Aviation

Qatar Airways

Lagos service expanded

Qatar Airways has expanded its operations in Nigeria by boosting the number of flights to daily services and upgrading aircraft on the Doha - Lagos route to three-class Airbus A340-600s.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 84 cities worldwide.

The new daily service replaces the two-class Airbus A330-200s on the route. The state-of-the-art A340-600s feature eight first class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, together with first class lounges for premium passengers to relax and unwind.

In addition, there are 42 business class seats in a 2-2-2 seat layout, together with 216 economy class seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. With a fuselage length of 75 metres, the A340 is the world's longest passenger jet, a full three metres longer than the Airbus A380 superjumbo.

By increasing capacity from five-flights-a-week to daily, the extra services on the route will provide passengers with more choice and increased connectivity to a number of key business and leisure destinations via the airline's Doha hub to Qatar Airways' extensive route network across Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Far East and North America.

The three-class configured A340 aircraft offers passengers with an enhanced in-flight experience and the highest levels of comfort. For the first time on the Lagos route, passengers will have the choice of flying in Qatar Airways' First Class premium seats converting into fully flat 180 degree beds everyday of the week. Cargo capacity on the Airbus A340-600 offers an additional 40 percent more capacity over the previously used A330-200s operating the route. Lagos is Nigeria's commercial capital but is also the gateway to west Africa and offers strong business links with rest of the world.

The changes are part of Qatar Airways' ongoing growth strategy, which will see the launch of six new routes during 2009, including Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Goa and Amritsar in India, and two further additions to its extensive European network. Frequency and capacity increases on selected routes are also scheduled.

"Lagos is one of Qatar Airways' key routes, which has grown significantly in stature since launching two years ago," Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said.

"I am glad to say that we now offer even better services, increased capacity both for passengers and cargo, as well as improved connectivity to our network of destinations for our passengers travelling to and from Lagos, Al Baker added. "Africa has been highlighted by the International Air Transport Association as one of the most important growth markets for aviation over the next 20 years, and Qatar Airways is committed to making further inroads into this dynamic continent to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities available.

"On behalf of Qatar Airways, I must thank the Nigerian authorities for making this latest route enhancement possible," added Al Baker.

BIA's Serendib lounge for FlySmiLes members

Members of SriLankan Airlines' customer loyalty program FlySmiLes can now pamper themselves at the elegant Serendib Lounge at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.

Reputed as one of Asia's finest airport lounges, the Serendib had hitherto been reserved for SriLankan's Business Class passengers. Based on an initiative by FlySmiLes it is now accessible to members travelling Economy Class on SriLankan, including those in transit and what all the member needs to do is redeem a mere 2,000 Miles (points).

FlySmiLes Manager Desiree Premachandra said: "Our aim is to ensure that FlySmiLes members enjoy the luxuries of air travel. And we decided that our very own Serendib Lounge, which clearly manifests SriLankan's philosophy of Caring and Warmth would be an ideal locale," Sit back and relax, enjoy the ambience, the exotic cuisine and the wide array of beverages, and be rejuvenated at the Siddhalepa Ayurvedha Spa in the lounge."

Those who use a FlySmiLes co-branded credit card to purchase an air ticket on SriLankan or any of the partner airlines will earn Miles for the transaction, and also when flying, giving them the opportunity to earn Miles twice!

The Serendib Lounge is one of the finer facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport, reputed as the most sophisticated airport in South Asia with its plush new terminals, air-bridges, and well-stocked duty free complex.

The lounge provides a panoramic view of the airport's apron, with a floor to ceiling viewing glass. It has the latest in luxury such as specially designed armchairs that recline and swivel, separate rest areas with fully reclining Lazy Boy armchairs for passengers with longer transit times, showers, general seating, and a separate smokers' room.

For entertainment, there are two giant TV screens with individual headphones at each seat. The lounge also provides convenient communication facilities including a phone booth and personal computers with Internet access. The buffet includes both hot and cold foods and there's a full range of beverages and a selection of specialty teas and coffees.

FlySmiLes known as "The Frequent Flyer Program that Rewards and Delights", has partnered with no less than ten major companies to provide a wide range of exciting rewards for its members worldwide.

Members earn Miles through FlySmiLes' co-branded credit cards (American Express Platinum, and Standard Chartered Gold and Classic), communication facilities (Travelling Connect and Dialog Telekom), international air travel (Malaysia Airlines and Etihad Airways), domestic air travel (Deccan Aviation), hotels (Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces), car rentals (Hertz), and spas (Siddhalepa).

Miles can be redeemed on air travel services offered by SriLankan, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad, and Deccan, and certain spa treatments at Siddhalepa outlets.

Harrison Ford to promote General Aviation

With general aviation challenged on a number of fronts, a leading pilots association has launched a multimillion-dollar campaign to promote the industry and showcase its significance.

Many people don't understand the role general aviation plays every day in communities and in the economy, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said.

It provides services such as law enforcement, medical help and emergency services and boosts business for local communities, it said.

"People are very misinformed to just what general aviation is," said AOPA spokesman Andrew Broom.

Called General Aviation Serves America, the advocacy campaign will use people who use general aviation to tell their stories about what it means to their communities and to their businesses, the group said.

"It's really putting a face to general aviation," Broom said.

Actor and pilot Harrison Ford has volunteered to help in the campaign. He is featured in a video and an ad. The AOPA will use radio, television and print advertising and Web sources to get the word out.

The campaign comes at a critical time when general aviation is under pressure from legislators and regulators, the AOPA said.

"We call it one of the most serious sets of issues ever faced by general aviation," Broom said.

General aviation brings $150 billion into the U.S. economy annually and provides 1.2 million jobs, the group said.

The challenges put those numbers at risk, it said.

The Obama administration wants to change the way the Federal Aviation Administration is funded and implement direct user fees starting in October 2011, Broom said.

In addition, "onerous" security regulations, proposed reductions in the general fund contribution to the FAA and plans by some local governments wanting to replace airports with residential development could threaten the industry, Broom said.

 - WICHITA