Virgin Express and SN Brussels to merge brand

"Belgium-based airlines SN Brussels and Virgin Express, which are already under joint ownership, announced on Friday that would operate under a single brand name within a year. The new name should be announced by the end of 2006, with flights operating under this one brand from April 2007, when the airline's summer season begins."

New airport negotiates with airlines

"A proposed new airport has attracted interest from Europe's biggest low-cost carriers, even before the runway has been built. Vera Group, which wants to build an airport near the southern Spanish city of Antequera, told the Sur newspaper that the firm has already begun negotiations with between 30 and 40 carriers."

Ryanair fares set for increase

"Low-cost airline Ryanair's chief financial officer is expecting to see fares rise as the company' fuel costs increase next year. Speaking to Reuters, Ryanair's Howard Millar said that higher average fares and continuing rises in passenger numbers give the company some protection from soaring energy costs."

Alitalia: Unprotected From 'Low Cost' Attack

"Italy suffered an attack by 'low cost' airlines that no other country suffered, because the states set up protection policies through their aeronautical authorities. That's what Alitalia president and CEO Giancarlo Cimoli said, speaking at the airline's shareholders assembly."

Veteran pilot's wings clipped for landing at wrong airport

"A BUNGLING pilot who landed his passenger jet at the wrong airport has been grounded. He has been told he will not be allowed back into the cockpit until a full inquiry is carried out. Unions have urged Eirjet bosses not to sack him, but his future is unclear after he landed on Wednesday at a military base six miles short of his intended destination at City of Derry Airport."

Government draws up 'concrete proposals'

"The issue of low-cost airlines is back in the headlines after hoteliers unleashed a barrage of criticism last week over the tourism situation and the government's handling of it. While the majority of operators are in favour of the introduction of airlines which sell tickets at give-away prices, others have taken a more cautious approach. Many believe the introduction of such services would effectively ring the death knell for Air Malta."

Negotiations with Air Berlin, EasyJet and Ryanair

"The Vera Group is not wasting time, and has already established contact with representatives of the principal low-cost airlines operating in Europe with a view to having them use the proposed new airport in Antequera. The director of the project, José María de la Maza, tells us that “it is difficult to know how many low-cost airline companies will wish to operate out of the airport.” Negotiations have begun with the 30 or 40 of these low-cost airlines operating all over Europe, with special emphasis on the leading companies in the sector already operating in Spain: Air Berlin, EasyJet and Ryanair. Contact is also being made with other smaller airline companies like Vueling. Some of them have already expressed interest in using the new airport."

Fuel will account for 38% of Ryanair costs

"Low fares airline Ryanair expects a higher fuel bill this year but higher average fares and a 20% increase in passengers would offset rising oil prices. Chief Financial Officer Howard Millar said that the airline, whose hedging from rising oil prices expires this week, faced another challenging year with fuel set to account for 38% of total costs."

Ryanair launches five new route from Shannon to BIARRITZ, CARCASSONNE, FARO, KRAKOW & VENICE

"Ryanair today announced five new routes from its Shannon base to Biarritz and Carcassonne in the South of France, Faro in Portugal, Krakow in Poland and Venice in Italy, as well as increased frequency on routes from Shannon to Barcelona, Malaga and Milan. The new routes will start on 12th October and bring the total number of destinations served by Ryanair in Shannon to 24."

Ryanair announces new routes from Glasgow Prestwick to Wroclaw, Poland

"Ryanair today announced a new route from Glasgow Prestwick to Wroclaw in Poland. The new route to Wroclaw will commence on August 1 and have three departures per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. "

Bank joins Spanish takeover team with airport deal in mind

"AUSTRALIAN bank Macquarie yesterday struck a deal that will see it take full control of Bristol airport if a Spanish takeover bid succeeds for BAA. Airlines based at Bristol include easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, FlyBe and Aer Lingus."

Security staff to vote on online check-in proposals

"Security staff at Dublin Airport are to hold a vote on whether to co-operate with new online check-in procedures. Under the scheme, which is currently only being operated by Ryanair, customers can check in their hand luggage online and then print their boarding card themselves. This avoids having to check in at the airport."

Pilot makes safe landing... at wrong airport

"'This is your captain speaking: er, I've landed at the wrong airport. Er, sorry.' A bungling pilot flew straight into the centre of an investigation Wednesday after mistakenly landing at a military airbase rather than the regular destination in Northern Ireland. Thirty-nine passengers and six crew were on board a Ryanair flight from Liverpool, northwest England, which was due to touchdown at City of Derry airport."

