air Berlin and oneworld
Air Berlin PLC announces, that its 100% subsidiary Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG (Air Berlin) has on 26 July 2010 agreed with oneworld Management Company Ltd. on key aspects of Air Berlin's membership in the oneworld Alliance. Norwegian Air Shuttle exercises purchase rights for 15 Boeing Next-Generation 737s
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) and low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA today signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow for 15 Boeing 737-800s. Flybe and Air France announce landmark tie-up
Flybe and Air France have announced plans to implement an extensive commercial relationship this autumn with a code share agreement which will add value to Cardiff Airport passengers. Vueling Airlines launches inaugural flight to Queen Alia International Airport
Airport International Group (AIG) the Jordanian company responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), announced the arrival of Vueling Airlines, a low cost carrier, based in Barcelona. Fly Air Berlin to Swedish Lapland
GERMANY : The second largest German airline is offering a new snow destination this winter: Arvidsjaur in Sweden. Air Berlin: New routes and enchanced frequencies from EuroAirport to Egypt and Canary Islands
Bookings for the upcoming winter season 2010/2011 are open with immediate effect. Air Berlin holds fast to operating result for 2010
The annual general meeting of Air Berlin, the second largest German airline, was held in London on Thursday. Joachim Hunold, the company’s CEO, made it clear that Air Berlin wants to improve on the operating result for the previous year in 2010. Blue1 pilots issue a strike warning
On 3 June 2010, the Blue1 Pilots Association has issued a strike warning and related overtime ban. Blue1 is preparing for disruptions in labour and making every effort to ensure normal flight operations through alternative service arrangements. Norwegian: New routes open today from Stockholm and Oslo to Helsinki
Today Norwegian opened its new direct flights from Stockholm and Oslo to Helsinki, with prices from 27 Euros one way. MCAP to lease three new Boeing 737-800 to Air Berlin
MC Aviation Partners (MCAP) announced today that MCAP and Air Berlin have signed a purchase and lease-back agreement for three new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. GE Capital Aviation Services signs deal with Air Berlin for sale leaseback of 4 Airbus A320s
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) announced today that it has entered into another deal with Air Berlin for the sale leaseback of four Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Air Berlin has further expanded its services to Israel
Air Berlin, the second largest airline in Germany and fifth largest in Europe, has considerably increased its flights to Israel. NIKI and Air Berlin two strong partners for Italy
Air Berlin and NIKI are increasing their presence in the Italian market. Air Berlin improves performance in 2009 and strengthens market position
Slight decrease in revenue together with a significant increase in operational result Air Berlin is expanding its limousine service in Thailand
Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest airline, is intensifying the cooperation arrangements it began with Bangkok Airways in October 2009. Virgin Atantic announces the creation of over 200 jobs
UNITED KINGDOM : Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce that it will be opening a new customer service operation in Swansea in September 2010. The move will create more than 200 jobs in the area over the next two years. The new customer service centre will run in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic’s existing operation in Crawley West Sussex. Julie Southern, Chief Commercial and Financial Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented; SAS ordered to pay Norwegian close to NOK 175 million for industrial espionage
We are very pleased that the Court of Appeal has ordered SAS to pay Norwegian close to NOK 175 million (approx 22 million EUR) in damages for the industrial espionage that we were exposed to, said CEO of Norwegian, Bjørn Kjos. SunExpress expanded its fleet to 21 aircraft
SunExpress, the joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, got delivery of a Boeing 737-800 and expanded its fleet to 21 aircraft. Air Berlin expands its route network
More frequent flights and direct services to Italy, Spain and Israel. Strengthening of the Berlin hub Air Berlin starts two times a week from Düsseldorf to Israel’s metropolis Tel Aviv
GERMANY : Air Berlin is adding one more attractive destination in the Middle East to its route network from the airport of Düsseldorf. Air Berlin goes for major expansion of Tel Aviv flights
GERMANY : Direct flights from Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf and Munich - Business Class now also available Virgin Atlantic reaffirms relationship with LSG Sky Chefs
UNITED KINGDOM : LSG Sky Chefs announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virgin Atlantic Airways for an extensive range of its products and services. The new contracts, which would commence 1 June 2010, cover UK in-flight catering as well as logistics, product supply and operational support services. Air Berlin is starting its first service to Gdansk this summer
GERMANY : Book winter flights to Krakow and Gdansk now Sky Express receive IOSA certificate
RUSSIA : Sky Express, Russia’s first Low Cost Carrier, received IOSA Registration Certificate following the successful completion of the IATA Operations Safety Audit (IOSA). New from summer 2010: Fly Air Berlin from Frankfurt to Sylt
GERMANY : Non-stop flights from eight German cities to Westerland (Sylt) Wolfgang Kurth is leaving Air Berlin
GERMANY : On account of differences of opinion concerning the future strategic positioning of the technical support companies and their integration in the Air Berlin Group, the Board of Air Berlin and Wolfgang Kurth, Chief Maintenance Officer, have come to a mutual agreement, as a result of which Wolfgang Kurth is leaving the company with immediate effect. Innovative repair procedure for CFM56 engines of Virgin Blue
AUSTRALIA : Variable Stator Vane bushing repairs for Boeing 737 fleet Virgin Atlantic announce benefits for Frequent Flyers with V Australia & Virgin Blue
UNITED KINGDOM : Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world's leading long haul airlines has today announced that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver Cardmembers will now be able to receive additional benefits when flying on V Australia and Virgin Blue. Ryanair Welcomes EC Finding of no State Aid in the Bratislava Investigation
IRELAND : Ryanair, Europe’s favourite airline, today welcomed the European Commission’s confirmation that Ryanair’s agreement with Bratislava airport does not involve any State aid. This decision marks another successful conclusion of a State aid investigation involving Ryanair, in addition to the Charleroi judgment in December 2008. Air Berlin transports 27.9 million passengers in 2009
GERMANY : In 2009, Air Berlin, Germany's second-largest airline company, transported a total of 27,911,193 passengers (including those traveling on the TUIfly routes acquired on 25 October 2009), thus confirming the company's spring 2009 forecast with respect to the development in the number of passengers traveling with Air Berlin. Air Berlin and SR Technics enter extensive engine services partnership
GERMANY : SR Technics and Air Berlin have signed a ten-year engine maintenance contract. The contract covers a significant part of the engines on Air Berlin’s fleet of about 55 Airbus A320 Family, 13 Airbus A330 and about 55 Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft. Norwegian to launch new service to Bergen
NORWAY : Norwegian will expand its route network to include a new Copenhagen-Bergen service on 28 March. The route will be served with one flight a day six days a week. Air Berlin: Getting award flights even faster
GERMANY : The topbonus Winter Special allows members of Air Berlin’s frequent flyer scheme to earn an award flight with the miles they have collected even faster. Blue1 opens route to Brussels
FINLAND : Blue1 starts operations between Helsinki and Brussels in cooperation with Brussels Airlines on March 29, 2010. The route will be operated twice daily from Monday to Friday and once on Sundays with AvroRJ85 aircraft. Embraer confirms two E-Jet options for Niki
Embraer and Austria’s second largest airline NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH signed a contract for another two EMBRAER 190 jets, confirming the purchase rights in the original contract, announced in July 2008. The initial deliveries of this new order should take place during the first semester of 2011. Germanwings flies with Lufthansa Systems’ navigation charts
GERMANY : Germanwings will continue to use Lido/RouteManual from Lufthansa Systems. Italian low cost carrier signs up for GDS participation
Travelport and Wind Jet sign their first distribution deal. easyJet takes off from Dusseldorf
From now on twelve times to Basle; Rome and London starting in February. Wizz Air introduces web check-in
POLAND : Wizz Air, the largest low fare low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, has launched web check-in. Flybe signs on 16 new pilots
Leading regional airline signs on 16 new pilots fresh from leading flight schools Finavia: ticket prices on low-cost airlines appeal to increasing number of passengers
The popularity of low-cost air traffic, which started earlier in the rest of Europe, is now also seen in Finland. In Finland, the number of passengers has increased by 25% and traffic by 30% in comparison to previous year. The market share of low-cost airlines has increased to 9% of the total market. Swissport and easyJet are extending collaboration in Geneva
Swissport International, the world’s leading provider of ground services to the aviation sector, is to extend its existing cooperation agreement with leading European low-cost carrier easyJet for a further four years. The accord, which is of major importance to both partners, covers the provision of ground services at Geneva Airport for some 31 000 movements a year. Flybe dashes ahead with new pilot recruitment
