FLY WITH US: May 2010

Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Top 10 airlines 2008 In Detail

1.Singapore

Singapore Airlines has been ranked as the world's best airline for the 3rd time in a decade. The awards are given every year by the Skytrax, which conducts a world airline survey. Singapore Airlines also bagged the award for offering the 'Best Business Class'.

Singapore Airlines took off with three flights per week in the beginning. Today, their network spans across 103 destinations in 41 countries. Singapore Airlines was ranked 17th in 'Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies' rankings in 2007. The airline is known the world over for its innovation, safety and service excellence and profitability.

The airline boasts of excellent inflight telecommunication, entertainment services and luxurious amenities that make flying a memorable experience.

The airline started its services on 1 May 1947. Singapore Airlines is also the first airline to fly the world's largest aircraft, the A380. The average age of the passenger fleet is about 6 years. Chew Choon Sen is the company's CEO.

The World Airline Awards are based on the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax - carried out between August 2007 and June 2008. Which are the other top airlines of the world? Find out...

2. Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is ranked 2nd best airline in the world. It also bagged the award for the world's 'Best First Class', for their new onboard 1st Class product and service concept.

Hong Kong's largest airline, Cathay offers passenger and cargo services to 120 destinations worldwide. Cathay Pacific is one of only six airlines worldwide to carry a five-star rating from Skytrax.

Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in Hong Kong on 24 September 1946 by former air force pilots Roy Farrell and Australian Sydney de Kantzow. The Cathay Pacific Group, including Dragonair and Air Hong Kong, now operates more than 150 aircraft to 130 destinations across the world.

Eighteen years after the company was founded, it celebrated carrying one million passengers. Nine years later, in 1973, the airline had a record of one million people every year. Today, the airline flies about one million passengers each month. Tony Tyler is the CEO of the company.

3. Qantas

Qantas is the third best airline in the world. It also bagged an award for the 'Best First Class Lounge'. Qantas was founded in the Queensland outback in 1920.

It was registered as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited (QANTAS). The airline has a reputation for excellence in safety, operational reliability, engineering and maintenance, and customer service.
Qantas is known as the world's leading long distance airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia. Its global route network covers more than 675 destinations in more than 130 countries. Geoff Dixon is the CEO.

4. Thai Airways

Thai Airways ranks fourth in the list of top 10 airlines. It also bagged the 4th place for the best cabin staff. Thai Airways International was founded in 1960 as a joint venture between Thailand's domestic carrier, Thai Airways Company (TAC) and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS).

On April 1, 1977, after a 17-year partnership with SAS, the Thai government bought out SAS' remaining 15% holding and Thai became fully owned by the Thai govt. Thai flies to 74 destinations in 34 countries on four continents. It has a fleet size of 88 aircraft. Chaisawasd Kittipornpaiboon is the Chairman of Thai Airways.

5. Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines from South Korea is the 5th best airline in the world. It also won an award for world's 'Best Cabin Staff' and award for 'Best Economy Class'.

Asiana Airlines is known to offer one of the best services onboard. Formerly known as Seoul Airlines, Asiana flies to 12 domestic destinations and 73 international destinations in 17 countries worldwide.

Asiana's headquarters and overseas hub is located at Incheon International Airport (near Seoul) and its domestic hub is at Gimpo International Airport.

It has a fleet of 65 aircraft. Asiana was established on 17 February 1988 and started operations in December 1988 with flights to Busan. Asiana was awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax. Kang Chu-Ahn is the CEO of the company.

6. Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is ranked the 6th best airline in the world. The flag carrier of Malaysia, it operates flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its secondary hub in Kota Kinabalu.

Malaysia Airlines maintains a strong presence in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and on the Kangaroo route between Europe and Australasia.

Malaysia Airlines has started its operations in 1987 after the airline changed its name from Malaysian Airline System. It was founded on 1947 by Malayan Airways. It started flying operations in 1947. In 1963, the airline was renamed Malaysian Airways Limited. Idris Jala is the managing director & CEO of the airline. It is one of the six airlines to be given a 5-star status airline by Skytrax.

7. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, a 5-star airline is ranked No.7 in the world. It also bagged the award for Best Airline and 'Best Cabin Staff' for the Middle East region and 'Best Business Class Catering' category.

Qatar has seen an average growth of 35 per cent year-on-year for the past 10 years. The airline is known for high quality services. Akbar Al Baker is the CEO. It has a fleet size of 65 aircraft flying to over 80 international destinations.

8. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is the 8th best airline in the world. It offers passenger and cargo transport services within New Zealand, Australia, the South West Pacific, Asia, North America and the United Kingdom.

Its main hub is Auckland Airport in New Zealand. Air New Zealand began as TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) in 1940. Today, it has a fleet of 60 aircraft. The airline has gained reputation for innovative and outstanding passenger services at a fair price. Rob Fyfe is the CEO of the company.

9. Emirates

Emirates is ranked as the 9th best airline in the world. It is the eighth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried.

It ranks amongst the top 10 carriers worldwide in terms of revenue, and has become the largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, fleet size, and passengers carried and the eighth largest airline in Asia, in terms of passengers carried.

The airline operates over 3,710 passenger flights per week, to 91 destinations in 55 countries.

During 2007-08, Emirates carried 21.2 million passengers.
The airline was established on 25 May 1985 by the Dubai government and was supported by the founder of the German airline Germania, Hinrich Bischoff, in its initial years.

10. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways jumps into the top ten league for the first time. Etihad Airways was set up as the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates in July 2003 by a Royal decree issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan was appointed Chairman of the airline.

The Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways is expanding services at a fast pace. On November 12, 2003, the airline started commercial operations with the launch of a service to Beirut. Soon the company started adding one new route a month. By June 2006, it started flying to over 30 destinations.

By 2010, the company plans to fly to 70 destinations. Etihad was the first to launch a direct flight from the UAE to Geneva (June 2004), Brussels and Toronto (October 2005) and first-ever non-stop flight from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg.

Top 10 Airline Companies in the World

Air travel enables you to swiftly reach your destination, spending just a couple of hours flying. Today, there are hundreds of diverse airlines companies operating all over the world, from each and every country. This list has tried to cover the popular airlines in South Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. Here is a look at the top 10 airline companies in the world

1. Singapore Airlines

One of the best airline companies in the world is Singapore Airlines and it has time and again won awards for its excellent service. This airline began operations in 1947 and over the decades has grown from strength to strength. Today, it covers 103 destinations across the world and it stands out because of its high standards of customer service, passenger safety mechanisms and innovative facilities.

2. Cathay Pacific

This is one of the most popular airline companies in the world and it flies across to 130 destinations across the world. Established in 1946, it carries more than 1 million passengers every month and has won the award for having the world’s ‘Best First Class’ service. Known for quality services and passenger care, Cathay Pacific is indeed one of the best airlines.

3. Qantas

This airline was established in 1920 and since then, has earned a name for superiority in service, protection and maintenance. This Australian airline is also world famous and operates to destinations in more than 130 countries. It has won awards for having the ‘Best First Class Lounge’.

4. Thai Airways

This airline company was established in the year 1960 and it is administered by the Thai government. It operates to 34 countries from across the world. It offers excellent passenger comfort, safety and has also won an award for having the best cabin staff.

5. Asiana Airlines

This airline company operates to 17 countries across the world and has won an award for ‘Best Cabin Staff’ and ‘Best Economy Class’. It began operation in 1988 and since then has expanded it fleet and its operating destinations. Known for quality customer care, Asiana Airlines is one of the most popular airlines operating from South Asia.

6. Malaysia Airlines

This airline began its operations in 1947 and it operates flights to 85 destinations across the globe. This is Southeast Asia’s most popular airline and well known for offering excellent passenger care. It has been awarded a 5 star status from Skytrax.

7. Qatar Airways

This airline is well known for offering exceptional consumer care service and cuisine to routes across all important destinations of the world.

8. Air New Zealand

This airline began operation in 1940 and over the decades, it has expanded its operations today flies across a number of destinations in the globe. It is well known for customer care and passenger safety together with their hospitable crew on board. Operating from the Auckland Airport, it has vast operations to destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and United Kingdom.

9. Air Emirates

This is the Middle East’s largest airline and it operates to 55 countries across the world. Established in 1985, it is administered by the Dubai government and carries 21.2 million passengers worldwide. Their luxury class service is known all over the world for dollops of opulence and comfort.

10. Etihad Airways

This airline was established in the year 2003 and is the National Airline of the UAE. Today, it operates to about 70 destinations cross the world.

The world's top 10 airlines

From check-in staff wrangling over luggage limits and long hours spent doubled-up in undersized seats to children crying and running around the aisles and harried flight attendants pushing drink carts into unsuspecting elbows — flying really can be quite a harrowing experience. The good news is, it doesn't have to be. In fact, on some airlines you'll find the flight is as much a part of the holiday experience as the destination itself.