Ryanair launches five new routes from Shannon

"Ryanair today announced five new routes from Shannon to Biarritz and Carcassonne in the South of France, Faro in Portugal, Krakow in Poland and Venice in Italy. It has also increased the frequency of flights on routes from Shannon to Barcelona, Malaga and Milan. "

Ryanair launches 6 new routes from Pisa

"Ryanair today announced six new routes from its base in Pisa to Doncaster, Friedrichshafen, Karlsruhe Baden, Oslo, Trapani and Valencia. Daily flights will operate to both Valencia and Trapani from the 14th September. The routes to Doncaster and Karlsruhe Baden will start on the 15th September and operate 4 days weekly while the routes to Oslo and Friedrichshafen will start on the 14th September and operate 3 days weekly. "

Bmi's passenger numbers dive

"BMI'S passenger numbers on the highly competitive routes between Scotland's two main cities and London have nosedived, the airline admitted yesterday. The carrier did not dispute leaked figures that showed a 24 per cent fall in passengers to 37,352 on its Glasgow-London flights last month compared with February 2005. Those travelling on Edinburgh-London services were down by 17 per cent to 44,760."

Ryanair set to contest new flight slots that are too early

"Ryanair could be facing a major scheduling problem at Dublin airport after new services it is introducing were allocated slot times at between 5am and 6am. The airline last night said discussions on the issue were 'ongoing' but, at present, flights sold on its website are for later in the morning."

French strike to cause travel chaos

"A general strike in France protesting against the government's new youth employment law is set to cause chaos for Britons travelling across the Channel. Low-fare carrier Ryanair has been forced to cancel more than 70 flights."

German carriers jostle for pole position

"Germany’s airline market has roared into life as Air Berlin plans a public offering, Lufthansa boosts services from the regions to counter low-fare players and DBA and LTU join forces."

Disabled Granny is Abandoned on Jet

"A Disabled gran was left abandoned on a holiday jet by its crew, cleaners and even the pilot. Ellen Cummings was then ignored by staff who boarded the Ryanair plane to prepare for its next flight. The 63-year-old paraplegic claimed one even barked at her: 'Can't you get off, we're already 30 minutes late?'"

Cheap flights lead to shortage of pilots

"The airline industry is struggling to find pilots as demand for flights fuelled by no-frills airlines continues to grow. While carriers continue to expand their networks, the soaring cost of aviation fuel is making training increasingly prohibitive, with one estimate putting the cost of getting a licence at more than £60,000."

Ryanair Online Check In Fiasco at Dublin Airport

"The start of budget carrier Ryanair's online check in has had a chaotic start at Dublin Airport with security staff refusing to operate the new system. Despite Ryanair throwing the blame around for the fiasco, it says little for the airline that it found out about the problem from the Irish Times. Travellers with boarding cards printed off from the internet found that they were being turned around at the security gate and told to check in normally for their flights. It rapidly became clear that security staff had not agreed to operate the new system and have now entered negotiations with the airport authorities to try to resolve their concerns."

Youth games takes off at the airport!

"The EasyJet check-in hall at the airport will transform into a hive of sporting activity as young people from Cotgrave Church of England Primary School in Rushcliffe team up with airport mascot Rascal the Rabbit to take part in a multi-skills session run by coaches from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Play Sport project. Essential sporting skills such as balance and agility will be taught in preparation for some of the sports that will be on offer at the events on Wednesday 5 (disability sports) and Saturday 8 July."

My Easyjet triumph

"An Ulster man has won a landmark legal battle with a no-frills airline after receiving compensation for his cancelled flight. Cecil Wilson (68), from Newtownabbey, was celebrating today after being awarded £693 at Belfast's Small Claims Court in a case that was supported by the Consumer Council."

Irish news headlines from leading Irish newspapers

"Ryanair could be facing a major scheduling problem at Dublin airport after new services it is introducing were allocated slot times at between 5am and 6am. The airline last night said discussions on the issue were 'ongoing' but, at present, flights sold on its website are for later in the morning."

