Strong support for further strikes at BA

Cabin crew of BA( British Airways) have gone for a strike over pay and conditions. This strike might go till Easter break. The row began about cost-cutting but now centres on travel concessions taken from striking staff and disciplinary action against Unite union members.The dispute started from November 2009 when BA reduced the cabin crew and introduced a two-year pay freeze from 2010. This led to a series of strikes in the spring and summer of last year. Staffs have walked out for 22 days for the present dispute.

Also today, British Airways has launched flights to Puerto Rico for the first time, following the inauguration of its first direct service to Buenos Aires on Sunday. BA now flies daily from Heathrow to Buenos Aires.

AirAsia Incorporated seeks Clark hub in Philippines

AirAsia Incorporated, the Philippine-based affiliate of the AirAsia Group, has chosen Clark as its hub in the country. The airline, which announced its set up last December, will be basing its operations at Clark’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport from the fourth quarter of 2011. “AirAsia, Inc., is excited to start contributing to the economy of Clark and the rest of the country by boosting tourism and offering job opportunities to Filipinos.” “We plan to make Clark the hub for flights to popular destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Korea and Japan,” added Ms Hontiveros. Travel will become much more easier for the tourists and overseas Filipino employees. Hontiveros, Antonio Cojuangco Jr. and Michael Romero own 60 per cent of AirAsia, Inc. in equal partnership.The remaining 40 per cent is owned by AirAsia Berhad.

Embraer links up with Alitalia for 20 jets

Embraer the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has signed up a contract with Italian airlines Alitalia for the delivery of 20 jets through a lease structure by third parties. 15 Embraer 175 and 5 Embraer 190 jets are included in this agreement. “Benefiting from a strong reorganization, Alitalia is developing its regional network to meet new market and passengers requirements,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer president.The delivery of the new jets are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2011. These new aircraft will help in covering all the short and medium destinations without any stopovers. One of the youngest airline of Europe, the new E-Jets will increase the efficiency levels of the Italian airline, from economic and environmental perspectives, by reducing fuel consumption.

Etihad begins services to the Maldives

Etihad will be commencing its flights to Male the capital of Maldives from 1st of November. Etihad has been recognized as the World’s Leading Airline for the second consecutive year in 2010 by the World Travel Awards. The route will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft with two cabins and 1904 seats each week. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Malé is gateway to the premium leisure destination, the Maldive Islands, and given the strong increase in visitation numbers we are seeing in the market, the time is right to launch services to this popular holiday destination.” Mr Hogan said the commencement of the services in November was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of the busy Northern winter period. Etihad airlines hail from Abu Dhabi. As Maldives is one of the topmost tourist spot for tourists so it will be a great idea to commence a flight from Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE to Maldives. Maldives has got 300,000 people with 1200 islands grouped into natural atolls, including 200 inhabited islands and 97 resort islands. Maldives has got beautiful seas, hot climate, tropical climate and warm temperature which make it as a honeymoon spot.

United Continental: US-Japan traffic declines

There has been a decline in the flights from USA to Japan because of the earthquake. United, Delta Air Lines Inc., and American Airlines flew their full schedule of flights to Tokyo. Meanwhile German airlines Lufthansa and Italian airlines Alitalia have shifted their flights from Tokyo to different parts of Japan whereas United Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc., and American Airlines flew their full schedule of flights to Tokyo. "Since the earthquake we have seen a modest decline" in overall traffic to and from Japan, said United Continental spokeswoman Megan McCarthy. Besides Tokyo-U.S. flights, United flies between Tokyo and other cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Traffic from the U.S. to Japan has seen a "measurable decline," she said. Airlines have been waiving the usual fees for changing a ticket. Delta and United also took the more unusual step of offering full refunds for travelers who had not used any part of their ticket. Airlines usually offer refunds on non-refundable tickets only if they cancel the flight but now they are not doing this because of this massive tsunami. Airline shares have fallen sharply this week, with United Continental down 7.7 percent, Delta down 9.2 percent, and American parent AMR Corp. down 2.4 percent.

Japan Airlines offers free flights for tsunami relief workers

JAL is offering free flights for tsunami rescue workers. The third explosion occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant on Tuesday, which caused radiation levels rise in the surrounding area. The government ordered any inhabitants remaining in the 16km radius exclusion zone to evacuate immediately. The prime minister, Naoto Kan, has warned there is a very high risk of further radioactive material being released. JAL said it was supporting the rescue and recovery process by providing free transport of relief goods and for aid personnel, as well as through a mileage donation scheme to raise funds to help victims of the disaster. JAL will transport relief goods and supplies at no charge until April 15 on its domestic and international network.JAL is offering to transport rescue team members for no charge at the request of the Japanese government and regional authorities.

