Dutch Airlines pulled up for lost baggage of Indian passenger

International air carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which lost an Indian passenger's baggage in 1993, has been found guilty of "deficiency in service" by the Delhi State Consumer Commission and ordered it to pay him a compensation of Rs 50,000. "The compensation of Rs 50,000 towards the loss or injury suffered by the complainant due to negligence in service on the part of the opposite party (the airlines) would meet the ends of justice", commission president Justice JD Kapoor, members Mahesh Chandra and Rumnita Mittal said. Complainant AK Gupta, a businessman, said when he arrived at Delhi from Amsterdam on May 30, 1993 he did not find his suitcase which contained among other things two film rolls with pictures of his import-export related sample design. He claimed that due to the loss of the 30 kg baggage, which contained samples of certain orders, he suffered losses to the tune of Rs 3.95 lakh as many buyers cancelled their orders. Though he visited the Airlines office many times and made several enquiries no effective action was taken by them to trace the missing suitcase, he said. The Airlines admitted that Gupta's baggage was lost during transit. The court, however, said since Gupta did not disclose the contents of the suitcase and its value to the Airlines, they cannot be held liable to compensate him to the extent of worth of the contents. "But, the consumer is entitled to seek compensation on account of injury, mental agony and harassment he suffered due to the loss of his valuables", the court said, adding it is the weight of the baggage that determines the loss. Source: Press Trust of India

American Airlines hikes fares

American Airlines has added another $5 each way to most of its North American fares, starting immediately. Now it's waiting to see whether rivals match the increase. After years of attempts by various legacy carriers to raise fares, only to rescind them days later when competitors did not do the same and bookings fell, some recent increases have stuck. The reason they stick is the reason they're attempted in the first place: all the airlines, even the discount carriers, are spending far more than last year because of soaring jet fuel prices. Crude oil still is trading above $50 a barrel, and American, the world's largest airline, has famously reported that each dollar rise costs it $80 million a year. . Source: Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

Travelers Advantage(R) Travel Tips: Online Check-In Emerges as Convenient Time Saver in Security Age

Online airline check-in is the hot new trend among on-the-go travelers who seek to save time, avoid lines, efficiently navigate airport security and take-off on their adventure.

Most major airlines now offer online service that allows you to check-in, print your boarding pass or even change your seat assignments -- all with the click of a mouse, according to Travelers Advantage. You can get it all from the convenience of your home PC, hotel room or even aboard your cruise. And some airlines are even offering bonus frequent flier miles and other incentives for online check-in customers.

A recent J.D. Power and Associates study found that more than half of airline passengers are taking advantage of time-saving check-in options, with 38 percent currently using self-check-in kiosks and 17 percent checking in online through airline websites. The study also found that passengers using kiosks wait half as long for their boarding passes as those who interact with an airline representative. Passengers using electronic kiosks wait an average of 7.2 minutes for a boarding pass, compared with 14.2 minutes at the ticket counter and 9.4 minutes at curbside check-in.

Most airlines allow you to check-in and get boarding passes online from 24 hours to 30 minutes prior to your flight, depending on the carrier.

"Airports across the globe feature electronic check-in kiosks that have become second nature to many savvy world travelers," said Julia Ryan, vice president of Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. "The next level of convenience in travel is online check-in, which allows you to print your boarding pass before you step out of your hotel room or set foot at the airport."

The virtual travel experts at TravelersAdvantage.com offer these tips about online check-in:

1. Click It & Ticket ... You can check-in, print your boarding pass, change seat assignments, receive upgrades and earn frequent flyer miles -- all online at your airline's website. Finally, you can avoid the long lines at check-in. Confirm with your airline, as each one offers different check-in features. 2. When to Check-In Online ... Most airlines allow you to check-in and get your boarding passes online from 24 hours to 30 minutes prior to your flight. This is your opportunity to try the ease of online check-in! 3. Have E-Ticket, Will Travel ... The convenience of online check-in is available to travelers with ticketless airline reservations. Keep your e-ticket, ticket number and frequent flyer number handy to expedite your request and earn points while cruising the online expressway. 4. Printer Friendly ... Make sure you have access to a printer in your hotel, on your cruise or in your home. Some airlines allow you to reprint your boarding pass multiple times, while others only allow you to print your boarding pass once. If a printer is not available when you complete your online check-in, you may have to visit an airline agent once you arrive at the airport. Please check with your airline, as policies and procedures can vary. 5. Domestic or International Flights? ... Most airlines offer domestic online check-in operations, and some -- Continental, Northwest and U.S. Airways -- also feature international online check-in. 6. Arrival Time ... You should arrive one-to-two hours prior to your departure. The time might vary depending upon your destination and if you have baggage to check.