Ryanair slams check-in staff action

"Ryanair this morning slammed security staff at Dublin Airport who are refusing to operate the new Internet check-in facility and called on the Taoiseach to intervene. Passengers attempting to go to the departure gate with boarding cards printed via Ryanair's Web check-in system are being turned back by security staff and told that they must use the convention check-in desks. The dispute has been referred to the Labour Relations Commission."

Ryanair Announces Partnership with BCP for Low Cost Car Parking & Airport Lounges

"Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 low fares airline announced a partnership with BCP - the UK’s leading airport car parking service that will enable passengers to pre-book discounted airport car parking and entry to executive lounges through www.ryanair.com."

Airport staff not operating new Ryanair check-in system

"Staff at Dublin airport are refusing to co-operate with a new online check-in system recently introduced by Ryanair. Passengers trying to go to the departure gates with boarding cards printed out from their computers are being turned back by security personnel and told they have to go to the usual check-in desks."

Ryanair jumps on Aer Lingus admission

"Ryanair has taken advantage of rival Aer Lingus’ admission yesterday of a poor record in answering customer complaints. The ISEQ-listed carrier has hit out at the national airline’s non-publication of information on customer complaints and lost bags."

Ryanair Passengers to Pay for Boarding Cards

"Budget airline Ryanair has launched an online check in system that will some passengers paying £13.50 for a boarding card. The airline's 'Checkn'n'Go' service allows customers to check in for flights online by printing a boarding pass between 4 hours and 3 days before departure. Once printed the boarding card can be used to bypass check in and proceed directly to the security check and departure area."

easyJet boosts flights from Paris to Pisa

"Low-cost European airline easyJet announced today that it will be providing additional flights from Paris Orly to Pisa in the summer."

EasyJet wants Madrid as its European base

"EasyJet, the UK low-cost airline, wants to set up its base of operations for Europe in Madrid, which it believes to have the greatest growth potential for budget air travel of any European capital."

EasyJet wants Madrid as its European base

"EasyJet, the UK low-cost airline, wants to set up its base of operations for Europe in Madrid, which it believes to have the greatest growth potential for budget air travel of any European capital. "

EasyJet is number 1 from Gatwick to Valencia

"English budget carrier will be the only airline offering services between London-Gatwick and the Spanish city from 22/05/2006. British Airways franchise partner - GB Airways is indeed to withdraw services between Gatwick and Valencia on 22 May. As a reminder EasyJet flies daily from Gatwick to Valencia and the London airport is EasyJet's largest base in Europe and the airline is committed to further growth from the London airport, including a new route to Marrakech commencing on 4 July 2006."

Vuelos baratos de Iberia a Europa

"Tras muchas vueltas e intenciones de crear una filial de vuelos baratos, Iberia reorienta directamente su estrategia comercial con vuelos baratos a Europa a 10 euros, intentando dar una respuesta a compañías como EasyJet o Ryanair. 'Ahora somos tan baratos o más que las compañías de bajo coste en nuestras rutas europeas', señalaba una fuente de la compañía Iberia."

Airline calls for balance on climate change

"Easyjet is calling for a balanced debate on the effect of flying on the environment, after criticism that the industry is causing climate change. The low-cost airline has labelled comments that flights across the globe are adversely affecting the environment as 'hysterical persecution'."

Ink to publish bmi inflight mag

"Travellers who have enjoyed the magazines of easyJet and MyTravel will be pleased to hear that their publisher, Ink Publishing, has been chosen to produce the inflight glossy of bmi as well. Just three weeks ago Ink announced that it had won the contract to publish the magazine of bmi subsidiary bmibaby, called Yeahbaby!"

No-frills carrier Germanwings sees potential in Southern, Eastern Europe

"Low-cost carrier Germanwings sees promising potential in Southern and Eastern Europe, Joachim Klein, member of Germanwings board of directors, was quoted as saying by Global Travel Industry News. Currently, the Balkan destinations serviced by Germanwings are Athens, Thessaloniki, Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik."

Three new budget airlines at Zaventem

"The budget airlines are to start offering services from Zaventem Airport in Brussels in coming months. The airlines are from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany. They will offer low-cost flights to Prague (Czech Republic), Krakow (Poland) and Munich (Germany)."

ELFAA calls for emissions trading restraint

"In conjunction with a study it commissioned to quantify the effect of the inclusion of air transport in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme, the European Low Fares Airline Assn. yesterday declared its support of the 'principles' behind the policy but demanded an end to the 'sloppy thinking and hysterical persecution' that finger aircraft as a leading emissions contributor.The association also protested the possibility that the EU may limit the scheme to intra-EU flights, thus singling out short-haul carriers and LCCs."

