Airlines welcome global deal on carbon reduction

Airlines have welcomed the world's first global agreement to reduce aviation's carbon emissions, but warned that governments will have to help if targets are to be met.  The International Civil Aviation Organisation brokered the deal between 190 governments during its assembly in Montreal early in October.  Its resolution sets targets for improving fuel efficiency by 2% annually to 2050, capping carbon emissions from 2020, and setting a global carbon standard for aircraft engines by 2013.  It also calls for a global framework to safeguard the fair treatment of aviation against other sectors, ensure aviation's emissions are accounted for only once, and recognise the environmental efforts of airlines. 

Lufthansa plans new business class for 2011

Lufthansa hopes to satisfy critics of its existing long-haul business class when it unveils a new fully-flat product late next year.  Initially the plan calls for Lufthansa to install the new seating on the 20-strong fleet of B747-800s (when they enter service towards the end of 2011).  Lufthansa are also expected to unveil details of a new short-haul economy class product later this year.  They want to improve the economics of their short-haul flights and intend to do so by adding more seats and simplifying the catering.

Etihad partners Fairmont Hotels

Etihad Airways has partnered with Fairmont Hotels and Resort to offer more miles to its frequent flyers. Under the deal, Etihad Guest members can collect 500 miles per qualifying stay at Fairmont hotels worldwide.

 Heathrow traffic improves

Heathrow Airport recorded its busiest September this year with passenger arrivals up 7.6%. Figures from BAA have shown that an increase in long-haul routes has boosted operations at the airport.  These include Brazil (up 27.1%), China (up 10.3%) and Russia (up 23.7%) which are destinations served only by Heathrow in the UK.  In addition, 6.5% more passengers headed to North America and arrivals to South America grew 16.4%.  New York, Dubai and Dublin were the most popular routes.

 Jet Airways forms FFP partnership with bmi

Jet Airways has entered into a reciprocal frequent flyer programme (FFP) partnership with UK carrier bmi.  JetPrivilege members can now earn and redeem their JPMiles on the entire network of bmi.  Similarly bmi's Diamond Club members can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on the entire network of Jet Airways and Jet Airways Konnect.

 Eurostar to cut European city journey times

Eurostar have announced that it will cut journey times from London to European cities when its e320 trains are launched.  The new trains, which represent a £700 million investment, will have 20% more capacity and could see the London-Paris journey drop to just over two hours.  The London-Amsterdam route could be cut to under four hours and passengers could get to Geneva in around five hours.

 Finnair's Asian routes drive demand

Passenger traffic on Finnair's routes to and from Asia increased by 5.7% year on year in September 2010 - far outstripping the airline's system-wide growth of 0.7%.  Capacity on Asian route increased 8.2%, leading to a two point drop in load factor which averaged 82.5% for the month.  This was also considerably higher than the airline's global load factor of 64.9%.

 Marriott to launch joint brand with AC Hotels

Marriott International is to expand its brand in southern Europe after signing a joint venture (JV) agreement with Spanish group AC Hotels.  The JV will see both groups work under the joint brand, AC by Marriott.  All 90 existing AC hotels in Spain, Italy and Portugal are to be rebranded, with the first entering the market next year.  The co-brand will use the four-star concept of AC Hotels, backed up by Marriott's sales and distribution platforms and its Marriott Rewards loyalty programme.

Langham Hotels International to debut in the Middle East

Langham Hotels International enters the Middle East in 2012 with the 250-room Langham Place Doha.  Occupying the city's next architectural landmark, the Al Shemoukh Towers (meaning "standing proud" in Arabic), Langham's future outpost will consist, not only of guestrooms measuring from 40sqm but also 40 serviced apartments, all equipped with the chain's enhanced entertainment systems and the latest internet connectivity.