Headline News

Airguide Online, June 30, 2004

U.S. low-cost carrier ATA Airlines plans to fly to destinations in Europe starting next year and is negotiating with German airport Cologne-Bonn, the company said on Friday. "We want to fly to two or three European cities, and are currently in intensive talks concerning this," ATA Vice President Douglas Yakota told reporters in Cologne. He added that Germany, and in particular the Cologne-Bonn airport due to its success in low-cost travel, were high on the list of potential destinations. German long-haul charter carrier LTU reacted sharply to these plans, underscoring intense competition in the beleaguered airline industry. "You have to assume that we'll come with a corresponding offer for the same price and possibly better quality," said LTU managing director Juergen Marbach.

ATA Airlines announced on June 23 2004 that it has entered into agreements with six airlines to offer interline electronic ticketing. This convenience allows passengers to use one e-ticket when traveling on itineraries that include both ATA and one of the cooperative airlines. The service is now available between ATA and United, Continental, Hawaiian, Alaska, Aloha and Delta. In addition, customers taking advantage of interline e-ticketing will no longer need a paper ticket to transfer, they can simply use their original e-ticket, creating less hassle. E-tickets may be issued by any of the seven carriers and are available through ticketing offices, airport locations and travel agencies. Interline e-ticketing combined with full-service, curbside check-in and gate automation provides ease throughout the airport, saving customers time by simplifying the check-in and boarding processes. Finally, ATA's Travel Awards program offers loyal customers who book their travel at ATA.com great travel awards when they fly frequently on ATA or ATA Connection. For details and official rules for the program, visit www.ata.com

Blue Star Jets, which claims to be the fastest growing executive jet brokerage in the US, is to set up a satellite office in Europe with the UK, France or Italy as target headquarters. Founded in 2001 Blue Star says it has access to 4,000 aircraft worldwide. The New York based operation, which also has offices in Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, Boca Raton and Montreal says that between 15 and 18 million people are flying privately every year. www.bluestarjets.com

British Airways' passengers from Detroit will enjoy a truly upgraded experience beginning July 8 2004. That's the day the airline moves its flights from Detroit Metro's Berry Terminal to the state-of-the-art McNamara Terminal. The moment British Airways' passengers enter the McNamara Terminal they will be served a feast for the eyes. The building's 21st century esthetics are superb. There are upgraded amenities throughout, worthy of one of the world's finest airport facilities, like elegant shopping and fine restaurants, convenient exchange booths, a gate shuttle service and a spacious Customs and Immigration Hall. Arriving passengers with onward connections within the U.S. will enjoy same-terminal connections, a vast improvement over Berry where they have to change buildings. At the Westin Hotel, directly adjacent to the McNamara Terminal and close to the British Airways Check-in Desks, First and Club World passengers will enjoy the comforts and ambiance of the Flight Deck Observation Area prior to departure. They can relax in comfortable couches or upholstered chairs and enjoy a splendid view of the activity on the tarmac. As well, wireless Internet and business services are available. And with the Westin Hotel having its own separate airside security screening, passengers will enjoy a quicker and quieter departure experience. To make the passenger experience even better, British Airways' daily Boeing 777 flight to London-Heathrow has been rescheduled to depart 15 minutes earlier giving easy connections to seven additional cities in Europe: Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Kiev, Madrid, Milan (Malpensa) and Munich.