Airlines are Scrounging for Ways to Increase Revenue

"First it was food, then blankets and pillows and now it seems that flyers have to pay extra for legroom. If the airlines have their way, soon passengers will be pouring their own coffees from beverage dispensers and being charged for the privilege. Or perhaps they'll impose a levy on toilet usage and charge per minute? (...)
This practice is already in place in certain European countries, especially among the low cost carriers, like Ryanair which supplements the miniscule airfares it advertises with extra taxes, fees, credit card and passenger service charges. They are even cheeky enough to impose a wheelchair levy (to cover the cost of the possibility that someone on your flight may require a wheelchair)."

Ryanair: a bus route to a better life for thousands of Poles

"Ryanair: a bus route to a better life for thousands of Poles. It's been said that the UK government has created more jobs for Poles than the Polish government in the just under two years since the European Union spread eastwards."

£55 CHARGE FOR A SINGLE FAMILY CASE

"Sunday Mail travel writer Avril Cadden had to stump up £55 in excess baggage charges on a return trip from Paris. Avril, 40, and her computer manager husband Stephen, 37, were victims of Ryanair's ban on baggage pooling."

War of Attrition, Owned by Ryanair CEO, Wins Gold Cup

"War of Attrition, owned by Ryanair Holdings Plc Chief Executive Michael O'Leary, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on St. Patrick's Day to complete a second-straight Irish sweep of the meeting's three main events."

Air Berlin decides to go public

"The company continues to expand – and now has markets outside Germany in its sights.
At the ITB in Berlin the chief executive officer of Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG, Joachim Hunold, declared that: "We are floating the company because we want to capitalise on our market opportunities.”"

The first airline in Central Europe to abolish fuel surcharge

"SkyEurope Airlines is abolishing fuel surcharge and all additional passenger fees or reservation charges as they become part of the passenger base fare. The only applicable remaining cost on top of the airfare is the net airport departure tax and government tax"

Record St Patrick's Weekend Bookings at Ryanair

"Ryanair, Ireland’s largest airline, today (16th March) announced record traffic on its 61 Irish routes over the St Patrick’s weekend, one month before the start of an additional 20 routes from Dublin to Europe that will deliver a total of 10 million passengers to and from Ireland over the coming year."

New check-in system continues Ryanair 'revolution'

"Ryanair's new baggage charges and online check-in came into effect today in what chief executive Michael O'Leary says is the continuance of his air travel 'revolution'. The low-cost airline has implemented a €7 fee for each item of check-in luggage as part of what it says is a furtherance of its policy of reducing the cost of air travel."

70p flights from Germanwings

"Book from 5pm (6pm CET) tonight, Thursday, March 16: Germanwings is offering 300,000 extra tickets from €1 (about £0.70). The website states that €1 is the “price per one-way flight on selected routes, including taxes and duties”."

Ryanair starts charging for luggage

"Passengers flying today with Ryanair have become the first to pay for checked-in luggage under the airline's new rules. Ryanair customers now have to pay up to £5 per bag on top of their ticket, for any luggage they wish to check-in. "

Ryanair pulls Cork flights as costs increase

"Flights between Britain and Ireland have become the first casualty of a debt crisis overshadowing the opening of Cork Airport’s new passenger terminal. Ryanair has cut services between Liverpool and Ireland’s second city in protest at plans to increase airport charges."

Isle of Man airport charges slashed

"The government has slashed charges at the Isle of Man's Ronaldsway airport, clearing the way for more cheap flights to and from the island. Budget airline EuroManx has already responded by lowering fares on two routes, with more carriers set to follow suit."

EasyGroup wins easy.com trademark

"EasyGroup, parent of easyJet, easyMobile, easyCruise and many other 'easy' brands, has won a trademark for easy.com, despite objections that the term was devoid of any distinctive character and therefore ineligible for registration."

