Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, June 9, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing may reportedly seek state aid to pay for the costs of building its new aircraft. The company is currently constructing its 7E7, a super-efficient, mid-sized wide-body jet which could enter service in 2008. Under a US-European aerospace treaty governments can fund up to 30% of a new aircraft programme.

Air France is offering discounted tickets on its first and business class services. The airline introduced the discounts following similar measures by Thai Airways International and Singapore Airlines. The offers - which enable first-class passengers travelling on the Bangkok-Europe route to take a companion for half price, while business-class passengers can obtain two tickets for the price of one - are valid for travel through to 31 August 2003 and are subject to restrictions.

In an attempt to revive passenger traffic, Singapore Airlines has decided to reduce its fares to Singapore by half. The 50% price cut covers services to Singapore flown between 16 June and 31 August. The flights must be booked from two and four weeks ahead, and the first 15,000 bookings will get a 75% discount.

A hotel at Washington Dulles International Airport has been closed after 60 guests contracted an intestinal illness which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Tests confirmed that the guests at the Hyatt Dulles were infected with the highly contagious norovirus a week ago, prompting officials to close the hotel to new guests until it has been cleaned with a chlorine-based cleaner. No hotel employees have been infected with the illness.

Cathay Pacific Airways' passenger numbers have increased since the World Health Organisation (WHO) lifted its travel advisory against Hong Kong. The airline is now carrying about 11,000 passengers per day, up from just 7,000 in May. The carrier is also planning to add extra flights in June and July, although no details have been released.

Singapore Airlines has launched a short-term fare sale on travel from San Francisco to Hong Kong. The special round trip fares are available from USD299 and must be purchased by 23 June 2003, with departures from 21 June to 20 July 2003.

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