UNITED KINGDOM : Leading regional airline signs on 16 new pilots fresh from leading flight school. ELFAA calls for better oversight to prevent airline failure
ELFAA members question need for mandatory airline failure fund. Low cost airlines ranking on seat comfort 2008-2009
Air Valid broadcasts the 1st independent ranking of low cost airlines departing from France. This ranking is based on opinions and certified ratings from passengers on the feeling of seat comfort during a flight. This ranking has been calculated on the basis of opinions and reviews filed by passengers on a flight route and flight number of an airline. Cork Airport welcomes new Wizz Air service to Wroclaw, Poland
POLAND : Wizz Air, Central and Eastern Europe’s largest low-fare low-cost airline, has announced plans to introduce a Cork to Wroclaw service from July 18th next year. Wizz Air rescues JAT Airways passengers
POLAND : Wizz Air announced today that it would provide re-routing alternatives to passengers affected by the grounded flights of Serbia’s JAT Airways at Belgrade airport. Wizz Air opens its 12th base in Wroclaw
POLAND : 6 new routes to Paris Beauvais, Oslo Torp, Eindhoven, Forli Bologna, Cork and Milan Bergamo, re-opening flights to Dortmund and Doncaster Sheffield, increasing frequency on existing route to London Luton. Jet2.com to participate in the GDS Channel for the first time
UNITED KINGDOM : Leading low cost carrier signs up for Galileo's direct connect solution. Flybe Aviation Services makes debut at MRO Europe
UNITED KINGDOM : Flybe Aviation Services joins high fliers at MRO Europe 2009 exhibition debut Flybe: up to 50% off seat sale starts this weekend
UNITED KINGDOM : Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s number one domestic carrier, is launching a bargain five day seat sale this weekend with up to 50% slashed off the price of selected flights for bookings made between Friday 25-Sep and Wednesday 30-Sep. Blue1 multiplies flights to Croatia next summer 2010
FINLAND : The launch of Croatia as a new Blue1 destination last summer turned out to be such a success, that Blue1 will multiply next summer’s flights to Croatia starting early spring 2010. Germanwings to open new low-cost service to Cologne
GERMANY : Low-cost airline Germanwings is setting up at Copenhagen Airport and is goint to launch a new service to Cologne. From Cologne, the airline offers onward connnections to a number of destinations. Lufthansa Technik: component Support for Wizz Air extended
POLAND : Wizz Air, the largest low fare low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, and Lufthansa Technik AG announced that they will extend their cooperation by renewing the Total Component Support TCS® including wheels and brakes support. Lufthansa inks codeshare pact with JetBlue
GERMANY : Lufthansa is offering customers extended travel options in the USA and Puerto Rico under a codeshare agreement with the US-airline JetBlue. Wizz Air increases frequencies from Cluj-Napoca
POLAND : Wizz Air, the largest low fare low cost airline in Romania and Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would increase frequencies on two routes from Cluj Napoca starting this autumn. More failures likely for smaller low-cost carriers
Failed Slovakian low-cost carrier SkyEurope could be just the first casualty among the smaller airlines finding it difficult to survive one of the worst slumps on record, analysts said. Vueling offer special fare to SkyEurope passengers on Barcelona-Vienna route
SPAIN : Vueling to offer special fare to grounded SkyEurope passengers on Barcelona-Vienna route. SkyEurope suspends all flights
SLOVAKIA : SkyEurope informs with the biggest regret - especially for its passengers and employees but also its business partners - that SkyEurope Airlines A.S., the operative subsidiary of SkyEurope Holding AG, has suspended operations due to filing for bankruptcy by the restructuring trustee today. SkyEurope Filing for opening of bankruptcy proceedings
SLOVAKIA : EANS-Adhoc: SkyEurope Holding AG: Suspension of all flights, Filing for Opening of Bankruptcy Proceedings of SkyEurope Airlines a.s. Wizz Air rescues SkyEurope passengers
POLAND : Wizz Air, the largest low fare low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would provide re-routing alternatives to passengers affected by the suspension of SkyEurope’s operations at Prague airport as communicated to the public earlier today. BAE systems wins EasyJet remarketing mandate for 4 Airbus A321s
UNITED KINGDOM : 26-Aug-2009 BAE Systems has won an exclusive mandate from leading low fares carrier easyJet to remarket four Airbus A321 airliners. Flughafen Wien AG: services for SkyEurope resumed
Flughafen Wien AG announces that it has resumed the provision of services for SkyEurope Airlines, a.s. effective immediately. New Vueling carrier joins Iberia plus frequent flyer programme
The Iberia Plus programme now boasts nearly 4 million members and 70 associated companies, Cardholders registered on line can manage their accounts on the www.iberia.com web site. SunExpress starts to the first nonstop flights between Ýzmir and Athens
SunExpress, the joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, will start to the first nonstop flights between Ýzmir and Athens by August 15th 2009. The flights will be operated twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays connecting one of Turkey’s biggest industrial zones and tourism destinations on the coast with the Greek capital. Wizz Air opens new route from Gdansk to Bergen
Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would expand its operations from Poland by launching a new route from Gdansk to Bergen in Norway. The new flight will be launched on 18 December and operated twice a week initially. SkyEurope announces positive financial and operational developments
SkyEurope Holding AG announces that it has signed two separate financing agreements to provide additional liquidity for the business. Grounded MYair passengers will be able to fly with Vueling this summer
Vueling, the new-generation airline, is coming to the rescue of passengers grounded by the demise of Italian carrier MYair with the offer of special fares from Spain and France (Paris). Vueling will fly them to and from Italy (Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino and Venice) until October 25th. Suspension of acceptance operations for Myair.com flights
Sacbo announces that, in compliance with the provisions of article 802 of the Code of Navigation, acceptance operations for flights operated by the airline Myair.com from Orio al Serio airport have been suspended. Wizz Air continues to operate Varna London Luton service
Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would continue to operate the Varna - London Luton service all year round. Wizz Air opens new routes from Katowice to Memmingen/Munich West and Venice Treviso
Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would launch new routes from Katowice to Memmingen/Munich West and Venice Treviso two times a week starting from 22 September and 29 September, respectively and 3 times weekly from the winter schedule.The new services will complement the routes already operated from Katowice and bring the total number to 22. Air Berlin Technik: new station and new customers
Air Berlin Technik, subsidiary of the Air Berlin Group, is upgrading its customer portfolio as it has just succeeded in winning new servicing contracts for three of its maintenance stations. At Munich Airport, Air Berlin Technik will support the Spanish airline Iberia in Line Maintenance; the servicing facilities at Berlin-Tegel will be used by Estonian Air, and the Air Berlin Technik personnel in Nuremberg will provide technical support for Sun Express. Wizz Air opens new routes from Budapest and Sofia
Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would launch new routes from Budapest to Dusseldorf (Weeze) three times a week and from Sofia to Eindhoven twice weekly starting from 21 September and 25 October 2009, respectively. Also, the airline will continue to operate the Varna - London Luton service all year round. Wizz Air adds third aircraft and opens new routes from Gdansk
Wizz Air, the largest low fare low cost airline in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would expand its base in Gdansk by adding a third aircraft, launching new routes and increasing frequencies on some of the existing services. SunExpress purchases 6 new 737-800 from Boeing
SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for 6 new 737-800s. SunExpress, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, had announced intent to purchase for 3 Boeing 737-800s back in May 8th, 2009. With this order, SunExpress not only confirmed that but it also added 3 more a/c to its order book. SunExpress’ new Boeing 737-800s will be delivered in 2010. SunExpress currently operates an all Boeing fleet of 20. By the end of 2010, the company will return its 3 B757-200s; lease 2 more B737-800 thus reaching a fleet of 25 Boeing 737-800s and 4.725 seat capacity. Ryanair activates new routes at Orio Al Serio Airport
Sacbo is pleased to announce the opening of new routes from Orio al Serio Airport operated by Ryanair. From Friday 03-Jul-2009 its connection with Pescara gets underway, with four weekly flights (on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), while its connections with Nantes (twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Tangiers in Morocco (three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays Air Berlin Group Signs Full Content Agreement with Travelport GDS
Travelport GDS, one of the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, and the Air Berlin Group have today jointly announced a new, full content agreement for Galileo and Worldspan-connected travel agents worldwide. Jason Bitter resigns as Chairman of the Board of Directors SkyEurope Airlines
SkyEurope Holding AG announces that Jason Bitter, by mutual agreement, has resigned as chairman of the board of directors of SkyEurope Airlines a.s. as of 3-Jul-2009. Vice chairman, Nick Manoudakis, has been elected the new chairman of the board of directors of SkyEurope Airlines a.s. SmartWings starts a new regular line from Brno to a Greek island of Lesbos.
