ACSA TO PUBLISH DOMESTIC AIRLINES' ON-TIME PERFORMANCE
As part of efforts to improve efficiency of airport operations, Airports Company South Africa has announced that, from June, it will publish the on-time performance of all domestic airlines, making these results public. "This, Acsa says, "is in agreement with the airlines. The purpose is not to penalise or 'name and shame' the airlines but to be transparent from a performance point of view in the interest of the airport community and passengers", says Acsa's group manager of communications Solomon Makgale.
Commercial director of 1time Airline, Desmond O'Connor confirms that it has given written permission to Acsa to display 1time's on-time performance results. "We initiated discussions with Acsa to make these stats available to the general public on its website and show them what the true picture is regarding all airlines. 1time's view is that the public deserves to know the truth, and from an independent party, so that the stats accurately reflect the true performance results. I think a lot of people will be astonished at what the true picture is in terms of low-fare airlines versus legacy carriers. Not only would this change perceptions but I also believe it would be a huge driver for underperforming airlines to try and improve, resulting in greater customer service to everyone", he says.
Mango also welcomes the publication of on-time performance results. "On-time performance has become one of the significant differentiating factors between airlines in a highly competitive market place", notes communications manager, Hein Kaiser. "For the past three years, Mango has, on average, been the most on-time domestic airline. Third-party publication of this information is welcomed". The airline recently celebrated its third year running as the most on-time performance in excess of 90%," says ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout.
"A common metric or basis for measurement is always the healthiest way of doing things, as it seems that performance claims made currently are not off consistent bases", notes Comair's executive manager of group marketing, Heidi Brauer. "Bottom line is that we are committed to improving on-time performance whether or not such an initiative goes ahead. Ultimately we don't need a big stick or big brother to drive our performance. We have a responsibility to our customers."
SAA A330-200 TO FLY TO MUMBAI
Starting May 14, the latest addition to SAA's fleet, the state-of-the-art A330-200, will operate to Mumbai, a route that SAA I committed to develop and grow. Theunis Potgieter, gm commercial said: "The A33-200 aircraft is operating the Johannesburg-Mumbai route on May 14, much sooner than scheduled. Over and above providing connectivity, out customers can look forward to an enhanced product and the added comfort and convenience offered by this impressive aircraft".
SAA received its first A330-200 in February, and its second one last month. The first aircraft operates to London.
MANGO TO LAUNCH LANSERIA OPERATION
Mango has announced that it will launch operations from Lanseria to Cape Town and June 1, 2011 with bookings opening at 10h00 on May 3, 2011.
Initial frequency between Lanseria and Cape Town will see three flights daily on week days in each direction. The airline is the second low cost carrier to operate out of Lanseria.
Mango has launched a limited special fare on selected flights of R495 one way sale until May 31, 2011 for travel between June, July and August.
"Lanseria is the second route launch for Mango in the past year", says ceo Nico Bezuidenhout. The airline launched its Johannesburg - Bloemfontein route last year. "Growth is a priority on our agenda following a successful post-launch period," he says. The airline's fifth new generation B737 800 aircraft. Mango's fleet now comprises five aircraft.
BRITISH AIRWAYS AND IBERIA MERGE SA SALES FORCE
South Africa is one of six countries in which the integration of British Airways and Iberia is being pioneered, with the first step being the merger of the two airlines' sales teams from June 1. Iberia commercial manager South Africa, Carlos Herrero, says that account managers based at the British Airways in Melrose Arch Johannesburg would sell both airlines. "We're currently ironing out the details of exactly what kind of trade support will be offered to the SA trade but are working to ensure that it is the best possible support we can provide".
"The merger between BA and Iberia to form the International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG)," says British Airways "will mean more routes, better schedules and more convenience and flexibility." Together the two airlines fly to over 200 destinations and operate more than 400 aircraft from two hubs in Europe, London Heathrow and Madrid's Barajas. Added to this is the network of joint-business partner American Airlines.
