6 Sep
Qantas Airways (QF) will introduce Premium Economy Class on its Narita and Frankfurt routes from October 2010. Qantas retrofits six of two-class Boeing 747s to include 40 Premium Economy seats. The current two-class B747s with 56 Business Class seats and 356 Economy Class seats will be turned into three-class aircraft with 56 Business Class seats, 40 Premium Economy Class seats and 275 Economy Class seats. The total seat capacity decreases by 41 seats per flight.
Qantas Airways (QF) will introduce Premium Economy Class on its Narita and Frankfurt routes from October 2010. Qantas retrofits six of two-class Boeing 747s to include 40 Premium Economy seats. The current two-class B747s with 56 Business Class seats and 356 Economy Class seats will be turned into three-class aircraft with 56 Business Class seats, 40 Premium Economy Class seats and 275 Economy Class seats. The total seat capacity decreases by 41 seats per flight.
6 Sep
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) closed the investigation into the proposed merger of two US carriers, United Airlines (UA) and Continental Airlines (CO) on August 27, local time. DOJ concluded that the competitive effects can be secured among the rival US carriers if the two airlines release a part of their take-off and landing slots at New York’s Newark Airport. In the light of the decision, United Airlines and Continental Airlines agreed to transfer to Southwest Airlines (WN) 18 daily take-off and landing slots and other assets they have at Newark Airports.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) closed the investigation into the proposed merger of two US carriers, United Airlines (UA) and Continental Airlines (CO) on August 27, local time. DOJ concluded that the competitive effects can be secured among the rival US carriers if the two airlines release a part of their take-off and landing slots at New York’s Newark Airport. In the light of the decision, United Airlines and Continental Airlines agreed to transfer to Southwest Airlines (WN) 18 daily take-off and landing slots and other assets they have at Newark Airports.
6 Sep
In the arrangement of budget request for the fiscal year 2011, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has factored in 13,082 million yen for tourism promotion, roughly the same amount as the previous year only with a meager gain of 3 percent. The ministry is going to keep the sum nearly on a par with the previous year because its allocation for FY2010 had increased 2.3 times over that of FY2009 to 12,652 million yen, and the ministry is in need of evaluation of its effects derived from the FY2010 execution before putting any more money to it.
In the arrangement of budget request for the fiscal year 2011, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has factored in 13,082 million yen for tourism promotion, roughly the same amount as the previous year only with a meager gain of 3 percent. The ministry is going to keep the sum nearly on a par with the previous year because its allocation for FY2010 had increased 2.3 times over that of FY2009 to 12,652 million yen, and the ministry is in need of evaluation of its effects derived from the FY2010 execution before putting any more money to it.
6 Sep
Japan Airlines Corporation. (JALS), Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd (JALI) and JAL Capital Co., Ltd (JLC) submitted the rehabilitation plan on August 31 to the Tokyo District Court. The rehabilitation plan includes the business plan implementing Japan Airlines’ effective fleet plan and its complete withdrawal from the money-losing routes. At the press briefing held later on the same day, Kazuo Inamori, Chairman of Japan Airlines Corporation said, “We regret that we, Japan Airlines have caused enormous concerns to the shareholders and financial institutions.” “Today is the start of Japan Airlines’ restructuring,” continued Chairman Inamori, citing, “We must strive to work hard with untiring efforts according to the business plan and we must even post better results than we are targeting.”
Japan Airlines Corporation. (JALS), Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd (JALI) and JAL Capital Co., Ltd (JLC) submitted the rehabilitation plan on August 31 to the Tokyo District Court. The rehabilitation plan includes the business plan implementing Japan Airlines’ effective fleet plan and its complete withdrawal from the money-losing routes. At the press briefing held later on the same day, Kazuo Inamori, Chairman of Japan Airlines Corporation said, “We regret that we, Japan Airlines have caused enormous concerns to the shareholders and financial institutions.” “Today is the start of Japan Airlines’ restructuring,” continued Chairman Inamori, citing, “We must strive to work hard with untiring efforts according to the business plan and we must even post better results than we are targeting.”
6 Sep
Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) unveiled the fact that, at the forthcoming JATA World Travel Fair (September 24 – 26), the registered participants for JATA Members’ Marketplace numbered 133 buyers and 584 sellers as of August 25. The Marketplace is held on September 24, the day dedicated to trade functions, and is the first attempt ever in the history of the World Travel Fair. It is intended for pragmatic business sessions by matching JATA members with exhibitors for face-to-face business talks.
Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) unveiled the fact that, at the forthcoming JATA World Travel Fair (September 24 – 26), the registered participants for JATA Members’ Marketplace numbered 133 buyers and 584 sellers as of August 25. The Marketplace is held on September 24, the day dedicated to trade functions, and is the first attempt ever in the history of the World Travel Fair. It is intended for pragmatic business sessions by matching JATA members with exhibitors for face-to-face business talks.
6 Sep
Kyushu, the land of volcano, is a treasure-box of onsen (hot springs). Foot bath is seen here and there, as well as reasonable outdoor bath using fresh hot water directly from the source. Soaking into the hot bath will warm up the body which is very good for health. There is a whole variety of the quality of the water with different positive effects to our body, and it is certainly a great joy to travel around in search of favorite hot springs.
Kyushu, the land of volcano, is a treasure-box of onsen (hot springs). Foot bath is seen here and there, as well as reasonable outdoor bath using fresh hot water directly from the source. Soaking into the hot bath will warm up the body which is very good for health. There is a whole variety of the quality of the water with different positive effects to our body, and it is certainly a great joy to travel around in search of favorite hot springs.
6 Sep
Nippon Travel Agency (NTA) disclosed its interim consolidated financial results for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2010 in which it posted 22,422 million yen, up 1.4 percent, in operating revenue, 1,807 million yen in operating loss (cf. loss of 4,226 million yen in the same term of the previous year), 1,373 million yen in ordinary loss (cf. loss of 3,853 million yen), and 1,868 million yen in net loss (cf. loss of 2,554 million yen). The losses were pared by strong showing of overseas travel thanks to the rebound from last year’s aftermath of H1N1 influenza outbreak and appreciated yen. Yet it was not strong enough to recoup the losses and ended up with rather disappointing results.
Nippon Travel Agency (NTA) disclosed its interim consolidated financial results for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2010 in which it posted 22,422 million yen, up 1.4 percent, in operating revenue, 1,807 million yen in operating loss (cf. loss of 4,226 million yen in the same term of the previous year), 1,373 million yen in ordinary loss (cf. loss of 3,853 million yen), and 1,868 million yen in net loss (cf. loss of 2,554 million yen). The losses were pared by strong showing of overseas travel thanks to the rebound from last year’s aftermath of H1N1 influenza outbreak and appreciated yen. Yet it was not strong enough to recoup the losses and ended up with rather disappointing results.
6 Sep
Mercosur Tourism Promotion Office hosted a Latin America seminar jointly with Qatar Airways that has recently inaugurated a new route of Doha/Sao Paulo/Buenos Aires.
Mercosur Tourism Promotion Office hosted a Latin America seminar jointly with Qatar Airways that has recently inaugurated a new route of Doha/Sao Paulo/Buenos Aires.
6 Sep
According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Japanese outbound travelers in the month of July (quick estimation) rose 10.7 percent to 1,413,000 year-on-year. It registers positive growth over the five consecutive months since March this year. Expo 2010 Shanghai China, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the rise in the value of the yen have become key factors for the positive traffic growth, analyzed JNTO.
According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Japanese outbound travelers in the month of July (quick estimation) rose 10.7 percent to 1,413,000 year-on-year. It registers positive growth over the five consecutive months since March this year. Expo 2010 Shanghai China, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the rise in the value of the yen have become key factors for the positive traffic growth, analyzed JNTO.
6 Sep
At a recent press briefing Marriott International explained its growth strategy and its company-wide reorganization. Marriott endeavors to newly operate 25,000 to 30,000 guest rooms within 2010 and by 2016 some 100,000, approximately 75 percent of which will be operated outside North America. In the Asia/Pacific region, Marriott International currently operates 113 hotels in 14 countries including 19 The Ritz Carlton Hotels. By 2014, it plans to expand its operations to 60,000 guest rooms in 200 hotels in 18 countries. At this moment, 72 hotels are either under construction or in the planning phase. Thus, Marriott International sees greater opportunities for its further expansion focusing on the Asia/Pacific region besides the North America region.
At a recent press briefing Marriott International explained its growth strategy and its company-wide reorganization. Marriott endeavors to newly operate 25,000 to 30,000 guest rooms within 2010 and by 2016 some 100,000, approximately 75 percent of which will be operated outside North America. In the Asia/Pacific region, Marriott International currently operates 113 hotels in 14 countries including 19 The Ritz Carlton Hotels. By 2014, it plans to expand its operations to 60,000 guest rooms in 200 hotels in 18 countries. At this moment, 72 hotels are either under construction or in the planning phase. Thus, Marriott International sees greater opportunities for its further expansion focusing on the Asia/Pacific region besides the North America region.