SmartWings starts a new regular line from Brno to a Greek island of Lesbos. The flight will be operated twice a week on Monday and Thursday by a moder Airbus A320 aircraft. Do not hesitate and buy your ticket now. Hartmut Mehdorn strengthens Air Berlin’s board
Hartmut Mehdorn has been appointed as a new Non-Executive Director to the board of Air Berlin PLC. He will be taking over the position vacated by Claus Wülfers, who left at the end of the recent annual general meeting on 10-Jun-2009. Wülfers supported the company since it went public in May 2006 with advice and the benefit of his many years of airline experience. Wizz Air opens new route from Bratislava to Rome
Wizz Air, the largest low cost low fare airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that the Company would be entering Slovakia by operating flights between Bratislava and Rome 4 times a week initially, starting from 20 September 2009. The Slovak customers will now benefit from Wizz Air’s offer of low fares coupled with a great customer experience onboard of its brand new Airbus A320 aircraft. Wizz Air also extends its lowest fare guarantee to the Slovak market to reinforce its commitment to offer the best value for money. Europcar and easyJet extend their exclusive partnership
Europcar, the number one car rental company in Europe, and easyJet, Europe's leading low-cost airline, has announced the extension of their strategic partnership until the end of 2011. The two companies have been exclusive partners since 2003 and in that time have served more than 1.7 million joint customers. Sky Express to increase revenues with ProfitLine/Yield Rembrandt from Lufthansa Systems
The Russian low-cost carrier Sky Express will modernize its revenue management with ProfitLine/Yield Rembrandt, Lufthansa Systems’ market leading revenue management solution. The IT solution will enable the airline to match capacity and price much closer to the highly volatile environment and generate additional revenues. Both companies recently signed a five-year contract to this effect. Panasonic Avionics in-flight entertainment system installed on Boeing 737 for Norwegian Air Shuttle
NORWAY : Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) announced (23-Jun-2009) that its Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System (MPES) IFE system was installed on the 6,000th Boeing 737 to enter into service. The aircraft was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp and will be leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Norwegian), the second largest airline in Scandinavia. Europe’s Low-fares Airlines Condemn Injunction against Brussels Low-Cost Terminal
Europe’s low fares airlines today joined forces to call upon legacy airlines to drop a lawsuit against the opening of a low-cost facility at Brussels Zaventem Airport. In a recently launched court case, some traditional airlines represented by the Belgian Air Transport Association (BATA) as well as two other professional associations (BAR and AOC) claim that they had not been consulted properly and argue that the project should not be realised. Flybe tie-up with Olympic Air on regional flights
Europe’s largest regional airline to provide up to 4 aircraft with co-operation in multiple fields providing further boost for Flybe brand awareness Jet2.com network expansion remains strong
UNITED KINGDOM : Jet2.com announced further expansion in 2009, with expanded Summer and Winter schedules, including services from Newcastle to Split and Sharm el Sheikh, and Belfast to Newquay, Jersey and Tenerife. The carrier’s launch of Manchester-Tel Aviv service in May-2009 makes the only service between North England and the Israeli destination. SmartWing starts a new regular line from Prague to bulgarian Burgas
SmartWing starts a new regular line from Prague to bulgarian Burgas. The flight will be operated every Sunday by a modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Use the regular connection from Prague to plan your holiday for attractive prices. Air Berlin PLC resolves upon further capital increase
Air Berlin PLC resolved to issue 4.5 million new ordinary sharesunder exclusion of the pre-emptive rights of Air Berlin's existing shareholders. ESAS Holding A.S., Air Berlin's largest shareholder, will subscribe for 4m new shares, Johannes Zurnieden, Chairman of Air Berlin's Board of Directors, will subscribe for 350,000 new shares and Joachim Hunold Vermögensverwaltung GmbH, a company wholly owned by Joachim Hunold, CEO of Air Berlin, will subscribe for 150,000 new shares at a subscription price of EUR 3.50 per share. Blue Air expands Bacau Airport capacity with new routes
Blue Air is continuing its support of Bacau Airport, adding further capacity to the airport with the launch of two new routes from Bacau. Blue Air launched three times weekly Bacau-Valencia service and twice weekly Bacau-London Luton services as part of its Summer Schedule, effective 01-Jun-2009 and 02-Jun-2009, respectively. easyJet’s 9th based aircraft delivered to JLA for start of summer route expansion
The UK’s largest airline easyJet, have commenced three new services this week from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) as part of their expansion of routes, following the arrival of their ninth aircraft to be based at the Airport. Newquay Cornwall Airport welcomes Jet2.com
UNITED KINGDOM : Newquay Cornwall Airport has welcomed the arrival of Jet2.com and its launch of three times weekly flights to Leeds Bradford Airport in Yorkshire and twice weekly services to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Flights launched on 24-May-2009 at introductory GMP2.99 one way fares (bookable through to 29-May-2009. Air Berlin increases revenue and average earnings
GERMANY : Improved management and higher-quality client mix Profit eases by 27.3 percentDespite the impact of the economic and financial crisis, Air Berlin's profit and revenue for the first quarter of 2009 came in according to plan. The number of passengers transported decreased to 5.5 million, i.e. a 6.2 percent drop, a figure that bested the branch average. For the first quarter of 2009, seasonal operating loss (EBIT) reached minus EUR 87.3 million (Q1 2008: minus EUR 68.6 million). TUI Group: Air Berlin agreement to result in profitability in 2010
TUI AG CFO, Rainer Feuerhake, stated the carrier expects to report a profit in 2010, due to its cooperation agreement with Air Berlin. The merger integration has already resulted in EUR59.3 million in synergies in the six months ended 31-Mar-09. clickair/Vueling: shareholders approve merger
SPAIN : 90% of Vueling and clickair shareholders voted in favour of the LCCs’ merger in May-2009, giving the go ahead for the combined LCC, to remain named Vueling, to commence operations in Jul-2009. The merger was approved by the EU in Jan-2009, while merger covenants were signed by Vueling and clickair’s Board of Directors on 13-Feb-09 and 18-Feb-09 respectively. Final legal and regulatory requirements are to be finalised by late Jun-2009 or early Jul-2009. Air Berlin new service to Tel Aviv
GERMANY : Germany's second largest airline is expanding its route network and will be flying from Israel to Berlin for the first time this summer. From 7-Jul-2009 onwards, Air Berlin passengers will have a choice of two non-stop flights a week from Tel Aviv to Berlin. clickair to move UK routes to London Heathrow airport
SPAIN : clickair, Spain’s largest low fares airline, has announced (19-May-09) it is moving all its UK routes to London Heathrow. Direct routes to Vigo and Seville, currently operated out of London Gatwick, will switch to London Heathrow, alongside clickair’s Bilbao and La Coruna services, effective 01-Jun-09. Ryanair’s profits to gain altitude amid recession
IRELAND : Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, has confirmed he remains “comfortable” with analyst estimates of a EUR60-80 million profit for the 12 months ended 31-Mar-09 (with the results to be released at the beginning of June). Mr O’Leary earlier forecast the carrier’s profits will “jump substantially” over the next 12 months - a comment that has put considerable support under the airline’s share price lately. CANSO: European ANSPs revenue to drop by EUR1 billion in 2009
Much has been made of the dire situation that faces airlines and airports given the downturn in traffic linked to the global financial and economic crises. However, the impact on Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) is turning out to be equally severe. Wizz Air receives Airbus A320
POLAND : GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) 11-May-09 announced the delivery of a new Airbus A320-200 to Wizz Air to help the carrier’s fleet expansion. Germanwings chooses Lufthansa Systems IT solutions EFOM and DocSurf