'No deal with north airline'

"Easyjet yesterday said reports in the Turkish press on Saturday that the low-cost airline was cooperating with Turkish airline Pegasus to bring tourists to the north were untrue. “This information is false and does not correspond to the facts,” said an email statement from easyJet, which was founded by Cypriot entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou who holds some 16 per cent of the airline’s shares."

easyJet is the favourite low-cost airline for Business Travel

"easyJet, Europe's leading low-fares airline, has again been voted the favourite low-cost airline for business travellers by the Barclaycard Business Travel Survey 2005/06.
"

Ryanair transferring to Copenhagen airports; avoiding Swedish taxes

"Ryanair is negotiating with Copenhagen Airports about possibly transferring some routes out of Malmoe in Sweden to Copenhagen. The Swedish government said it will levy a SEK95 tax on airline tickets and when that happens, Ryanair will cut its flights out of the country."

Ryanair in talks with Copenhagen Airports to fly from Kastrup airport

"Ryanair Holdings PLC is negotiating with Copenhagen Airports AS to start flying from the airport group's Kastrup airport in Copenhagen, newswire Ritzau's Bureau reported, citing Karl Hoegstadius, who heads Ryanair's Nordic operations. "

Skip check-in at Nottingham with easyJet

"Passengers travelling light with easyJet from Nottingham East Midlands Airport can now skip check-in by printing off their boarding passes from home. easyJet claims to be the first low-cost airline offering online check-in from the Midlands hub."

Pilots ponder new Ryanair 4:5 rostering deal

"The low-cost airline is offering a new rostering arrangement that gives flightcrew more time off – but is there a catch? One of the many paradoxes about Ryanair is that, on the face of it, its pilots are well paid and have a roster that ensures they work hard but get lots of time off; but there is always dissent in the ranks. Meanwhile, the airline provides the lowest fares in Europe and as a result people flock to fill its aircraft. Yet the media seem always to be looking for the safety corner-cutting that they reason must be what enables the carrier to charge bargain basement fares."

Increasing Pressure for Ryanair to Fly Under UK Regulator

"Speculation is increasing that the UK flight regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), may be considering moves to take the low cost airline Ryanair under its wing. Currently Ryanair is established as an Irish carrier, and is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority. Changing the airline's status to bring it under the auspices of the CAA would allow the UK regulator to manage Ryanair's operations including crew training and maintenance."

Ryanair prepares to phase out oldest 737-800s

"As Ryanair introduces its 100th Boeing 737-800, the airline is preparing to begin disposing of its oldest examples of the Next Generation twinjet. The carrier has also confirmed that in the next six months it will launch a joint-venture maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation in Poland or Latvia in conjunction with a major international third-party maintenance company."

Ryanair chief admits his airline is not really Irish

"Europe's biggest low-cost airline, Ryanair, has admitted that it is in effect based in Britain, prompting senior regulatory figures to call for it to be brought under the wing of British safety authorities."

New Routes to Copenhagen and Helsinki

"Air Berlin made its debut in the potentially lucrative Scandinavian market early last month with the launch of a six times weekly connection between Düsseldorf and Helsinki. By way of connections at Düsseldorf, the airline also introduced through ticketing from London Stansted, Vienna and Zürich to the Finnish capital."

Ryanair shows restraint at Cork Airport

"News of the reduced number of Ryanair flights from Cork Airport last week, in protest at escalating charges at the airport, had been widely expected."

Ryanair to Montenegro

"The representative of MMF in Montenegro (Serbia & Montenegro), Herald Hirshofer, evaluated the coming of the Irish low profit airline company Ryanair as significant news in tourism of Montenegro, but Montenegro airlines thinks that this possibility is a great danger to its positive results. The dates are yet to be discussed. "

Air Berlin Eyes Low-Cost Crown

"Air Berlin is hoping to end Ryanair and easyJet's dominance of the European low-cost flights sector by funding expansion through a stock market flotation."

Milan Malpensa becomes 16th easyJet base

"Andy Harrison, easyJet’s Chief Executive, today officially opens easyJet’s 16th base at Milan’s Malpensa airport. The airline expects to carry over 1.2 million passengers from Milan Malpensa in the next 12 months on 12 routes - three domestic and nine international. easyJet also operates from Milan Linate Airport to London Gatwick and Paris Orly."

Air Berlin planning IPO to finance clash with Ryanair

"Air Berlin, Europe's third-biggest discount airline, plans to sell shares to the public to finance an expansion and confront larger competitors Ryanair and Easyjet."

Air Berlin to Sell Stock to Fund European Expansion

"Air Berlin Plc, Europe's third- biggest discount airline, plans to sell shares to the public to finance an expansion and confront larger competitors Ryanair Holdings Plc and EasyJet Plc."