Tsunami hits Japan

Tsunami has hit Japan and many people have died in that massacre. It was one of the biggest tsunami which has ever occurred till yet. Many houses, cars, belongings etc have been devastated by this incident. Many children have lost their parents and became orphans. Now travelers are spooked up to visit Japan after this massacre took place. Foreigners have been trapped in that country because some of the international airports have been affected by tsunami. Reactors 1 and 3 have been exploded and radiation is emitting out of it which is quite harmful for human beings. Till yet Japan authorities have confirmed about 1,597 deaths, but the final toll is expected to be much higher.This tsunami was recorded as 8.9 Richter scale which is considered to be quite high. Japan prime minister has quoted the situation at the nuclear plant was alarming, and the earthquake had thrown Japan into “the most severe crisis since World War II”. Natira International Airport has returned to operation, with flights departing as scheduled. Many countries have advised citizens to avoid traveling to Japan as many aftershocks expected.

Heathrow Terminal 5 briefly closed following terror alert

Passengers were evacuated from London Heathrow Terminal 5 earlier following a suspected terror alert. A suspect package was located at the airport, with Metropolitan Police subsequently sealing off parts of the Terminal building. The operation lasted from 12:50 until 14:10, when the all clear was given. A number of passengers were delayed as new arrivals at the departure gates were prevented from entering the building. A man is in custody following the incident. As its one of the most busiest airport in the world so it must have created problems for the passengers. Some passengers have got delayed because of this incident. Now everything has been sorted out and its back to its normal condition.

Air China becomes first Chinese 747-8 customer

Air China has become the first Chinese customer to order the new 747-8 Intercontinental from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The carrier has signed an agreement to purchase five of the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8s. However, the agreement requires Chinese government approval, at which time it will be posted to the Boeing orders and deliveries website. Air China, the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, will use the airplanes to expand its international routes. The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration. The airplane features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. Air China has become one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and today is one of the world’s largest carriers.

Airbus looks to Asia for boost in demand

Airbus has revealed it expects new orders from Asia in coming 20 years. The French plane manufacturer expects to sell around 8,560 aircraft to Asian carriers. It is one of the biggest competitor of American plane manufacturer Boeing. About a quarter of Airbus’ aircraft orders are presently from Asia-Pacific. Airbus expects that passenger numbers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines to rise by 5.8 per cent annually. Last year Airbus sold 644 aircraft with a list value of more than $84 billion while its biggest competitor has delivered 625 planes. Emerson went on to forecast Asian carriers would order 3,360 wide-bodied aircraft and 5,200 new planes in the 100-210 seat category over the next 20 years. While the best-selling A320 series is expected to remain popular, Airbus remains on course to deliver its first A380 to a Chinese airline, China Southern Airlines, in the second half of 2011.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival has been celebrated with a big boom and Naomi Cabrera has won the title of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen. The carnival was held in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. She wears a feathered creation called 'Cien anos de historia' (One hundred years of history), designed by Leo Martinez. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and most spectacular events of its kind in the world. This carnival held in February in Canary Islands to attract many foreigners from the world. It is considered to be the second most spectacular carnival after Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). This carnival had been started from the earliest European settlement. I used to watch Rio de Janeiro carnival on TV and got so much admired that I have decided to visit Brazil during that time. Many people from  North America, South America, European countries etc come to Brazil to visit that carnival. I bet that Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will be at par with the Brazilian festival which is why it gathers many foreign crowds. People wear sparkling feathered creation dresses which make them attractive.

Air France launches new Caribbean flights

Air France has launched flights to Guadeloupe and Martinique from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.The first flight will take off from 4th November and the frequency will be twice in a week. The new service by Air France will be helpful to the passengers who are willing to fly to French Caribbean. Now the passengers dont have to disembark in between to reach the final destination. It will definitely help Air France to earn profit out of this new service.

Foreign Office offers Brits ticket out of Egypt

The foreign office offers an emergency exit to the British visitors from Egypt as the political situation deteriorates. A charter aircraft will depart from Cairo Airport on Thursday, with 200 seats on offer. Each is priced at £300. Incumbent president Mubarak has promised of more inclusive of government but it went into vain because of the protesters. Around 100 people have been killed in the massacre so the army have stated that they will not use any violence against the people. 

World of Travllers

Welcome you all to the world of travelers. If you are a travel freak then you have reached the right place. This blog is tailor made for the people who love to travel. You can post your views about your native country or the countries where you have visited. The more you visit the more you can explore to the world. There are many to the power of infinite things to learn from this world. If I get a chance to visit all the countries (peaceful countries) then I would consider myself as the luckiest person on this planet. I would appreciate and welcome all the people with my open heart who will share their views on the same topic.