GERMANY : Low-cost airline Germanwings has opted for the Lufthansa Systems IT solutions EFOM (Electronic Flight Operations Manuals) and DocSurf. These solutions enable Germanwings to access current electronic operations documentation at any time. They also improve the quality of this documentation and save airlines time and money. La compañía de bajo coste, Germanwings ha elegido Lufthansa Systems IT solutions EFOM (Electronic Flight Operations Manuals) y DocSurf. Estas soluciones permiten a Germanwings tener acceso a la documentación electrónica actual de las operaciones en cualquier momento. También mejoran la calidad de esta documentación y le ahorran a las aerolíneas tiempo y dinero. Norwegian Air Shuttle: losses narrowed in 1Q09; business slow down forecast for 2009
NORWAY : Scandinavia’s largest LCC, Norwegian Air Shuttle, posted a net loss of EUR12.5 million in 1Q09 (three months ended 31-Mar-09), an improvement from the EUR24 million net loss reported in the previous corresponding period. Air Berlin to establish Corporate Users Advisory Council
GERMANY : Germany’s second largest airline will be setting up a Corporate Users Advisory Council in May-2009. The declared objective is to be able to offer a more effective and flexible response to immediate market conditions. The Council’s key task consists in monitoring the development of the business travel sector and to ensure further improvement for Air Berlin in terms of how the interests and requirements of the market are realised. Federal Cartel Office approves ESAS investment in Air Berlin
GERMANY : The Federal Cartel Office in Bonn has notified Air Berlin PLC & Co Luftverkehrs KG that it has no objections to the Turkish company ESAS Holding AS acquiring a stake in the airline. Las autoridades de la Federal Cartel Office en Bonn, Alemania, acaban de aprobar la adquisición en la participación de la compañía turca ESAS Holding AS por parte de Air Berlin PLC & Co Luftverkehrs KG. clickair's Lock your fare promotion
SPAIN : Clickair has launched a new initiative, ‘Lock your Fare,’ that guarantees ticket prices for a period of either 24 or 72 hours. This enables travellers to plan their journeys at their own pace without worrying the fare is going to increase. It is a first in the airline sector and is now live on www.clickair.com ready for the peak summer season. Air Berlin Lands at Oslo Airport for first time
GERMANY : 24-Apr-09 Air Berlin landed at Oslo Airport for its first departure for Berlin-Tegel. The route will have six weekly departures, Monday through Friday and Sunday. Air Berlin will use the A319 aircraft on the route. El pasado 24 de abril, Air Berlin aterrizó por primera vez al Aeropuerto de Oslo desde Berlin-Tegel. Este servicio, operado con un A319, ofrecerá seis vuelos semanales de lunes a viernes así como los domingos. ELFAA calls on Government for tax cut
Europe’s low fares airlines joined forces (17-Apr-09) to call upon UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alastair Darling to take decisive action to keep Britain on the move in advance of next week’s crucial UK budget. SkyEurope announces extension of repayment for EUR15 million loan, announces postponement of financial results
SLOVAKIA : York Global Finance II Sarl has extended the deadline for the repayment of its EUR15 million loan granted in Dec-2007 and its EUR10 million loan granted in Sep-2008 to SkyEurope Airlines to 15-May-09. York Global Finance II Sarl acaba de prolongarle a SkyEurope, hasta el próximo 15 de mayo de 2009, el pago de los préstamos concedidos. El primero de 15 millones de euros otorgados en diciembre 2007; y el segundo en septiembre de 2008 de 10 millones. El pago de ambos préstamos debía hacerse efectivo el pasado 15 de abril de este año. SkyEurope appoints Andras Zboray as Chief Commercial Officer
SLOVAKIA : Andras Zboray was appointed the new Chief Commercial Officer of SkyEurope Airlines on 01-Apr-09. Andras is leading SkyEurope's commercial department and is responsible for revenue, marketing, sales, commercial systems and product. Air Berlin appoints Christoph Debus to join Board of Executive Directors
GERMANY : Christoph Debus, 38 years old, will be joining the Board of Executive Directors of Air Berlin PLC on 01-Jun-09. He will take over responsibility for sales, network and IT. CEO of Air Berlin PLC, Joachim Hunold, said, We are pleased to have gained a proven aviation expert in Christoph Debus.” SAS Group reports Mar-2009 traffic figures
SAS Group's traffic decreased by 16.7 % during March and seat capacity was down 3.9% vs. 2008. SAS Group carried 2.2 million passengers in March, down 9.3% vs. 2008. Total passenger load factor in February was down by 9.9 p.u. to 64.5%. Norwegian Air Shuttle reports Mar-2009 traffic
NORWAY : The total number of passengers flown in March was 787 000, an increase of 9%. Air Berlin reports improved revenue in Mar-2009
GERMANY : In Mar-2009, Air Berlin, Germany's second largest airline company, was able to increase its revenue per available seat kilometer to 5.45 Eurocents, ie an increase of 4.2% (03/2008: 5.23 Eurocents). Although capacity was only reduced by 0.8% in comparison to March of the previous year, the number of passengers transported decreased by 5.6% to 2,053,960 passengers (03/2008: 2,175,427). Flybe introduces new services and increased frequencies under its Summer schedule
UNITED KINGDOM : Flybe commenced its Summer schedule on 29-Mar-09, operating 187 routes, including 12 new services. In line with its expansion plan, the LCC has increased its Summer capacity by 8% year-on-year. According to the carrier, services have been scheduled to cater for those taking short and weekend breaks. SkyEurope reports Mar-09 load factor, appoints new Chief Commercial Officer
SLOVAKIA : SkyEurope transported a total of 187,655 passengers in Mar-09 with a load factor of 76.3%, a 2.7 pp improvement from Mar-08. Turkish ESAS Holding AS acquires 15.3 percent stake in Air Berlin
GERMANY : Turkish ESAS Holding AS adquiere 15.3% de Air Berlin Air Berlin PLC has reached its goals for the past business year: Consolidation took place, turnover increased and fleet capacity utilization improved. Furthermore, the airline company announced that the Turkish ESAS Holding AS has acquired 15.3% of the company's shares. Air Berlin increases revenue to EUR3.4 billion in 2008
GERMANY : Despite the difficult conditions for the aviation industry the Air Berlin PLC has achieved an operational result (EBIT) of EUR14.2 million in the financial year 2008. ESAS Holding intends to acquire 15.3 percent stake in Air Berlin
GERMANY : Air Berlin PLC has been informed on 29-Mar-09 that ESAS Holding AS which, inter alia, operates the airline Pegasus has executed a share purchase agreement with UBS AG on 28-Mar-09 which provides for the acquisition of around 15.3% of the voting shares in Air Berlin PLC. ESAS Holding AS acquires 15 percent stake in Air Berlin
GERMANY : On 29-Mar-09, Air Berlin PLC was informed that the Turkish ESAS Holding AS which, inter alia, operates Pegasus Airlines, on 28-Mar-09, concluded a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of approximately 15% of the voting shares of Air Berlin PLC. TUI Travel and Air Berlin to partner for German flight business
GERMANY : TUI Travel PLC and Air Berlin PLC are to enter into a long-term strategic partnership for their German flight business. A corresponding agreement was signed 28-Mar-09. The agreement is based on a cross ownership in which TUI Travel PLC through a subsidiary, will have an interest of 19.9% in Air Berlin PLC and vice versa Air Berlin PLC will hold 19.9% of Hapag-Lloyd Fluggesellschaft mbH/TUIfly. Meridiana-Eurofly choose Lufthansa Systems to optimize flight operations
ITALY : Meridiana-Eurofly elige Lufthansa Systems para optimizar sus operaciones de vuelo Airline Operations Solutions The Meridiana Group has selected a comprehensive package of aeronautical IT solutions from Lufthansa Systems. The second largest Italian airline group will use Lido RouteManual navigation charts, the Lido FMS navigational database and the Lido OC flight planning solution for Meridiana and Eurofly. ELFAA welcomes Dutch Government's decision to lift tax
The European Low Fares Airline Association - ELFAA welcomes (26-Mar-09) the enlightened decision of the Dutch Government to lift the discriminatory tax on airline tickets. The tax is discriminatory in that it is only levied on passengers starting their journey in the Netherlands, thus exempting cargo flights and transfer passengers. EUROCONTROL reports predicted reduction of nearly five percent of flights in 2009
The economic crunch will take a big bite out of European air traffic in 2009, with a predicted reduction of nearly 5% of flights in 2009 according to the latest short-term forecast issued by EUROCONTROL. ELFAA welcomes Government's vote on Single European Sky II
The European Low Fares Airline Association welcomed (25-Mar-09) the vote in the European Parliament on the second package of Single European Sky (SES II). The vote followed a period of negotiations between the Parliament, the Council and the Commission, which led to the adoption of a compromise draft with a mix of ambitious and conservative measures. Paris Beauvais Tille Airport to close for one week in June