30 Aug
Air Canada (AC) will operate daily direct flight between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Vancouver from January 29, 2011. The airline currently operates daily service on its Narita/Vancouver route. The new service from Haneda is part of the airline’s strategy of expanding its international route network. Air Canada plans to improve the passenger friendliness, providing customers with two options, with Haneda Airport enjoying easy access within approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo and with Narita Airport providing excellent connectivity between domestic and international flights afforded by Star Alliance partner airlines.
Air Canada (AC) will operate daily direct flight between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Vancouver from January 29, 2011. The airline currently operates daily service on its Narita/Vancouver route. The new service from Haneda is part of the airline’s strategy of expanding its international route network. Air Canada plans to improve the passenger friendliness, providing customers with two options, with Haneda Airport enjoying easy access within approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo and with Narita Airport providing excellent connectivity between domestic and international flights afforded by Star Alliance partner airlines.
30 Aug
ANA (NH) launches new services in time with the opening of the new international terminal at Haneda Airport on 21 October 2010. New “ANA LOUNGE” and “ANA SUITE LOUNGE” for ANA’s mileage club “Diamond Service Members” are being set up at the new international terminal. Also they open “ANA ARRIVAL LOUNGE” for arriving passengers.
ANA (NH) launches new services in time with the opening of the new international terminal at Haneda Airport on 21 October 2010. New “ANA LOUNGE” and “ANA SUITE LOUNGE” for ANA’s mileage club “Diamond Service Members” are being set up at the new international terminal. Also they open “ANA ARRIVAL LOUNGE” for arriving passengers.
30 Aug
Chile’s LAN Airlines (LA) and TAM Brazilian Airlines (JJ) recently signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a merger plan. The airlines intend to create a joint holding company to form a new airline, LATAM Airlines Group, from an all-stock transaction. The two airlines will continue to operate with own brands, LA and JJ, however. They will continue the talks between the two in order to conclude an official contract.
Chile’s LAN Airlines (LA) and TAM Brazilian Airlines (JJ) recently signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a merger plan. The airlines intend to create a joint holding company to form a new airline, LATAM Airlines Group, from an all-stock transaction. The two airlines will continue to operate with own brands, LA and JJ, however. They will continue the talks between the two in order to conclude an official contract.
30 Aug
Garuda Indonesia (GA) held a travel seminar jointly with INFINI TRAVEL INFORMATION on August 18, providing the latest tourism information to boost sales promotion in preparation for the start of daily flight operations between Tokyo Narita and Jakarta from September 1. In the Japanese market, the airline, serving Denpasar in Bali, gives a strong image of flying a resort route. Therefore, the airline considers it imperative to attract business traffic on its new Narita/Jakarta route. Hiroyuki Wada, Sales Manager Eastern Japan at Garuda Indonesia said, “It is indeed important to establish sales channels via travel agencies,” citing that Garuda strives to expand sales through the travel agencies by, first, familiarizing them with the airline’s in-flight service for business travelers.
Garuda Indonesia (GA) held a travel seminar jointly with INFINI TRAVEL INFORMATION on August 18, providing the latest tourism information to boost sales promotion in preparation for the start of daily flight operations between Tokyo Narita and Jakarta from September 1. In the Japanese market, the airline, serving Denpasar in Bali, gives a strong image of flying a resort route. Therefore, the airline considers it imperative to attract business traffic on its new Narita/Jakarta route. Hiroyuki Wada, Sales Manager Eastern Japan at Garuda Indonesia said, “It is indeed important to establish sales channels via travel agencies,” citing that Garuda strives to expand sales through the travel agencies by, first, familiarizing them with the airline’s in-flight service for business travelers.
30 Aug
At the Fifth Trilateral Tourism Ministers’ Meeting among the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea held from August 21 at Hangzhou, China, a joint statement was issued to declare that the three nations endeavor to expand trilateral human exchange to the scale of 26 million people in 2015. In line with the meeting’s theme – “Toward the future, comprehensive cooperation and common prosperity”
At the Fifth Trilateral Tourism Ministers’ Meeting among the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea held from August 21 at Hangzhou, China, a joint statement was issued to declare that the three nations endeavor to expand trilateral human exchange to the scale of 26 million people in 2015. In line with the meeting’s theme – “Toward the future, comprehensive cooperation and common prosperity”