Corporate Travel News Headlines

Updated 1st August

British Airways in tie-up talks with Iberia

British Airways and Spanish national flag carrier Iberia have announced that they are in talks over a pontential all-share merger. The airlines, which are partners in the OneWorld alliance, said that each would retain its own branding under the tie-up. BA's strength in North America and Asis would be complemented by Iberia's Latin American operations, Fernando Conte, Iberia's chairman and chief executive, said.

Emirates buys 60 Airbus wide-body aircraft

At the unveiling of the new A380 in Hamburg, chairman and chief executive of Emirates, Airlines Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, signed a letter of intent for 30 A350 XWB (extra wide body) and 30 A330-300 aircraft.

In 2007 Emirates signed a firm order for 70 A350 XWBs with an option for 50 more, and today’s order includes the firming up of 30 of these A350 XWB options and will eventually increase the order to 100 for this aircraft.

High oil price hits Heathrow expansion

A new report by Friends of the Earth states that the Government's argument for expansion is flawed. The report shows the Government’s economic case for building a third runway relies on the cost of oil falling to $53 in 2030, less than half of current $130 prices. If the cost of oil does not fall to such levels, tickets will remain high and fewer passengers will fly.Friends of the Earth insist that there are viable alternatives to expansion, such as promoting rail travel for short-haul passengers.

Checked baggage charges help EasyJet's bottomline

Charging for checked baggage means each easyJet passenger now spends an average £7.45 more than their ticket price - a 93 per cent increase compared with last year.

easyJet introduced its checked baggage charge in October last year, making a big impact on its bottom line. Latest figures from the airline for April, May and June - its third quarter - confirm the 93 per cent year on year jump in ancillary revenue from the previous average of £3.87

Air Southwest adds new business scheme

Airsouthwest's addition of another layer to its business offering completes a raft of initiatives from the airline, which is also building an ambitious route structure.

BA reveals LCY's new all-business class

It is more than a year away, but British Airways is focused on the success of its new operations from London City airport. The new services, using two new A318 planes, will be configured with 32 flat-bed seats.

BA is promising a 15-minute check-in time at London City, and despite the fact that the aircraft will have to stop at either Shannon or some other Irish airport on the way to New York, BA is looking to turn this to their advantage.

New Luxury hotel for Leeds

The Ellington to open on September 8th in Leeds' financial district.

Flybe offers through-ticketing

Flybe is claiming to be the first no-frills carrier in Europe to offer through-ticketing on its routes.

Star Alliance lounge open in Heathrow T1

Star Alliance customers flying from Heathrow Terminal 1 now have the use of the alliance's largest lounge.

Emirates winter-time expansion

Rather than adding new routes, this expansion involves adding extra flights.Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior VP commercial operations, West India and the Indian Ocean says: “Having fuelled strong economic and trade ties between the Middle East and India since the start of services in 1985, we are well poised to support India’s blistering growth in the 21st century with efficient, reliable and increased air links.”

It means European travellers will find more options for making connections over Emirates’ Dubai hub. This is especially important in the case of destinations like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madras and Cochin which are not well served by direct flights from the UK or mainland Europe in comparison to Mumbai and Delhi.

Eurostar confirms big rise in traffic

Euro star has confirmed a large rise in passengers from the regions following its move to St Pancras station.

Heathrow Express on right track

A national rail survey published this week shows passenger satisfaction ratings have further improved on Heathrow Express between this spring and last autumn. Yet concerns remain, with complaints about train frequency, punctuality and attitudes of staff on the trains.

Previous Coprorate Travel News Headlines