IRELAND : Ryanair confirmed (24-Mar-09) that it will be unable to operate scheduled flights to/from Paris (Beauvais) between the 03 - 10-Jun (inclusive) as the airport closes for one week to upgrade its landing systems to enable more Ryanair flights to land safely in adverse weather conditions. Prague Airport announces Summer 2009 flight schedule
El Aeropuerto de Praga anuncia su programa de vuelos para la temporada de verano 2009 On 29-Mar-09, operations at Prague Airport will commence according to the new flight timetable for the 2009 summer season. 50 airlines plan to operate direct flights to 127 destinations in 52 countries during the period from the end of March to 24-Oct. The countries with the greatest number of destinations served from Prague are Great Britain and Italy with eleven, Germany and Russia with nine, and Spain and Greece with seven destinations. Air Berlin increases services between Southwest Florida and Düsseldorf
GERMANY : Air Berlin aumenta sus servicios entre el sudoeste de Florida y Dusseldorf Air Berlin is increasing service between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Düsseldorf (DUS) in time for the busy summer travel season. Germany’s second largest airline will offer four weekly flights to RSW effective 28-Jun-09. TUI Travel PLC confirms speculation about discussions for strategic cooperation between TUIfly and Air Berlin
GERMANY : TUI Travel PLC notes that 17-Mar-09's press speculation about a potential strategic cooperation between Air Berlin and TUI Travel’s German airline (TUIfly). Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines offer Belgium-Germany code-share flights
GERMANY : Starting on 29-Mar Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa will offer code share flights between Belgium and Germany. Customers will be able to combine flights of both airlines, which gives them a lot more departure and connection possibilities. Ryanair criticises CAA policy on airport performance
IRELAND : Ryanair confirmed (13-Mar-09) that the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA’s) proposal to impose fines on poor performing airports is irrelevant after its history of abject failure to properly regulate the BAA monopoly and called once again for the immediate sale of London Stansted Airport in order to improve airport performance and competition. Alaska calls on DoT to address Virgin America's compliance with foreign ownership laws
U.A.E. - SHARJAH : Alaska Airlines again called (12-Mar-09) on the US Department of Transportation (DoT) to address questions about Virgin America's compliance with US foreign ownership and control restrictions on domestic carriers. Wizz Air announces expansions to Liverpool operations
Wizz have announced (12-Mar-09) a further expansion of their Liverpool operations. Vueling reports Feb-09 traffic
SPAIN : Vueling Airlines increased its February load factor by 2.4 percentage points, growing from 64.6% in 2008 to 67.0% in 2009. In keeping with its improvement plan, Vueling operated an average of 16 aircraft in February, down from 23.5 on a year earlier, concentrating them on serving the most profitable routes. Ryanair condemns EU's proposal to waive ‘use it or lose it’ airport slot rule
IRELAND : Ryanair condemned (12-Mar-09) the EU’s proposal to waive the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in relation to airport slots as high fare airlines continue to reduce capacity at slot controlled airports. The Commission’s proposal would mean that it would no longer be mandatory for these airlines to operate and use their slots in order to retain them and could prevent Ryanair, the only airline increasing its traffic in Europe, from using them. Ryanair passengers to suggest next discretionary charge
IRELAND : Ryanair invited (12-Mar-09) passengers to suggest the airline’s next ancillary revenue idea after Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary, confirmed that the company is examining the possibility of passengers paying to use the on board toilets in a drive to keep costs down and lower Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares even further. Lufthansa approves USD1.5 billion order of 30 Bombardier CS100 aircraft
GERMANY : Bombardier Aerospace announced (10-Mar-09) that Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the launch customer for the CSeries aircraft program, has signed a firm purchase agreement for 30 CSeries model CS100 (formerly C110) single-aisle aircraft. Lufthansa Supervisory Board approves order for 30 Bombardier CSeries
GERMANY : The Supervisory Board of the Lufthansa Group approved the order for 30 short-haul aircraft in its meeting on 10-Mar-09. The Bombardier CSeries Aircraft will be used by Lufthansa’s subsidiary, Swiss International Air Lines, and will be ready for the fleet as of 2014. The new aircraft will replace the existing Avro RJ100 short-haul aircraft. Brussels Airlines and time:matters announce partnership
Brussels Airlines and time:matters, a company of Lufthansa Cargo have announced (11-Mar-09) their cooperation. Thanks to this new partnership, time:matters can now use Brussels Airlines flights departing from Brussels Airport for its “sameday” services, packages that are picked up and delivered throughout Europe on the same day. Finncomm Airlines announces route expansions.jpg&new_w=100&new_h=100&imageaction=gd)
With the start of the summer schedule at the end of March, Finncomm Airlines announced (10-Mar-09) that it will provide more flights to Joensuu and Kemi-Tornio. The company also started flights to Kajaani in February. Aegean Airlines reports 2008 full-year results
AEGEAN announces (11-Mar-09) financial results for the full year 2008, continuing its healthy and dynamic growth path, amid challenging conditions for the airline sector and a deteriorating economic environment. Air Berlin announces revised frequent flyer programme
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (11-Mar-09) it has completely revised its topbonus frequent flyer scheme. From 01-Apr-09 topbonus members will collect up to 300% more status and award miles on flights with Air Berlin and NIKI. Air Berlin announces expanding route network
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (11-Mar-09) it is expanding its route network. The three new destinations incorporated in the winter timetable 2008/09, Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Ciudad Real - La Mancha in Central Spain, and Cyprus, will be joined by six further additions: the Channel Island of Jersey, Krakow in Poland, the Norwegian capital Oslo, Rijeka and Split in Croatia, and Venice, the lagoon city. Click4Sky expands destination network
Click4Sky announced (06-Mar-09) it is expanding its destination network. Starting 06-Mar-09, passengers can newly book tickets to Marseille, Sofia, and Helsinki, and for the seasonal flights to Split, Croatia at Click4Sky’s website. Air Berlin revises topbonus frequent flyer scheme
GERMANY : Air Berlin has completely revised its topbonus frequent flyer scheme. From 01-Apr-09 topbonus members will collect up to 300% more status and award miles on flights with Air Berlin and NIKI. The entry level to the airline’s frequent flyer scheme is the topbonus Card Classic. The award miles collected can be redeemed for free flights worldwide or for an upgrade to Business Class. The monthly bargain tickets are new. These are special offers that allow topbonus members to book an award flight from just 3,000 miles on ten selected routes. Ryanair presents Irish tourism rescue plan to Government
IRELAND : Ryanair presented (05-Mar-09) its rescue plan for Irish tourism to the Government appointed Tourism Renewal Group in a briefing at Dublin Castle. Air Berlin reports revenue increase in Feb-09
GERMANY : Air Berlin was able to increase its revenue per available seat kilometre for Feb-09, with revenue rising by 12% to 5.28 Eurocents. In comparison with the corresponding month of the previous year, the number of passengers transported decreased from 1,874,177 to 1,714,240 (-8.5%), in part due to a capacity reduction of 6.3%. Blue Air announces flight cancellations
Blue Air released (03-Mar-09) the following statement regarding canceled flights: Sterling Air and Lufthansa sign five-year contract
The Danish airline Sterling Air has signed (04-Mar-09) a five-year contract with Lufthansa Systems, a German IT services provider, to implement the flight management system database. clickair adds PayPal to payment options on its website
SPAIN : clickair has added (04-Mar-09) the popular PayPal system to the list of payment options it offers to passengers travelling on any of the airline’s Europe-wide destinations including its services from the UK (London Heathrow and Gatwick). TUIfly Nordic chooses Panasonic Avionics Corporation's eFX in-flight entertainment system
GERMANY : Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication systems, announced (04-Mar-09) that TUIfly Nordic has chosen the Panasonic eFX in-flight entertainment system for three B767 aircraft. When the aircraft enters service in Apr-09, TUIfly Nordic will be the first charter airline in the Nordic region to equip aircraft with full in seat audio and video on demand (AVOD). Germanwings applies new charges to excess baggage