Ryanair cuts Cork flights

"Ryanair has confirmed that it is cutting back in its services to Cork Airport. The low-cost carrier has blamed the decision on the recent increases announced by Cork Airport Authority. Ryanair claims these increases will push up its costs at the airport by over €30,000 per annum."

Alicante flight from airport

"BUDGET airline easyJet today announced a new direct flight from Edinburgh to the Spanish resort Alicante."

Ryanair grows at Hahn

"Ryanair says it wants to base 18 aircraft at its Frankfurt Hahn base by 2012, operating to over 50 destinations. The airport will then overtake Dublin to become Ryanair’s second biggest base. Ryanair, which currently has six aircraft at Hahn, will provide a loan of €12.5 million ($14.6 million) to cover half of the costs for a new terminal at Hahn."

Air Berlin offers Stansted connections

"Air Berlin is to open a transfer base at London Stansted Airport, taking on Europe’s low-cost giants easyJet and Ryanair in their home market. Initially, Air Berlin will offer flights from Manchester and Glasgow International into London Stansted, with onward connections to seven airports in Germany. More routes are expected to follow."

Ryanair’s online incentive

"Ryanair is to trial a system offering discounts to passengers who check in online and limit themselves to less than 10kg (22lb) of hand luggage. The carrier aims to increase the proportion of passengers checking in without luggage from 50% to 80%, and estimates the move could cut 2%-3% from its cost base."

Easyjet recruits adviser to head off Icelandair parent take-over

"UK budget carrier EasyJet has appointed investment bank Goldman Sachs as its new financial adviser, a move seen as a positioning strategy in the event of a possible bid from Icelandair parent FL Group."

EasyJet prepares for battle

"With a takeover bid by the Icelandic FL Group a distinct possibility, UK low-cost carrier easyJet has strengthened its financial advisory team with the appointment of London-based bank Goldman Sachs. It will also retain Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) to provide additional advice as required."

Lufthansa extends empire

"German flag carrier Lufthansa is to take over control of Eurowings and its low-cost subsidiary germanwings after winning approval for the deal from the European competition authorities."

Boeing Delivers 100th Next-Generation 737 to Ryanair

"Boeing and Ryanair, Europe's largest and most profitable low-cost carrier, yesterday celebrated the delivery of the airline's 100th Boeing Next-Generation 737, nearly seven years after receiving its first 737-800."

Easyjet starts more services to French destinations

"An EasyJet passenger plane takes off from Marignane airport in southern France. The low-cost carrier said it will start several more services to French destinations in June and July."

Ryanair negotiates radical five on, four off flightcrew rostering change

"Ryanair says its pilot to aircraft ratio is as high now as it has ever been and denies widespread industry rumours that its flightcrew recruitment and training has not been able to keep up with fleet growth. Meanwhile, the carrier is in “direct negotiations” with its pilots about the possibility of a radical change to its flightcrew rostering pattern to which the reaction has so far been positive, says chief pilot Capt Ray Conway. "

Business booming for low-cost airlines

"Budget airlines enjoyed another successful month in February 2006, it was revealed today. Low-cost carrier easyJet hosted 2.37 million passengers last month, a 9.4% rise on the February 2005 total."

Air Berlin vende más de 50.000 vales canjeables por vuelos en dos días

Air Berlin sold more than 50 000 tickets through Lidl in just two days.

"La aerolínea alemana de bajo coste Air Berlin ha vendido más de 50.000 vales canjeables por billetes de avión en tiendas de la compañía de distribución Lidl en los dos primeros días de la promoción, vales que el primer día de venta se canjearon por más por más de 10.000 vuelos."

Air Berlin nombra a Pablo Caspers nuevo director comercial para España y Portugal

Air Berlin has chosen Pablo Caspers as its new Business Director for Spain and Portugal.

"La aerolínea alemana de bajo coste Air Berlin ha nombrado a Pablo Caspers nuevo director comercial para España y Portugal que hasta ahora era responsable del departamento de vuelos de L’Tur Tourismus AG como director general adjunto en la central europea de Baden-Baden."

Minister for Tourism refused admission to Ryanair flight

"Minister for Tourism John O’Donoghue was reportedly refused permission to board a Ryanair flight at Cork Airport yesterday."

