Airline News

British Airways is guaranteeing that its business-class seats offer the best night's sleep in the air. It is embarking on a guarantee to Executive Club members from now through Dec. 31 2004. If those flying in Club World class do not have the best sleep in business class to London, they will receive an upgrade to first class on a future flight from the U.S., Canada or Bermuda after filling out a form. Members who register for the promotion will be given double miles if they purchase and take one transatlantic roundtrip or two one-way trips. Sep 20, 2004

British and Indian negotiators have agreed on expanding air service between the two countries. Starting winter of 2004-2005, each country is allowed to add seven services. The same number may be added next summer and next winter. Virgin Atlantic Airways, which currently operates only three weekly flights from London to Delhi, said it wants to operate at least daily flights between London and both Delhi and Mumbai. British Airways operates 19 services to and from India, which is all of the rest of the U.K.'s allotment. Virgin said half of all people flying from London to Delhi and Mumbai are forced to do so via third countries. Sep 20, 2004

Cathay Pacific has opened its own lounge at Heathrow T3 for first and business class passengers. Modeled on the award winning designs of The Wing and The Pier, Cathay's signature lounges at Hong Kong, Heathrow follows similar introductions at Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul and Paris Charles De Gaulle and combines the latest technological and comfort innovations with the finest materials and workmanship. Located above the Duty Free Shopping area, the result is a spacious and passenger friendly environment, equipped with a premium range of facilities along with high levels of comfort and convenience. Features include work and relaxation areas, state-of-the-art technology, plasma TV screens, business facilities, comfortable seating, shower facilities, premium food and drink areas, and equally important, a team of knowledgeable and helpful staff. As well as European cuisine, a range of Asian dishes such as dim sum or noodles is also on offer. The new lounge offers business travelers state-of-the-art technology enabling them to remain plugged into the office. http://www.cathaypacific.com Sep 19, 2004

China Southern Airlines is pleased to announce that after months of reconstruction and renovation, Terminal One at Beijing's Capital Airport has opened again with an all-new look, exclusively for China Southern Airlines. Effective immediately, all China Southern flights departing from and arriving at Beijing will use this new Terminal. All passengers departing on China Southern will also have their boarding procedures completed here. China Southern signed an agreement with Capital Airport to jointly manage this renovated Terminal One and this new cooperation program between the airport and the airline has a far-reaching significance in China's civil aviation industry, although it is common in Europe and America where the air transportation industry is highly developed. Since September 20, China Southern Airlines and the subsidiaries of China Southern Air Holding Company -- including China Southern Airlines Northern Company, China Southern Airlines Xinjiang Company and Xiamen Airlines -- will operate their domestic flights at Terminal One. In addition, Sichuan Airlines (China Southern holds shares) will also move its flights to this Terminal Building. With this terminal, China Southern will be able to offer passengers more efficient transportation services, play a more constructive role in developing its transfer business and aid in forming a hub air route network. Sep 20, 2004