7. Checked Bags for Online Travelers ... No need to worry about checking your bags when using online check-in. Most airlines allow you to check bags using either curbside or the self-serve kiosks.

8. Why Should I Use Online Check-In? ... Some airlines -- U.S. Airways, Delta and Northwest -- offer bonus miles and/or seating upgrades when you use online check-in. Consult your airline and discover your
reward!

9. Security Checkpoint-ers ... place valuables in carry-on baggage; stow mobile phones, keys, loose change, money clips, metal hair accessories, etc., in carry-on; remove laptop from case to send through X-ray on trays; wait until you reach your destination to wrap any gifts; remove belt and shoes; take a deep breath and take your
time unpacking and repacking your belongings so you don't leave anything behind.

10. Cool Travel Gadgets Get You There In Style ... GPS devices/electronic maps; MP3 players & iPods; digital travel alarm; portable DVD players; Buckey Pillows, travel pillows & travel massagers; digital cameras, PDAs, mobile phones; and laptops all add pizzazz to your trip.

Source: PR Newswire Association LLC.

Despite high-profile crashes, train still a safe mode of travel in Asia

DISASTER: Rescuers work at the site of a derailed commuter train that smashed into an apartment building in Amagasaki, western Japan on April 26. (REUTERS)

HONG KONG -- Despite occasional headline-grabbing crashes such as this week's accident in Japan, rail travel remains one of the safest means of travel in Asia.

In countries across the region, including India and Pakistan with their creaking colonial era railways, the daily carnage on the roads far outweighs the number of casualties from train crashes.

And in archipelago nations and other maritime countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh, deaths from ferry disasters also outnumber rail deaths.

Monday's rail accident in western Japan, which left over 70 people dead, made a huge impact because such accidents happen infrequently, and when they do, they are visually alarming.

"Rail is much safer. There are regular derailments but although they attract a lot of attention they rarely result in many deaths," says Debra Efroymson, regional director of Path Canada, a Canadian nongovernmental organization, which has carried out research into transport issues in Bangladesh.

Despite regular accidents on its antiquated rail network, the tiny South Asian nation recorded just 25 rail deaths last year and 28 in 2003. By comparison the number of deaths on the roads were around 2,600 last year and 3,279 in 2003.

"The number of road accident fatalities is outrageously high for the number of cars in existence," said Efroymson.

That pattern of transportation deaths is repeated throughout the region.

Indonesian police recorded 10,906 road deaths last year and just 50 in rail accidents, while Taiwanese authorities reported 2,718 road deaths in 2003 and 240 rail deaths and injuries.

Apart from suicides rail deaths were zero in the tiny city state of Singapore and China's southern territory Hong Kong.

Singapore, however, recorded road 194 fatalities last year, while in Hong Kong there were 160.

Even India and Pakistan - which have notoriously creaky rail networks with regular accidents - recorded far fewer deaths on the rails than on the roads.

In the past five years 15 major train accidents were reported in India with death tolls ranging between 25 to 300 in each.

Its worst rail accident occurred in 1981 when a cyclone derailed a train in the eastern state of Bihar killing 800 passengers and in 1995 at least 340 people died when two passenger trains rammed each other in Punjab state.

But despite these dramatic incidents the death toll pales in comparison with the 60,000 deaths recorded from over 10,000 accidents recorded on average each year in India.

By numbers alone China has the most dangerous roads, with 99,217 people killed in traffic accidents in 2004 - an average of 685 people per day, according to World Health Organization figures.

There were no figures for Chinese rail deaths.

While statistics show that many rail crashes are the result of equipment failure or accident - caused by vehicles or animals on the tracks - the vast majority of road deaths are caused by drivers.

"If one goes by sheer statistics then some 70 percent of the accidents are due to human error," said CM Khosla, a former director of India's state-run Central Road Safety Research Institute.