"Our priority is to preserve and leverage the combined market knowledge and skills of both sales teams," says Sue Botes, British Airways commercial manager in South Africa.
PRINCESS CRUISES REINSTATES EGYPT CALLS
Princess Cruises, represented by Discover the World Marketing, has reinstated calls to Egyptian ports on all itineraries from which they were previously removed. The cruises on Star Princess, Dawn Princess, Ocean Princesss and Pacific Princess have now returned to their original published itineraries with the first Egypt call schedules for May 15.
Alexandria and Port Said are part of the two-day Egypt experience in the 12-day Holy Land sailings. Sailings depart from May 7 through to November 15. Passengers booked on Holy Land sailings are being contacted with the revised itinerary information. Princess will continue to monitor the situation.
FLIGHT RECORDER FLIGHT 447
Air France KLM ceo, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, has confirmed that the flight recorder of flight 447, which crashed in 2009, has been recovered. "Air France has been informed by the Bureau d'Enquetes et d'Anaylyses pour le securite de l'aviation civile (BEA), the French body responsible for technical investigations into civil aviation accidents or incidents, that a flight recorder (black box) from the Airbus A330 operating the Rio-Paris Charles de Gaulle flight which disappeared over the Atlantic on 1 June 2009, has been retrieved". Gourgeon said the new step in the investigation was very significant as it might provide additional information on the causes of the accident that still remained unexplained. "We hope that BEA, in charge of the technical investigation, will be able to provide answers to questions that relatives of the victims, Air France and the entire airline industry have been asking for nearly two years as to why this tragic accident occurred".
In a separate statement, Tom Enders, Airbus president and ceo said Airbus was excited by the news and hoped the data was still readable as only this would contribute to the understanding of the events that led to the accident. "We are very pleased to have over the last years pushed to continue the investigation and the search, no matter what the cost an efforts," said Enders.
One&Only Le Saint Géran - Mauritius
One&Only Le Saint Géran - Mauritius
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UNBELIEVABLE OFFER: Receive R1000 beverage voucher per Room and complimentary HALF BOARD.
7 Night Package
Junior Suite - Bed and Breakfast
From 14 797 per person valid from 01 May - 30 September (excluding 15 - 19 June)
Complimentary half board (excluding period 10 - 20 August)
Rates Include:
- Return airfare from Johannesburg to Mauritius on Air Mauritius on x-class and subject to availability. Definite airfare seasons apply.
- Return Seat in Coach transfers - luxury transfers available on request
- R1000 beverage voucher per room
- Free land and non-motorized water sports, including unlimited waterskiing
- Evening entertainment
- Free golf at the 9 hole Gary Player Golf Course
Rates Exclude:
- Departure taxes of approx. R1900 per person
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THE PROTEA HOTEL EDWARD
HOT WINTER SPECIAL
R799 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
VALID FRIDAY - SUNDAY
01 MAY 2001 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2011
The venerable lady of Durban's Golden Mile has undergone a facelift, with the refurbishment due to be completed by April 2011. The exterior of the building has been completely renovated and has ensured that the art deco façade is the most impressive on Durban's Golden Mile. All exterior signage has been upgraded. The hotel's conference rooms are part of the refurbishment plans, while bedrooms have been redecorated in a style similar to the overall elegance of the hotel. Cool and calming colours in rich, sumptuous fabrics adorn graceful furnishings, but a nod to the modern era means rooms are equipped with LCD TV's, new electronic door locks, comfortable executive work stations and room safes. All carpets have been replaced and graphics and wall finishes upgrades. Situated within five minutes of the city centre, the Protea Hotel Edward harks back to a time of Victorian elegance. This world-famous hotel has played host to princes and presidents, field marshals, millionaires and movie stars since 1911.
Package Includes:
Terms and Conditions:
- Full pre-payment is required.
- Subject to availability
- Standard Terms and Conditions apply
- E & O.E.
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Kindly contact Graham Moore at XL Turners Travel on 031 368 8000 for bookings or enquiries.
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