What airline do you prefer to fly and why? Have your say below.

Each year London-based consultancy firm Skytrax (www.airlinequality.com) polls millions of passengers around the world to find out which airlines are the cream of the crop.

According to their most recent survey released in 2007 the winners were:

10. British Airways

Relying too heavily on past reputation, British Airways has slipped from its first place ranking in 2006 all the way down to 10th position. The founding member of the Oneworld travel alliance obviously needs to lift its game if it wants to regain the top spot.

9. Emirates

Consistently cited as one of the world's best airlines, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern Airline. Based in Dubai, most of its flight attendants are recruited from overseas.

8. China Airlines

A surprising addition to this list is state-owned China Airlines, which in fact moved up two places from 2006. With its base in Taiwan not China, because of political tensions, passengers to and from mainland China must fly through a third port.

7. Air New Zealand

At last, New Zealand's flagship carrier has finally nudged its way into Skytrax's top 10. Long recognised locally for its quality passenger service, it's good to see this Kiwi icon taking on the world's best.

6. Malaysia Airlines

Moving up three places from the previous year, Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia Airlines also regained its crown for the world's Best Cabin Staff Award, snatched away by Thai Airways in 2006. Along with Cathy Pacific, it is one of only six airlines worldwide to hold Skytrax's five-star rating.

5. Qantas

Long celebrated for its exceptional flight safety record, Qantas has dropped from second place in 2006 to fifth place. Australia's leading airline, however, consistently performs well and its budget domestic carrier, Jetstar, was named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline.

4. Qatar Airways

A relative newcomer, Doha-based Qatar Airways has drawn plenty of attention for its international service. While economy class passengers are treated to excellent in-flight service, with the airline taking out the Best First Class Airline tag, it's the first class passengers who, as usual, remain king.

3. Cathay Pacific

A former title winner, Cathay Pacific performed well overall ranking in the top four or five positions in almost every section of the survey. The flagship carrier of Hong Kong is also one of only six airlines worldwide to carry Skytrax's prestigious five-star rating.

2. Thai Airways

Jumping up from fourth position in 2006, Thai Airways came in second place overall. Famous for its in-flight service and well-dressed cabin crew, the airline also won the Best First Class Lounge award for its lounge at Bangkok Airport which includes a Royal Spa complete with sauna and yoga classes. Oh to travel first class!

1. Singapore Airlines

No stranger to awards, Singapore Airlines snatched the overall Airline of the Year title for the quality of both its economy and premium class services. From top-notch food to friendly flight attendants, any long-haul flight on this airline, which flies more passengers every year than the entire population of Singapore, is bound to be a pleasurable experience.

Gulf Air

This airline flying either First or Business,cannot do enough to make you as comfortable as possible,with an on board chef in first you can chose what,when and how you will eat all meals,and they serve very superior wines and champagnes in both classes.Any flights connections longer than 4 hours they take you(by limo) to a 5 star hotel all on the house,plus if you join their frequent flyer programme you get a whopping 45 kilos allowance.Ps they also have an on board Nanny in First to take the kids off your hands.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Air france

splash

/blue line france

air france a300b2

Air France-KLM Cargo

Welcome to Air France-KLM Cargo.

Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo have integrated their commercial activities per October 2005. At the same time, both airlines started the coordination of their operational systems and activities.

With our joint team of sales- and services and our Joint Cargo Management Team, we aim to create ‘one face to the customer’.

We are ready; our ears wide open, waiting to hear that unique voice. Yours!

For more information on the specific services and network via CDG or SPL, please go to the respective website, by clicking on one of the logo’s below.

Flying The Friendly Skies

Back when I was planning my trip to Paris, I had the choice of deciding between taking American Airlines or Air France. Both airlines had identical flight times, flight paths, and ticket price. Both airlines had planes landing at Charles De Gaulle airport at the same exact time, too. So my initial choice was going to be American Airlines. Not out of any sense of patriotism, mind you, but rather because I was more familiar with AA. It's one of those "old reliables" -- you know, clunky and ugly on the outside, yet dependable and familiar nonetheless.

But, due to a one-day hesitation on my part as I ironed out a few last minute details with our itinerary, suddenly the price for the AA ticket jumped $100 over night. So that left me with Air France as my only option.

And boy, the two airlines could not be any more different! (Check out the pic above which depicts a typical Air France cabin). Flying AA just this past weekend to San Diego really hit home how shitty our domestic airline companies have become. To be honest, I'm a bit pissed off about this.