Path Canada's Efroymson agrees, adding that the victims are usually not the cause of accidents.

"Most people do not use cars. Many of the accidents are caused by trucks or buses that drive too fast or pass on curves when they cannot see ahead," she said, referring to Bangladesh.

Economic pressures on commercial drivers, lax motoring standards and poor-quality roads are blamed for the higher rate of road fatalities in developing countries.

A Pakistani health ministry report concluded that reckless drivers, overcrowded vehicles and poor roads were to blame for the Islamic nation's high number of traffic deaths.

Source: Mark McCord - AFP

More Pakistanis travel by air in the country

More and more Pakistanis are flying out from Karachi with the number reaching over 300,356 in the first three months of the current year from 211,089 in the corresponding period in 2004, it has been learnt.

Aviation experts attributed the increase to more aggressive marketing by airlines at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar

The highest increase of 47 per cent was recorded in the Karachi-Peshawar sector with 21,457 passengers flying in the first quarter of this year. As many as 14,994 passengers travelled on this sector in the first quarter of the last year. An increase of 39 per cent in air passengers was witnessed on the Karachi-Lahore and Karachi-Islamabad routes during the period. As many as 141,290 passengers left for Lahore and 131,765 for Islamabad. The Pakistan International Airlines carried 145,788 passengers from Karachi to other parts of the county in the first quarter of the current year as compared to 143,506 in the corresponding period last year. The airline showed only 1.6 per cent growth in air passengers. The data showed that 22 per cent or 64,891 passengers travelled by the Airblue in the first three months of the current year. The airline was not operational during the corresponding period last year. Airblue Chief Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the primary domestic routes in Pakistan have experienced a growth of over 42 per cent in the first quarter of 2005 when compared with the first quarter 2004. “The growth in the month of March was a phenomenal 62 per cent,” he added. Abbasi said the growth was primarily due to provision of additional capacity in the market and the availability of lower fares. “Airblue has been the major stimulant for the growth with the addition of almost 20 per cent to the number of seats available on each sector, a reliable schedule, new-generation equipment, and fare structures based on market demand,” he said.

Around 21 per cent or 62,785 passengers travelled by the Aero Asia. The airline showed a remarkable increase of 153 per cent on its Karachi-Peshawar sector as it airlifted 4,234 passengers as compared to 1,676 last year.

According to Aero Asia Commercial Director Raees Khan, the number of air passengers swelled due to increase in the air traffic operations by the local airlines. “It also depends on the overall economic activity and demand,” he said and added that there was a better economic environments prevailing in the country, which led to a sharp rise in the number of air passengers.

Source: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/index00.asp

St Kitts resort honoured in Best of Caribbean Awards

St Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach

Friday, April 29, 2005

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS: Readers of Caribbean Travel & Life have recognized the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach as one of the top Mega-Resorts in the magazine’s 2005 “Best of the Caribbean” special issue (May 2005).

The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach is one of four resorts recognized in the category for resorts with more than 300 rooms. Published annually, Caribbean Travel & Life’s “Best of the Caribbean” issue highlights the top picks in more than 30 categories including beaches, bars, beer, resorts, spas, adventures, sports and shopping. The awards are based on survey responses from thousands of the magazine’s readers and Caribbean enthusiasts.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to receive this recognition considering that we are still a relatively new resort, “ said John Toti, General Manager for the St. Kitts Marriott and The Royal Beach. “We hold this honor in high regard because it is determined by the magazine’s readers and paints a clear picture of what our guests feel about our resort.”

The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach is located in the resort area of Frigate Bay on the windward side of St. Kitts Island in the Eastern Caribbean. The resort offers 636 guest rooms, suites and garden houses, a swim-up bar, three swimming pools, the 35,000 square foot Royal Beach Casino, the 15,000 square foot full-service Emerald Mist Spa, 33,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and the newly renovated Royal St. Kitts Golf Club

Source: http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/

Most expensive summer cruises 2005

Offerings for higher standards of luxury and activities

What is it about cruises that provoke such reactions of love or hate in people? To many, they are seagoing Utopias, oases of hedonism and peace unsullied by guilt, or the need to clean up after oneself. To others, they are maritime assisted-living communities that encourage overeating and indolence.

