SriLankan issue fares warning
The airline industry will have to opt for a fundamental re-pricing of fares if fuel prices do not stabilise, SriLankan Airlines has warned. Announcing a fuel surcharge on all tickets, the airline said fuel consists of 52 per cent of the airline’s cost now as compared to 27 per cent of the total cost last year. The decision to increase fares through a surcharge on all tickets from this month is due to the unprecedented rise in world fuel prices, a statement said. The surcharge differs according to the destination from $25 to $80 one way, on short, medium and long haul sectors.
Bahrain-Iraq direct flights planned
Direct flights between Bahrain and Iraq could start as early as next month, according to a report in the Gulf Daily News. Discussions are also ongoing about re-opening a ferry service between the two countries. Iraqi Airways has purchased more than 50 new aircraft, the first of which will be operating next month. A direct air link would make it easier for Bahrain’s pilgrims, now forced to travel via Amman or Dubai.
Air Arabia offers early check-in
Air Arabia has introduced a new early check-in facility for their travellers. The procedure allows passengers to check in up to 24 hours before their flight, and make use of dedicated counters specifically set up for them, which also offer early seat assignment. The facility is now available for flights taking off from Sharjah International Airport only. Standard timings for early check in are from 10 am to 7pm daily.
Egypt Air buys from Boeing & Airbus
Egypt Air plans to buy five aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, the state news agency said. “It was decided to buy five airplanes instead of renting them,” Tawfiq Assi, chairman of the airline said. He said the airline was arranging financing to buy two Boeing 777 and three Airbus A330 planes. The purchase would bring the number of Boeing 777’s in the fleet to eight and the number of Airbus 330s to 11.
bmi to add KSA frequencies
bmi has said that it is planning to increase its services to Saudi Arabia. Under an agreement reached by the two governments, the number of weekly frequencies permitted between the two countries has been increased to 35. bmi intends to take full advantage of the opportunity this provides and will seek to add to its existing services from Heathrow to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.