Ryanair Offers ‘Zero Fare’ Flights

"Budget airline Ryanair Holdings PLC offered millions of cheap flights Tuesday as it went on the attack against allegations in a TV program that it has been lax in respecting air safety and security rules.The British Transport Office said it will follow up the security allegations with the airline, while French Transport Minister Dominique Perben said he has asked the French civil Save to My Web"

Ryanair kündigt neue Strecken ab Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Lübeck und Salzburg nach Dublin an

"Ryanair, der europäische Branchenriese in Sachen preiswerte Flugreisen und die Nummer 1 unter den Low Cost Carriern setzt seine Streckennetzerweiterungen fort. Ab April 2006 wird die Airline fünf weitere nagelneue Boeings 737-800 in Dublin stationieren. Die Stationierung wird am Flughafen Dublin 250 Arbeitsplätze schaffen und sie erlaubt es Ryanair, 18 neue Strecken nach Kontinentaleuropa zu eröffnen. Darüberhinaus werden die Frequenzen auf acht bereits bestehenden Strecken erhöht."

Stockholm/Ghent: Ryanair versus SAS

"I had my third flight with Ryanair yesterday. To be honest, I don’t like to fly with them. My favourite airliner for Scandinavia is SAS (I have a Eurobonus card, which is their Frequent Flyer Programme). Why am I flying Ryanair? Not the cheap tickets are their pro, they just happen to have more seats available than SAS. If you have bad luck, a SAS ticket can be overprized. If you check Ryanair at that moment and you find a ticket for 60€, there is just no other solution than flying Ryanair."

Budget airline’s Edinburgh-Europe plans take flight

"easyJet will today announce the start of its European expansion from Edinburgh, competing against three other airlines on one of the airport’s busiest holiday routes, writes Alastair Dalton.Save to My Web"

EasyJet flies from Luton to Lisbon

EasyJet has expanded its European destination Network by adding flights to Lisbon from Luton. The new root that started operating yesterday is by the airline to carry over 91,000 passengers during the first twelve months. Daily flights will be available and return tickets start from £56.98 inclusive of taxes and charges.

Pratt & Whitney Signs Maintenance Contract with easyJet

"easyJet plc, located at Luton Airport in London, has awarded Pratt & Whitney a three-year $60 million contract covering the engine maintenance and overhaul requirements of its 737-300 fleet, currently consisting of 36 aircraft. The work will be carried out at Pratt & Whitney's Norway Engine Center. The flexible contract is currently anticipated to cover performance restoration and replacement of life-limited parts for 47 CFM 56-3 engines across the fleet."

Low-Cost Airlines Redrawing Europe's Map

"Charleroi figures on few tourist itineraries. The slag heaps on the skyline stand as monuments to happier times when the town was a center of Belgium's iron and coal industries. These days the mines are closed and work is scarce: unemployment stands at 20 percent, twice the national average. Brussels may be just half an hour down the road, but in recent years there's been little reason to make the trip."

With Airfare No Obstacle, Europe Opens to Europeans

"Marc Burridge was wearing his trousers again, no longer dressed in the platinum blonde wig, orange skirt and black fishnet stockings that he wore on the flight over from London. But the ruby-red nail polish, another part of his costume for his weekend bachelor party, was still visible as he curled his fingers around a Glock handgun and started firing."

Ryanair agrees plans for new European base in Germany

"Ryanair, the Irish no-frills airline, announced it had reached an agreement for a new European hub at Luebeck airport near Hamburg in northern Germany that would handle two million passengers annually."

Onboard gambling may lead to free flights on Ryanair

"Passengers on Ryanair could one day fly for free if revenues from onboard gambling and other services end the need for it to charge fares, the chief executive of the airline has predicted. Michael O'Leary said Ryanair, the second biggest international carrier in the world, gave away about a quarter of its seats last year and that figure could rise to 50 or even 100 per cent depending on how successful in-flight gaming proved."

Ryanair passengers are forced to hire bus to get home after their flight is cancelled

"Stranded Ryanair passengers were forced to hire a bus and drive 600 miles home after their flight was cancelled and they were told that the next aircraft out of a small French airport would be in 10 days time. "

Stelios back on board at easyJet as chief exec quits

"Stelios Haji-Ioannou is returning to the board of easyJet as a director of the budget airline he founded, after the carrier announced long-time chief executive Ray Webster is quitting.
Webster, co-architect of easyJet and, with Ryanair's Michael O'Leary, as responsible as anyone for the revolution in European air travel, announced today he wants to stand down.
He said he will step back when a replacement is found but will be retained by the carrier on 'strategic assignments' for another 18 months."

easyJet aims to boost self-service check-ins after Geneva

"Passengers check in for an easyJet flight. Low-cost airline easyJet hopes to roll out self-service check-in kiosks at airports across Europe if a test of the time-saving method is a success in Geneva, its busiest winter destination, a top official said."