These two polar views of the $25.4 billion cruise industry is not unlike people's reactions to cauliflower: No matter how much somebody likes it, someone else finds it awful. But, that is most likely because the majority of the 10.5 million people worldwide who take cruises are herded aboard 20,000-person floating shopping malls, shuffleboarding their ways across the Caribbean.

However, as cruising has become increasingly popular, there has been a natural backlash among potential passengers who can afford a first-class experience but are turned off by the prospect of hobnobbing with the black-socks-and-sandals crowd. For people who already have a swimming pool at home, belong to a country club, go to spas, regularly drink fine wine and employ staff to make their beds at home, it's important to offer an even higher standard of luxury and activities.

That means going the extra fathom by offering helicopter pick-ups, access to exclusive nightclubs ashore and even, amidst all this indulgence, some self-improvement as well. "Our guests are discerning--they want to know that they are learning from an expert in the field," says Mimi Weisband, vice president of public relations at Crystal Cruises, which offers Berlitz language courses, wellness seminars, Tai Chi and wine-tasting classes on board. If that's not enough learning for you, each cruise features guest lecturers, such as former presidential-cabinet members and famous artists. "We found that people want to come away learning something to enrich their lives and that would leave them stimulated."

For first-class passengers aboard Cunard's--which is owned by Carnival--the recently-launched Queen Mary 2 features Olympian pampering, including such offerings as an onboard planetarium, playing field, a Canyon Ranch spa, a casino and a theater offering shows straight from London's West End theater district.

Of course, no matter how many amenities there may be--or if you're yacht is in dry-dock for the season--some people prefer the privacy and scale of smaller cruises. "With 'premium' cruise lines, they have so many people on board that it's hard to get a personal touch. In a big ship, it's impossible. That's what luxury cruising is all about--a waiter remembering your drink, service that makes it memorable and keeps people coming back," says Amanda Densmore, luxury cruise specialist at Admiral Travel, a Florida-based full-service travel agency and member of the Virtuoso luxury travel network, which is comprised of over 6,000 high-end travel specialists and tallies over $3.5 billion in total annual sales.

To cater to these passengers, Greek entrepreneur Andreas Liveras will introduce his second custom-designed, super-yacht in July. Just like its twin-sister ship, the 280-foot Annaliesse, the brand-new Alysia offers its partial owners private arrival, via helicopter, directly onto the ship's helicopter landing pad, as well as a full crew of over 30, including a masseuse and chef de cuisine, engineers and sailing officers, and a health and beauty center complete with saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, Jacuzzis, a beauty salon and massage facilities. In addition, you'll find a cinema, business center and library on board.

The Alysia is available for purchase to no more than five private owners who guarantee themselves four weeks aboard the yacht annually for a mere €9 million (approximately $11.6 million at current exchange rates).

If four weeks alone with a crew of 30 sounds a bit solitary, consider purchasing a residence on board The World, a 165-cabin cruise ship that is continually circumnavigating the globe and putting in at such ports as Cannes, Monaco and Rio. Owners may enjoy their private cabins, which range in price from $1.3 million to $6.3 million, or rent them out. Guests have access to four onboard restaurants, a night club and casino, art gallery, running track, medical center and worship space on this continuous tour of the world.

Another advantage to luxury cruises is that, given the wretched state of the dollar nowadays, they can be especially good values. Pay for your dining, accommodation, entertainment and transportation in dollars stateside--and then sit back and enjoy Europe's finest delicacies, exchange rate be damned. SilverSea gives passengers on their poshest routes complimentary onboard spending credits for as much as $1,000, and for around-the-world tickets sends limos to pick up passengers before boarding. An onboard concierge or tour manager can arrange for performance tickets, a private car or visits to historic sites. And while these charges are in addition to the cruise package, the $1,000 spending credit can be applied towards the fee. The Yamal, one of the only surface ships ever to reach the North Pole, even carries two helicopters on board for passenger excursions.

Source: Sophia Banay - Forbes.com

Major airlines carry more passengers but struggle with rising fuel prices

Airlines carried 9.4 percent more passengers during the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same period last year but are unable to keep pace with rising fuel prices, the main industry association said.