GERMANY : Starting from 29-Mar-09 Germanwings will apply new charges for excess baggage. They will also change the weight of a bag on which the mentioned charge is calculated. Passengers flying on Germanwings now pay a charge in the amount of 7EUR on each kilogram over 23kg. From 29-March this year they will pay each kilogram over 20kg. Vueling and clickair begin cross-selling tickets online
SPAIN : Spanish low fare carriers clickair and Vueling have begun (02-Mar-09) cross-selling seats online on all their domestic and international flights in what is the first step toward a joint marketing initiative of the two merging companies. Blue1 joins Star Alliance Company Plus programme in the UK
FINLAND : The Finnish carrier Blue1 will join the Star Alliance Company Plus (SACP) programme in the UK and Ireland as of 02-Mar-09. To mark the expansion of the programme, triple points are being offered to customers, by all participating member airlines for all tickets booked on direct routes from the UK in Business Class during the month of March. Air Berlin recruiting more cabin crew
GERMANY : Air Berlin stated (19-Feb-09) it is recruiting more cabin crew. A total of 300 to 400 flight attendants are sought for several stations in Germany, including Berlin, Düsseldorf, Münster/Osnabrück and Nuremberg, to take up their duties in Summer 2009. Air Berlin to launch services to Krakow and Oslo
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (16-Feb-09) plans to operate a new route from Berlin-Tegel to Kracow in Summer 2009. In addition to the route network, Air Berlin will also launch non-stop flights from Berlin-Tegel to Oslo, the capital of Norway. This is the first time that Air Berlin will be serving the Norwegian market. Air Berlin executives to cut bonus payments
GERMANY : The board of executive directors and top managers of Air Berlin will forgo 50% of their bonus entitlements for the financial year 2008. In doing so, they are making a total contribution of EUR2 million to the Jump package of measures initiated in Spring 2008. Air Berlin to launch Stockholm Arlanda-Hanover service
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (13-Feb-09) plans to fly non-stop to Hanover from Stockholm-Arlanda from 20-Apr-09. There will be four flights each way per week using its Airbus 319 aircraft seating 144 passengers. Air Berlin implements Lufthansa Systems’ electronic navigation charts
GERMANY : Air Berlin and Lufthansa Systems announced (12-Feb-09) that it has expanded its successful cooperation with the Air Berlin Group. Following a three-month implementation phase, the airlines in the Air Berlin Group are now flying with the Lido eRouteManual electronic navigation charts. Vueling reports Jan-09 traffic
SPAIN : Vueling Airlines increased its January load factor by 5.1 percentage points, growing from 58.9% in 2008 to 64.0% in 2009. Such increase took place in spite of the global economic backdrop. During Jan-09 in keeping with its improvement plan, Vueling operated a fleet of 16 aircraft, 8 aircraft fewer than on a year earlier, concentrating them on serving its profitable routes. Ryanair reduces Shannon base
Ryanair confirmed (05-Feb-09) that the Government’s new EUR10 travel tax is already having a damaging impact on forward bookings from 30-Mar next. This EUR10 tourist tax, which has already caused traffic declines in the UK and Holland when previously introduced, is devastating forward bookings in Shannon, because in many cases it exceeds the air fare paid by many passengers on Ryanair’s low fares routes from Shannon. Air Berlin to launch Hanover-Stockholm service
GERMANY : Air Berlin is offering two new routes as soon as its Summer timetable comes into effect. From 01-May-09 the carrier will be flying from Hanover to Stockholm for the first time and re-launching its service between Stuttgart and Nice. Norwegian Air Shuttle expands London Gatwick route network to Norway
NORWAY : Norwegian Air Shuttle announced plans to launch services from London Gatwick Airport to Oslo, Copenhagen, Bergen, Stravanger, Aalborg and Tromsø. Norwegian Air Shuttle, which already operates a programme from London Gatwick Airport, is set to start operating a three-times daily service to Oslo, twice-daily to Copenhagen and daily services to Bergen, Stavanger and Aalborg. Air Berlin installs new SafeRoute software
GERMANY : Air Berlin will be using a new software system to optimise approach and landing phases, thereby saving fuel as well as reducing emissions and noise. The new SafeRoute system is based on ADS-B technology (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and helps to adjust the speed of incoming aircraft during their approach phase to maintain the optimum distance between aircraft even at high density airports. Air Berlin B773-700 aircraft the German Federal Aviation Offices' 35,000th registered aircraft
Air Berlin stated (27-Jan-09) its new B737-700 aircraft became the 35,000th aircraft registered by the LBA (German Federal Aviation Office). The new Boeing 737-700 with the code D-ABLD has been entered in the official German aviation register. Wizz Air to move flights to Forli Airport
POLAND : Wizz Air announced (23-Jan-09) that it would move its flights from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Forli Airport. Currently the airline offers flights to Bologna from Katowice, Warsaw and Cluj. The move of the flights will take place on 29-Mar-09. Air Berlin to reduce fuel surcharge
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (22-Jan-09) to reduce its fuel surcharge. From 27-Jan-09, Air Berlin will be charging up to EUR15 less in fuel surcharge per flight. On domestic German and European intercity flights the surcharge per flight will be reduced by EUR5 to EUR20. Norwegian to launch Oslo-Amsterdam service
From 02-Apr-09, Norwegian launches a new service from Oslo to Amsterdam. The route will have daily evening departures, with exception of Saturdays. From Oslo flights depart at 18.55, landing in Amsterdam at 20.45 (local time). Services from Amsterdam depart at 21.15, arriving in Oslo at 23.05 (local time). Air Berlin receives approval for CAT III-B landings with Boeing 737
GERMANY : Air Berlin is the first airline in Europe that will be carrying out CAT III-B approaches with its Boeing 737NG aircraft. This means that from now on landings will be possible when visibility in fog is down to just 75m. The European Commission authorises Vueling and Clickair to merge
SPAIN : The European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition has issued (09-Jan-09) the necessary authorisation in order for Vueling and Clickair to continue their merger process. Such authorisation will allow Vueling to immediately progress towards the latest stages of the integration process. Vueling reports Dec-08 traffic
SPAIN : Vueling increased its December load factor by 7.4 percentage points, from 63.6% in 2007 to 71.0% in 2008. Quarterly load factor improvement was 0.7 points. During Dec-08, Vueling kept on applying its improvement programme, reducing costs and cancelling non-profitable routes, by operating 8 fewer aircraft than on a year earlier a 33.3% reduction. Air Berlin reports Dec-08 traffic
GERMANY : In 2008, Air Berlin welcomed a total of 28,559,220 passengers on board, 1% more than in the previous year (2007: 28,272,967). Fleet capacity utilisation over the Jan-08 to Dec-08 period improved to 78.4%. Air Berlin signs agreement to transport Danish public servants
GERMANY : With effect from 01-Jan-09 Air Berlin is the exclusive airline partner for Danish public servants flying from Copenhagen to Berlin and Düsseldorf. Under this co-operation agreement, Air Berlin is offering its fares from EUR 29/DKK 199, as well as a discount on its flex fares. The contracts primarily cover those working for one of the 19 Danish ministries. Air Berlin appoints new Director Global Traffic Rights & Political Affairs
GERMANY : On 01-Jan-09 Matthias von Randow (49), the former Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry for Transport, Construction and Urban Development, will join Air Berlin as Director Global Traffic Rights & Political Affairs. Joachim Hunold, the airline’s CEO commented, We are pleased to have appointed such an outstanding expert for this responsible task. Air Berlin and NIKI conclude co-operation agreement with Opera Ro-mana Pellegrinaggi
GERMANY : Air Berlin and NIKI have concluded (16-Dec-08) a co-operation agreement with Opera Ro-mana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) to promote the sales of its Rome flights during the Pauline Year. SkyEurope - Repayment dates for loan granted extended
SLOVAKIA : SkyEurope Holding AG announced (12-Dec-08) that the EUR 15 million loan granted in Dec-07 and the EUR 10 million loan granted in Sep-08 by York Global Finance II to SkyEurope Airlines, have been extended to 15-Jan-09. Both loans were previously due for repayment on 15-Dec-08 in accordance with the loan agreements. Norwegian to launch services to London Gatwick