Ryanair Faces Yield/Oil-Risk

"Ryanair (RYAAY) reports February load factor of 78% versus 79% a year ago, in-line with Merrion Stockbrokers' expectations of 77%-to-78% in February. However analyst John Mattimoe maintains a reduce rating, 'which reflects our view that the current valuation does not adequately discount the growing risks from the yield/oil issues."

easyJet: We're greener than our rivals

"The new boss of easyJet has used his first public interview to argue that the budget airline is more environmentally friendly than its competitors. Speaking to the Guardian, Andy Harrison asserted that the green-minded should choose easyJet and spurn rivals such as British Airways and Ryanair.
The secret to flying in an environmentally friendly way, he claimed, is to use new aircraft and full aircraft."

Derry Journal

"It's time for Derry City Council to end the 'secrecy' surrounding its confidential airport deal with low cost carrier Ryanair, a local lobby group urged this week. The Socialist Environmental Alliance (SEA) has welcomed a ruling ordering the local authority to reveal details about the agreement it reached with Ryanair six years ago. "

Independent Online Edition

"The new chief executive of easyJet, Andy Harrison, called for the break-up of the airports operator BAA yesterday and launched a swingeing attack on his low-cost rival Ryanair for being 'nasty' to its crew and passengers."

Easyjet makes profit a priority

"Easyjet, famous for flying masses of holidaymakers, is to make a big push for more business travellers in an attempt to double the amount of profit it makes per passenger, the company has announced."

New Low-Cost Airline To Land in Sofia

"Italian no-frills airline Myair has announced a new destination - Sofia. Flights outgoing from Bologna and Milan's Orio al Serio airport to Bulgaria's capital will start April 13, the company's web site announces. "

Discount carrier SkyEurope lands in Prague

"The number of Czechs aboard Slovak no-frills carrier SkyEurope Airlines is bound to increase from the meager 3 percent seen during most of last year. On Feb. 14, SkyEurope Airlines became the third air carrier to establish a base at Prague Ruzyně Airport, in addition to flagship carrier Czech Airlines (ČSA) and Czech low-cost airline Smart Wings, which is operated by Travel Service."

Germanwings - (Travel Daily News)

"Germanwings signed a supply contract for 18 new Airbus A319 aircraft, following a letter of intent issued in June this year. The aircraft will be assembled in near Hamburg and some will be operated on the newly launched route between Hamburg and Fuhlsbuttel. "

RTE Business - EasyJet predicting first half loss

"UK low-cost airline EasyJet said today that its expectations for full-year earnings were unchanged but forecast a loss in the first half of the year due to higher fuel costs."

EasyJet starts flights to Morocco and Turkey - News and Comment - Times Online

"The new routes were announced today, along with another to Croatia, in a bold step by the low-cost airline, says Steve Keenan, Online Travel Editor"

Ryanair unveils Stansted Express deal

"Travellers using the high-speed Stansted Express rail link can now make substantial savings by purchasing their tickets from Ryanair. The service links Stansted Airport with central London, shuttling between the two locations every 15 minutes. It stops at Tottenham Hale and Liverpool Street."

Aidsmap | France proposes air ticket levy to fund HIV drugs

"French President Jacques Chirac yesterday called on wealthy nations to adopt an air ticket tax that will be used to fund development aid for low income countries, due to be implemented in France from July. The most immediate use of funds raised could be the purchase of antiretroviral drugs by an International Drug Purchase Fund, also floated yesterday by France and Brazil at an international summit on innovative funding for development. "

Wednesday Newspaper Review - Irish Business News and International Stories

"The Irish Times also reports that Belgium has brought High Court proceedings against Ryanair for the recovery of more than €2.28 million provided by the Belgian authorities to the private airline for services to and from Charleroi Airport."

Ryanair eyes second German base

Ryanair has announced it will open a second base in Germany within 18 months as it bids to boost its coverage of continental Europe, according to The Irish Independent. The budget airline currently has Frankfurt-Hahn as its sole German hub and flies to six other German destinations.