The International Air Transport Association warned that the "good news" would not be enough to secure profits for struggling airlines in the coming year.

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"With oil in the 50 dollar per barrel (Brent) range we are a long way from profitability," Giovanni Bisignani, director general of IATA, said in a statement.

Bisignani said increased cost cutting and more efficient use of aircraft could not keep pace with the industry's fuel bill.

IATA predicted in a "conservative estimate" earlier this month that airline fuel costs will reach 76 billion dollars this year against 63 billion dollars last year.

"However you look at it, 2005 is shaping up to be another difficult year for

the airlines. Fundamental and large-scale change is absolutely critical," Bisignani added.

Freight traffic expanded at a slower 4.2 percent in the first three months of this year, prompting some concern in the industry.

"While it is too early to identify a slowing trend in freight traffic, we need to watch this development closely over the coming months," the IATA chief said.

Twenty-six percent of the tickets sold by IATA members in the first quarter were cost-saving electronic tickets against 19 percent at the beginning of 2004.

The association, which groups 275 airlines, is aiming for a 40 percent take-up of "e-ticketing" this year and complete paperless ticketing by the end of 2007.

Electronic ticketing is estimated to cost one-tenth of the traditional paper slip, potentially saving airlines up to three billion dollars a year, according to IATA.

Business Traveler Preferences Vary Widely Worldwide, According to American Express Business Travel Research

From Flat-Bed Airline Seats to Frequent Flyer Rewards, Survey Finds a Broad Range of Traveler Tendencies

American Express Business Travel's new Global Business Traveler Survey, officially released at the ACTE Global Conference in Vancouver, Canada, reveals that business travelers have a wide range of preferences and perspectives on topics ranging from the value of rewards programs to the components that comprise an ideal business trip. The findings come from a survey of more than 1000 business travelers in ten countries around the world.
"This study clearly shows that the preferences and expectations of global business travelers are extremely diverse," said Marcella Shinder, Global Head of Marketing at American Express Business Travel. "For any company in the business travel industry this diversity, while challenging, also makes each individual trip an opportunity to deliver the kind of outstanding customer experience that keeps business travelers happy, productive and loyal."
American Express Business Travel is keenly focused on the business traveler experience and how to deliver the best business travel experience. To create the best customer experience, American Express partners with suppliers to develop such solutions.

Business Travelers Reap Rewards

The majority of survey participants take advantage of reward programs when traveling for business. When it comes to the types of programs they utilize, 63 percent participate in frequent flyer programs with airlines, with a high of 83 percent in the U.S. and 80 percent in Canada. France has the lowest rate of participation in frequent flyer programs, at 44 percent. The most preferred types of rewards are airline tickets (67%), followed by hotel stay (52%) and car rental (36%).
To compliment these findings, American Express Business Travel previously announced a specialized offering to small and mid-sized companies in the U.S. that rewards business travelers. The double Membership Rewards(R) Points loyalty program was designed to address the biggest problem facing small- and medium-sized businesses - individual traveler compliance with a travel management program. By creating a personalized incentive that is linked to the corporate travel management program, American Express created a unique offering that benefits individual travelers and promotes overall company cost savings. American Express currently plans to roll out similar programs in other key markets around the world.

Flight Schedules, Flat-Bed Seats Bring Satisfaction When selecting an airline, global business travelers rated flight schedules (34%) and price (30%) as the most important factor. Sixty-four percent of the Japanese felt that schedules were most important, while Germans and Canadians were the most price-sensitive travelers (44%). In China, however, the most important factor was an airline's safety record, selected by 45 percent of those interviewed. When examining the services airlines provide their customers, the largest group of respondents selected flat-bed seats as the most important feature when traveling for business. Food service and the onboard entertainment (television, movies and video games) tied for second place as the most important features. Norwegian (40%), American (27%), Canadian (26%), Mexican (28%) and Australian (34%) business travelers all highlighted flat-bed seats to be the most important feature, while the French (31%), British (31%) and Germans (26%) felt that food service was most important. The Chinese (26%) selected on-board email or Internet access as most important. Smooth Sailing: Business Travelers Ponder the Perfect Business Trip When asked what they would consider to be the most enjoyable part of a business trip, 27 percent of respondents identified meetings with colleagues and/or clients as most enjoyable, followed closely by 25 percent for the flight to their destination, 24 percent for their hotel stay and 23 percent who cited the return home. When evaluating the most irritating factors of traveling on business, the majority of travelers found travel delays to be the most irritating (52%), followed by poor hotel accommodations and boarding/deplaning (9%), and getting behind in office work (7%).