NORWAY : The new Summer programme of Norwegian includes a new route from Copenhagen to London Gatwick. The new route brings the total number of Norwegian’s routes out of Copenhagen to 16. Air Berlin to launch Dusseldorf-St. Petersburg services
Air Berlin and NIKI announced (10-Dec-08) flights to Russia in the Summer of 2009 are available for booking now. The daily non-stop service from Dusseldorf to St. Petersburg is a new addition. Furthermore there will again be a daily flight from Berlin-Tegel to St. Petersburg next summer. Air Berlin reports traffic for first eleven months
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (08-Dec-08) over the period from Jan-08 to Nov-08, the carrier transported a total of 26,752,602 passengers, 1.5% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year (2007: 26,363,830). Monarch Airlines adds Ibiza services for Summer 2009
UNITED KINGDOM : Monarch Airlines announced (05-Nov-08) services have been added to Ibiza to its scheduled Summer flying programme for 2009. The flights, which are available to book and will start flying on 21-May-09 and operate until 05-Oct-09. Norwegian to expand Copenhagen Airport base
NORWAY : When the summer programme comes into force in the spring, Norwegian announced (04-Dec-08) to expand its base at CPH by 11 new routes, bringing carrier’s Danish routes to a total of 18. The new destinations include Pisa, Split, Krakow, and Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete, all of which are currently not served out of Copenhagen. Air Berlin named “World’s Leading Budget Airline”
GERMANY : Air Berlin won the World Travel Award category of “World’s Leading Budget Airline” for the second year. Other nominees included Easyjet, and JetBlue Airways from the US. Air Berlin’s CEO, Joachim Hunold, commented: The fact that the World Travel Award’s international panel of judges have once again chosen Air Berlin as best in category reflects our full-service offering, efficiency levels and comfort on-board. Air Berlin reports financials for third quarter
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced (27-Nov-08) increase in operating income by 57% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net profit increased by 43.2%. This was the first quarter ever, in which turnover exceeded EUR 1 billion. Air Berlin receives ‘Best Low Cost Airlines’ award
GERMANY : Air Berlin picked up the ‘Best Low Cost Airline’ prize in the Telegraph Travel Awards held at The Honourable Artillery Company in London. Results this year were collated from the responses of more than 25,000 readers. Air Berlin - Sponsor of Winter Wonderland
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced to be the official airline sponsor of Winter Wonderland taking place in London's Hyde Park from 22-Nov-08 to 04-Jan-09. Air Berlin offers routes to the Christmas markets in Germany in Dusseldorf (20-Nov to 27-Dec), Hanover (27-Nov to 22-Dec), Munster/Osnabruck (24-Nov to 23-Dec), Nuremberg (28-Nov to 24-Dec) and Paderborn (26-Nov to 23-Dec). Vueling Airlines reports Oct-08 passenger traffic
SPAIN : Vueling Airlines carried 400.319 passengers during the month of October, reaching an average seat-load factor of 66.2%. During the period, Vueling continued to implement its improvement plan, which entails the cancellation of non-profitable routes and a focus on capturing higher-yielding passengers, via the expansion of business routes and also distribution through traditional travel agents. Air Berlin strengthens market position at Palma de Mallorca Airport
GERMANY : Air Berlin has further strengthened its market position at the airport of Palma de Mallorca as it was the only airline that continued to achieve growth in the month of Oct-08. In the period from Jan-08 to Oct-08 more than 5.7 million passengers flew Air Berlin from and to Palma. Air Berlin appoints new communications director
GERMANY : Hans-Christoph Noack (54), previously responsible for the management column in the financial pages of the German newspaper F.A.Z. (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), has been appointed as Communications Director of Air Berlin PLC with effect from 01-Jan-09. Norwegian Air Shuttle to upgrade in-flight services
NORWAY : Norwegian Air Shuttle announced (18-Nov-08) plans to offer passengers a premium in-flight entertainment system by signing an agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) to supply Digital MPES (DMPES) on forty-five (45) B737-800 aircraft. Air Berlin cancels flight contracts for dba
GERMANY : With effect from 15-Nov-08 Air Berlin has cancelled all flight contracts for the scheduled service of its subsidiary, dba. The six aircraft still being operated by dba will only be used on an ad hoc basis. The scheduled service will be carried out by aircraft and crews of Air Berlin, the parent company. Ryanair to appeal EU's support of Alitalia takeover
IRELAND : Ryanair questioned (13-Nov-08) the European Commission’s objectivity when it comes to enforcing the state aid rules against failed national airlines after it rubber stamped yet another illegal multi-billion euro bailout of Alitalia, and also passed a rescue package for another bankrupt Italian airline, Alpi Eagles. Air Berlin to launch flights to Hamburg
GERMANY : On 01-May-09, Air Berlin is to expand its flight services out of Finland by starting direct flights from Helsinki to Hamburg. The service will operate six days a week from Monday to Saturday, departing Helsinki-Vantaa at 13.40. Blue1 opens route to Ivalo
FINLAND : Blue1 announced to open a new route from Helsinki to Ivalo on 10-Feb-09. The route will be operated three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays until 03-May-09. The flights are operated with MD90 aircraft with a seating capacity of 166 seats. Air Berlin launches long-haul flights from Stansted
GERMANY : Air Berlin announced to offer UK passengers long haul flights from Stansted for the first time. New long haul connections started (07-Nov-08) service from via Dusseldorf, just over one hour flight time from London Stansted. Blue1 adopts ReadWeb technology
FINLAND : Blue1 is the first airline in the world to adopt the ReadWeb technology, with which it is possible to hear the contents of web pages. The objective is to help those who face difficulties in reading texts from the screen for reasons such as dyslexia, or similar problems. Air Berlin to launch Dusseldorf-Jersey service
GERMANY : With effect from the next summer flight schedule 2009, Air Berlin will for the first time be flying to Jersey. The flights to Jersey are available in the Internet and at travel agents from 11-Nov-08. The summer flight schedule for Jersey begins on 16-May-09 and ends on 12-Sep-09. Norwegian Air Shuttle and Lufthansa Technik signs agreement for overhaul services
NORWAY : Lufthansa Technik and Norwegian Air Shuttle have signed an agreement for overhaul services on more than 100 engines. According to the new contract, Lufthansa Technik will take care of the CFM56-7B engines for all 53 aircraft of Norwegian´s 737NG fleet and further seven spare engines. Blue1 reports Oct-08 traffic
FINLAND : Blue 1 Oy has reported that the total number of passengers was 145,000 in Oct-08, down 15.8% vs last year. The total traffic decreased by 8.8% vs last year and the overall passenger load factor was 64.1%. Air Berlin reports revenue growth for Oct-08
GERMANY : Over the period from Jan-08 to Oct-08, Air Berlin transported a total of 24,810,294 passengers, 2.1% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year (2007: 24,308,820 passengers). Fleet capacity utilisation for the first ten months of the year rose from 78.1 to 79.3%. Air Berlin expands services to North America
GERMANY : Air Berlin is extending its range of long-haul flights from Dusseldorf to North America. The airline will again be operating daily flights to New York, as well as three flights a week to Los Angeles during the summer schedule 2009. Air Berlin had temporarily suspended these connections in its winter timetable. Air Berlin to launch services to Venice
GERMANY : On 01-May-09 Air Berlin will start its first service to Venice, thereby further increasing its Italian routes. Air Berlin is the only airline that will be offering one non-stop flight a day to this city in northern Italy from Dusseldorf from Mondays to Saturdays. Air Berlin to increase Stansted - Dusseldorf services
GERMANY : Air Berlin will launch a fourth daily service from Stansted to Dusseldorf. The new flight is already bookable and complements Air Berlin’s existing three daily services between London and the German metropolis on the river Rhine. Air Berlin - dba flight operations to be discontinued
GERMANY : Air Berlin is planning to discontinue dba’s flight operations from 30-Nov-08. The 120 pilots and 175 flight attendants are to be offered comparable jobs within the group and at their current locations. A redundancy scheme is being prepared for those dba employees who do not want to accept such offers. Sterling Airlines files for bankruptcy