While on business travel, travelers occasionally have the opportunity to partake in leisure activities. Fifty-one percent of interviewees said that sightseeing was their most relaxing activity while traveling on business, followed by 28 percent who pointed to socializing with colleagues and clients and 15 percent who identified shopping as the most relaxing activity. In particular, 79 percent of Chinese business travelers found sightseeing the most relaxing thing to do while on a business trip. A high of percentage of Norwegian travelers (59%) prefer to socialize with colleagues or clients.
Overall, 47 percent of those surveyed said they always bring back gifts for family, friends and/or loved ones when returning from business trips, led by 78 percent of Chinese business travelers who said they always come home with a gift.

Hotels: In-Room Internet Access a Must

The Global Business Traveler Survey revealed that business travelers find in-room internet access the most important service they look for in a hotel. This was respectively followed by complimentary breakfast, hotel business facilities and VIP check-in/out. Internet access was most important for Americans (49%), Mexicans (48%), Chinese (48%) and Japanese (47%), while Europeans largely preferred a complimentary breakfast - Norwegians (50%), British (45%) and Germans (41%).

About the American Express Global Business Traveler Survey

Lightspeed Research conducted the survey of 1040 business travelers from ten countries on behalf of American Express Business Travel during March 2005. Business travelers were surveyed in each of the following countries: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, Norway and the United States. Each respondent was required to have taken at least two business trips in the past 12 months with one trip including an air component and overnight stay. Survey results will be widely distributed at the ACTE Global Conference in Vancouver, Canada, May 1-3.

About American Express Corporate Services

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks, recording $18 billion in worldwide travel sales in 2004. More information on expense management tools from Corporate Services can be found at >http://www.americanexpress.com/corporateservices. The American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.

Source: Business Editors/Travel Writers

U.S. travel alert for Mexican border

The State Department has again issued a travel alert for Mexico border region because of violence involving feuding drug cartels. The alert Tuesday singled out Nuevo Laredo, across the Rio Grande from Laredo, Texas, as a place where more than 30 Americans have been kidnapped or murdered in the past eight months, the San Antonio Express-News reported.Visitors were advised to travel on legitimate business during daylight hours and avoid red-light districts and neighborhoods where drug dealing occurs. John Naland, the U.S. consul for Matamoros, Mexico, said the violence that flared early this year in cities like Matamoros and Reynosa in Mexico has dropped to zero since the first alert in January, but Nuevo Laredo continues to have a problem.As was explained back in January, this is not a red light, this is not to say, 'Do not come to the border area.' It's to say when you do come, exercise common sense precaution, he said.Mexican officials and business leaders say the U.S. travel alerts exaggerate violence in the border cities and security has improved since the election new city leaders. Source: Big News Network

Singapore Airlines - First to Fly the A380

Come 2006, Singapore Airlines will be the first airline in the world to fly the first-ever fully double-decker aircraft, the Airbus A380-800. The Airline has ten aircraft on firm order and 15 on option. The order, announced in September 2000, is worth US$8.6 billion, including the cost of spares and installed engines (but not including the cost of spare engines).

The new aircraft made a successful landing after its first test flight at 1223 hrs GMT. This test flight marks the start of the Airbus A380 flight test campaign, which involves approximately 2,500 hours of test flights on a total of five development aircraft. The campaign will culminate with certification by the European and American airworthiness authorities. Once certification is complete, the world's largest commercial airliner will enter into service with Singapore Airlines.

The first to experience the luxury of the Singapore Airlines A380 will be passengers flying on the Kangaroo route, between London, Singapore and Sydney. Flights are expected to take off second quarter 2006.

Source: Search ASIA Travel Tips .com

Marriott narrows loss after travel uptick

Host Marriott, the largest U.S. upscale hotel owner, Wednesday narrowed its net loss after preferred dividends, helped by an uptick in travel.
The Bethesda, Maryland, company also forecast an increase in room revenue for the rest of the year, as more travelers continue to drive room rates and occupancy higher.

Host, which owns Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt and other hotel brands, said it expects to pay a second-quarter dividend of 9 to 10 cents a share, up from its current 8 cents a share.

Funds from operations, a key measure of performance for real estate investment trusts, were 23 cents a share, excluding a 4 cent charge for refinancing debt. On that basis, analysts were expecting 22 cents a share. The company narrowed its loss to $2 million, or 1 cent a share, despite an $8 million preferred dividend payment, compared with a year-earlier loss of $40 million, or 12 cents a share. Analysts had expected a profit of 7 cents a share, according to Reuters Estimates. Revenue rose 5.3% to $818 million, but fell shy of Wall Street estimates of $867.7 million. Host Marriott shares edged down 2 cents to $16.77 on the New York Stock Exchange early Wednesday afternoon. Host completed the $92 million sale of 85% of its interest in a Courtyard by Marriott joint venture in the second quarter. The company on Wednesday said the sale will result in a second-quarter gain of about $42 million. The hotel owner also sold some non-core hotels in the first quarter. "Anticipate potential acquisitions in coming quarters with proceeds and cash on hand," Deutsche Bank Marc Falcone said. Chief Executive Christopher Nassetta said the company was looking at some acquisition possibilities, and has a "reasonably good pipeline of opportunities," but refused to give any further details. The hotel owner also sold some non-core hotels in the first quarter. "Anticipate potential acquisitions in coming quarters with proceeds and cash on hand," Deutsche Bank Marc Falcone said.

The hotel owner also sold some non-core hotels in the first quarter. "Anticipate potential acquisitions in coming quarters with proceeds and cash on hand," Deutsche Bank Marc Falcone said.

Chief Executive Christopher Nassetta said the company was looking at some acquisition possibilities, and has a "reasonably good pipeline of opportunities," but refused to give any further details.

Bear Stearns analyst Joe Greff said he maintains his "outperform" rating on the stock partly because Host properties are concentrated in major urban and resort markets with large exposure to convention crowds. Greff also said the possibility of an increased dividend makes the stock attractive.

Revenue per available room, a key measure of health in the lodging industry, rose 7.6% at hotels open at least a year, driven by "significant increases" in room rates, Nassetta said. "We are confident that we can build on this early momentum and that operating results will continue to improve for the remainder of the year."

Revenue per room — a combination of occupancy and room rates — will rise 8 to 10% in the second quarter and 7% to 9% in the full year, the company said. Nassetta said about three-fourths of that gain will be driven by occupancy.

Convention calendars in markets such as Atlanta, San Diego and San Francisco are shaping up to be stronger in 2006, Host Marriott Chief Executive Christopher Nassetta told analysts on a conference call.

Room rates will continue to rise, he said, adding that 2006 or 2007 will be Host's "best year from a cash flow and bottom line point of view."

The largest hotel real estate investment trust also said it expects earnings of 20 cents to 22 cents a share for the second quarter and 23 cents to 32 cents for the full year.

Host expects funds from operations of 29 cents to 30 cents a share in the second quarter and $1.01 to $1.09 a share for the full year.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/ - Reuters

A380 takes off for maiden flight

The world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, is on its long-awaited maiden flight.

Thousands of aeroplane enthusiasts, many of them clapping and cheering, witnessed the twin-deck "superjumbo" taking to the air for the first time.

The flight was due to last between two and four hours, depending on weather conditions and how the plane handled.

It took off from its production site in Toulouse, France with a crew of six and about 20 tonnes of test equipment.

Airbus, which is owned by European firm EADS and the UK's BAE Systems, sees the A380 as the future of air travel.

Arch-rival Boeing has instead chosen to focus on mid-sized long-haul aircraft like its new 787 and its benchmark 747 jumbo jet.

Take off

The A380 - designed to carry as many as 840 people between major airports - took off from its production site in southern France at just after 0830 GMT.

In pictures: The maiden flight See EADS' share price BAE Systems' share price

The crew was expected to take the plane out over the Bay of Biscay, before returning to base.

Most of the tests will be carried out at 10,000 feet and within 100 miles of Toulouse, said Peter Chandler, deputy project pilot for the A380.