The management, board of directors, and the shareholder of Sterling Airlines A/S have been fighting a battle to keep the company alive. However, this has not had a positive outcome, and therefore Sterling Airlines decided to file for bankruptcy. S7 Airlines, Air Berlin And NIKI announce new international partnership
S7 Airlines announced a major expansion of its European network through code-share agreements with Air Berlin and NIKI. Air Berlin and NIKI, signed the agreement in Moscow. Air Berlin to release Spain and Portugal Summer 09 schedule
GERMANY : All Air Berlin and NIKI flights from Germany and Austria to the Spanish mainland, as well as to Portugal, can be booked now for summer 2009. The entire summer services for Spain and Portugal, including all connecting flights to and via Palma de Mallorca, will be available to Air Berlin customers from 29-Oct-08. Sterling Airlines launches Autumn campaign
Sterling Airlines announced its campaign to celebrate autumn. Sterling Airlines is celebrating the autumn with 100,000 low fares tickets at www.sterling.com. clickair to switch Bilbao flights from London Gatwick to Heathrow
SPAIN : clickair will switch its Bilbao flights from London Gatwick to Heathrow, effective 28- Oct-08, coinciding with the start of its winter timetable. clickair will continue to offer daily departures to La Coruna in north west Spain, but flights to Valencia will cease. Sterling Airlines releases Summer 2009 network
Sterling Airlines has released its summer 2009 schedule, which includes a total of 63 routes. Sales started on 08-Sep-08. Air Berlin improves revenue in September
GERMANY : Over the first nine months of 2008, Air Berlin transported 2.9% more passengers than in the corresponding period of the previous year. From Jan-08 to Sep-08, 22,107,115 passengers flew Air Berlin. Norwegian Air Shuttle selects Rockwell Collins avionics for Boeing fleet
NORWAY : Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA has selected (02-Oct-08) Rockwell Collins to provide avionics for 42 Boeing 737NG aircraft with an option for an additional 42 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2009. clickair launches ‘clickair professional’
SPAIN : clickair is investing more in the business traveller. And with a 42% increase in revenue from this sector expected in 2009, the airline announced the launch of a brand new internet portal, clickair professional, pledging to make ticket prices for business fares 16.5% lower than the market average. Norwegian starts scheduled service to Canaries
NORWAY : Norwegian Air Shuttle is starting direct scheduled service to Spain’s Canary Islands starting on 28-Oct. clickair launches EUR50 rescue rate for stranded XL and Futura passengers
SPAIN : clickair announced a EUR50 flat fee, per sector fare to help XL and Futura passengers stranded in Spain primarily in the Balearic and Canary Islands get home. Air Berlin’s Winter flights to Sylt available for booking
GERMANY : Air Berlin flights to Sylt during the coming winter season are now available for booking. From 01-Nov-08 there will be one non-stop flight a day from Berlin and Düsseldorf to the North Sea island of Sylt. Air Berlin improves revenue in August
GERMANY : Over the period from Jan-08 to Aug-08, Air Berlin welcomed 19,252,837 passengers on board, i.e. 3.9% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year (2007: 18,535,693 passengers). Centralwings Airlines profitable in 2009
POLAND : The management of Centralwings airlines in cooperation with PLL LOT decided to implement reorganisation program which will allow to achieve profitability of Centralwings in 2009. TUI Travel PLC in discussions with Lufthansa AG and Thomas Cook group PLC
TUI Travel PLC announces that it is in early discussions with Lufthansa AG and Thomas Cook Group PLC in relation to a potential merger of Condor, Germanwings and TUIfly Germany. Sterling Airlines celebrates launch of new web site sterling.com
Sterling Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of its new and functional web site www.sterling.com. Jet2.com launches Manchester-Sardinia route
UNITED KINGDOM : Jet2.com is bringing the island of Sardinia within easy reach of Manchester, following an announcement that it will begin direct services there for summer 2009. Jet2.com announces flights to Croatia for Summer 09
UNITED KINGDOM : Jet2.com announced flights to Croatia for summer 2009. Flights to Croatia start from just GBP56.99 one way including taxes and operate from 03-May-09. SkyEurope launches Summer 2009 sale
SLOVAKIA : SkyEurope Airlines, recently voted Eastern Europe’s most popular low-cost carrier by Skytrax, is proud to announce the launch of its Summer 2009 schedule for sale. Air Berlin appoints new sales director
GERMANY : Detlef Altmann (53) will be starting his new job as Air Berlin’s sales director on 19-Aug-08. Originally from the city of Essen, he is taking over from Carsten Kröger (41), who is starting up in business on his own at the end of the year. Sterling Airlines launches travel campaign
Sterling Airlines is announcing the launch of its fantastic travel campaign at www.sterling.com. Save up to 50% on more than 900.000 tickets, from continental Europe and UK, to Scandinavia. SkyEurope chooses CabinVu-123 for in flight security
SLOVAKIA : SkyEurope Airlines, has selected CabinVu-123 Cockpit Door Monitoring Systems from AD Aerospace Ltd, to improve safety and security across its young fleet of 15 Boeing 737-700 aircraft. transavia.com back at Copenhagen Airport next winter
NETHERLANDS : transavia.com will be back at Copenhagen Airport next winter. This year, the airline will offer five weekly frequencies to Innsbruck, Austria. Air Berlin reports improvements in revenue
GERMANY : Over the first seven months of 2008, Air Berlin transported 5.1% more passengers than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Air One selects GE Engines to power its Airbus A330 fleet
ITALY : Air One has selected GE's CF6-80E1 engines to power its new 12 firm and eight option Airbus A330 aircraft. Flybe’s departure board alerts passengers to ‘tailormade’ offers
Flybe announced the launch of Departure Board, an innovative way to keep customers updated in real-time about its latest offers and promotions. Air Berlin CEO says savings programme starting to bear fruit
GERMANY : (XFN-ASIA) Air Berlin plc chief executive Joachim Hunold said the airline's savings programme is starting to bear fruit and indicated there could be further price increases, according to an interview in Welt am Sonntag. OnAir expands its management team and regional coverage
OnAir announced key additions to its management team, including the appointment of Luc Cousin as Chief Programmes Officer (CPO), and the establishment of regional presence in Dubai, UAE and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Germanwings expands its network of destinations
Germanwings will start operations on 16-Aug-08 by direct flights Cologne/Bonn - Sarajevo - Cologne/Bonn. Air Berlin offers business class Summer special
GERMANY : Passengers booking a Business Class flight to Bangkok on Air Berlin by 30-Aug-08 can use the free limousine transfer into the city. Pratt and Whitney wins USD533 million order for V2500 Engines from Wizz Air
POLAND : Wizz Air has selected the International Aero Engines V2500 to power a new fleet of 50 Airbus A320 aircraft. Norwegian Air Shuttle and Sterling Airlines announce cooperation
After entering into a new strategic cooperation, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA and Sterling Airlines A/S will cooperate on the routes Oslo - Copenhagen and Stockholm - Copenhagen from the 15-Sept-08. Sterling Airlines to launch Copenhagen-Lisbon service next Winter
Sterling Airlines will be expanded to include a Copenhage-Lisbon service. The airline will be operating two weekly frequencies to the capital of Portugal from 05-Feb-09. Air Berlin doubles topbonus miles on flights from Milan Malpensa
GERMANY : Frequent flyers on Air Berlin can earn double miles on their flights to Milan Malpensa between now and 15-Aug-08. Passengers from Berlin-Tegel, Düsseldorf and Vienna will earn twice the regular number of topbonus miles for the booked fare on direct flights to Milan Malpensa. Embraer signs Niki Airline for five Embraer 190 jets
AUSTRIA : Austria’s low-cost airline will be the first to fly the E-Jets with all-new “slim seats”. Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline market said, “NIKI’s decision to select the EMBRAER 190 to complement its existing fleet of narrowbody jets is great news, indeed. Air Berlin develops its domestic Spanish route network
GERMANY : Air Berlin is developing its domestic Spanish route network even further in time for the 2008/09 winter schedule. From Jul-08 Air Berlin passengers have been able to choose from 70 Spanish domestic flights in the coming winter which represents an increase of almost 400% in comparison with the previous year. |