He added that the plane was flying with its wheels down as a safety measure, and that the A380's hydraulics and electrics had all been tested while it was on the ground.

During the flight, there will be a live satellite feed of data which will be monitored by a team of experts on the ground, Airbus said.

'We are confident'

Earlier Airbus test pilot Jacques Rosay told the BBC: "We are confident with what has been done up to today.

"But we still have some doubts. We have to be very careful during all the flight because, as you say, when you are looking at new things, something may happen.

A380 facts Its wings are built in Broughton, North Wales Originally called the A3XX The '8' represents the plane's double-decks and is a symbol of success in Asia By 2016, the A380 will account for one in eight flights out of Heathrow

"But we are still very confident."

The crew was equipped with parachutes. A handrail has been fitted, leading from the cockpit to an escape door.

More than 50,000 people are thought to have watched the take-off, many of them sitting on the grass banks that line the runway.

The take-off was also broadcast live on television and thousands watched via a giant screen in Toulouse's main square.

Thorough checks

More than a year of flight-testing and certification-programme work will now follow before the A380 starts commercial services.

Pilots will then have to push the plane far harder then they have on Wednesday, testing for extremes of speed, altitude and temperature, experts said.

The project, hailed as a European success story by leaders including France's President Jacques Chirac, has had its share of problems.

In December 2004, Airbus' main shareholder EADS, which has an 80% stake, revealed that the project was £1bn (1.5bn euros; $1.9bn) over budget, at more than £8.4bn.

The UK's BAE Systems owns the remaining 20% of Airbus.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/default.stm

U.S. embassy allows travel in Yemen

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen Saturday lifted a travel restriction on its citizens in the country, saying they are now allowed to move more freely.

An embassy statement in Sanaa said American residents could now travel between the cities while maintaining caution and changing their routes.

But it warned the security threats to American citizens are still high due to the terrorist activities in Yemen.

The diplomatic mission advised against traveling to Saada province in northern Yemen where armed clashes continued between the government forces and Islamic rebels.

The American embassy closed its doors for two days on April 10 following terror alerts against U.S. interests in the country, urging its citizens against traveling in the country and to take caution within the capital and other big cities

Source: Big News Network

SABRE: Sabre offers travel agencies real-time access to Europcar

Europcar, the largest European car rental company, has upgraded its connectivity in the Sabre GDS to the highest level. This means that Sabre Connected agents worldwidewill now have real-time access to Europcar's rates and availability information, in a simple, one-step way. AnnMari Dalon, international reservation gds and data director at Europcar International said: "Connecting at Sabre's highest level will further benefit travel agents, by giving them quick and easy access to the information they need. It will also enable us to automate the process by which we input data, as the information we enter in our own reservation system will automatically appear in the Sabre GDS.

This means that we will be making huge savings in terms of costs and resources". Stuart Nassos, Sabre Travel Network's vice-president of strategic marketing and sales said: "Sabre Travel Network is committed to offering car companies increased efficiencies and greater revenue opportunities, while at the same time providing a better, reliable and more cost effective service to their customers. Europcar's upgraded connectivity will streamline the car rental booking and selling process, allowing agents to spend more time doing what they do best - advising their customers." Sabre's partnership with Europcar has grown significantly over the past year with joint promotions and incentives being launched in several markets to increase car bookings with Europcar through the Sabre GDS.

In recognition of the exceptional partnership development and continued support, Europcar has been awarded the Sabre Travel Network "Outstanding Partnership Award 2004". About Sabre Travel Network Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides access to the world's leading global distribution system (GDS) enabling agents at more than 53,000 agency locations worldwide to be travel experts. The Sabre GDS, the first system to connect the buyers and sellers of travel, today includes more than 400 airlines, approximately 60,000 hotels, 37 car rental companies, nine cruise lines, 35 railroads and 220 tour operators. Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include GetThere, the leading Web-based corporate travel reservation technology, and Jurni Network, the unique leisure travel agency consortium that enables members to sell more products from preferred travel suppliers using sophisticated market intelligence. Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE: TSG) is a world leader in travel commerce, retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com About Europcar Europcar, the Number One Car Hire Company in Europe, is represented in 143 countries with 2,825 rental stations and operates a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles throughout Europe, Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific. Further information is available under www.europcar.com. Source: M2 Communications Ltd