Asiana Airlines & Korean Air rewarded for great service
23 June 2005

The renowned Skytrax Survey Group located in London, England has announced Asiana Airlines as winners of ‘The World’s Best Cabin Staff Award 2005’. Skytrax are the leading research advisors to the world airline and air transport industry. The award came as a result of a 10-month project period whereby a variety of quality service attributes were surveyed. The award ceremony took place on 15th June 2005 at Skytrax’s head office in London and details of the award can be found at airlinequality.com.

Korean Air's lounge at Seoul Incheon named Best in Asia Pacific

Korean Air's Lounge at Seoul Incheon International Airport has been named "Priority Pass Lounge of the Year 2005" for Asia Pacific by Priority Pass, a UK based company that provides worldwide airport lounge access. Korean Air ranked No.1 among 95 lounges in the Asia Pacific region by members of Priority Pass, which has over one million members worldwide. The survey was
conducted online.

New Korean Air Fares from UK to Hawaii

Korean Air now flies to Hawaii via Seoul and is proving a popular routing. With flying times comparable to flying via the US, but with much less fuss, plus the chance to experience a Korea stopover in sensational Seoul, there couldn't be a greater opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds in one truly exotic holiday. Korean Air's fares to Hawaii are amongst the best out of the UK and also include inter-island flight possibilities with Aloha Airlines, connecting the major island leisure centres on this phenomenally beautiful island chain. With the Pound Sterling strong against the US Dollar, this is the optimal time for a visit to Hawaii. Korean Air flies modern Boeing 777-200 and Boeing 777-300s between Seoul and Honolulu.

Korean Air - Your gateway to the Orient

Korean Air has launched new fares from the UK to Mongolia, China and Taiwan. Through the summer months there are daily connections to Ulan Bator the enchanting capital of Mongolia with the chance to stopover in Seoul en route, home to Korean Air. In addition to Ulan Bator, Korean Air has also launched new fares to the following destinations; China with 15 destinations including Hong Kong, Beijing, & Shanghai; Taiwan to Taipei. Korean Air already offers great fares and connections from the UK, via Seoul, to a wide variety of destinations across Asia, most notably Japan with 13 destinations including Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

‘Cathay Pacific Best Airline Asia’

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KARACHI: Cathay Pacific has been named airline of the year, best airline Asia and best first class in the world’s largest global passenger poll, said a statement issued by the airline on Saturday. London-based Skytrax says its 2005 world airline awards poll was the world’s largest passenger survey ever. Votes were cast by 94 nationalities from June 2004 to May 2005. staff report

Full Story (http://www.cathaypacific.com/intl/aboutus/press/0,3845,31342-125882,00.html)

GULF AIR TAKES FIRST PLACE IN AIRLINE CATERING AWARDS
Posted: 20-06-2005 , 07:02 GMT

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In the latest World Airline Catering Awards to be published by Skytrax, Gulf Air has clinched top position fobr both First and Business Class onboard catering on long-haul intercontinental flights.

The latest accolades follow the strong showing by Gulf Air in the last year’s Skytrax poll, in which the airline was recognised for the Most Improved Performance 2004 as well as achieving the Best On-board Catering (First Class) and the Best Check-In Facilities (Business Class, at Bahrain Airport) awards.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air, said: “It was a truly significant step for us to be recognised in the Skytrax awards last year – and it’s been just as significant for us to retain our strong position in key categories in the latest awards.”

“It also demonstrates that our business strategy, an important component of which is the continual improvement of products and services for the business traveller is working."

"This innovation and development is set to continue following endorsement by the Board of our mandate for the next three years. This year, we have invested US$10 million in our premium seats and in-flight entertainment systems, delivering the final piece of the jigsaw to create a definitive world-class product.”

The enhancement of the cabins in the Airbus A330 aircraft has been accompanied by significant enhancements to the dining concept. The menus feature new and contemporary presentation styles, after specialised crew training, and are complemented by a selection of hand-picked, fine vintage wines and other beverages to complete the dining experience.

Traditional dining - either alone or with up to four companions - and the dine-on-demand facility, is complemented by a stand up on-board buffet which offers a full range of drinks and snacks.

Peter Miller, Marketing Director of Skytrax, said: “Gulf Air has taken major strides forward and we are delighted to be able to recognise this. Our awards are based on the opinions of the people who matter most – the customers.”

The Skytrax Airline Survey is the global measure of passengers’ opinions. It is the only truly global survey, targeting more than 90 passenger nationalities.

The latest Skytrax awards follow a series of high-profile wins for Gulf Air in 2004, including the Airline Turnaround of the Year Award from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation in 2003, and a nomination as a Superbrand in the United Arab Emirates. Gulf Air also received the top honour of a platinum award for the Best Middle East and North Africa Airline at the 2004 and 2005 Arabian Travel Market’s MENA Travel Awards.

For more information visit http://www.airlinequality.com/2005/catering-05.htm

About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.

The airline is in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline, which is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005, aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.

The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air’s fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognising the airline’s commitment to service excellence.
Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005

Korean Air Cargo ranked World's Number One
4 July 2005


Korean Air's cargo operation has been ranked the world's largest commercial airline cargo operation by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This is the first time the airline has achieved the world's number one position in terms of international scheduled freight tonne-kilometres.

"This achievement is the result of our aggressive strategy to constantly enter new markets, build up our infrastructure and create strategic partnerships to meet our customer's growing needs," said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air.

During 2004, Korean Air recorded 8.164 billion FTK (Freight Tonne-Kilometres) ahead of the long-time number one carrier since 1986, Lufthansa Cargo. Korean Air has been ranked among the top three freight carriers since 1993, and has consistently placed among the top five commercial airline cargo carriers in FTKs since 1991.

Three other Asian airlines filled out the top five cargo carriers. Singapore Airlines ranked third, Cathay Pacific ranked fourth, and China Airlines ranked fifth.

Korean Air's cargo operation spans the world carrying cargo to 39 destinations in 25 countries worldwide. The airline has a fleet of 113 aircraft including 18 freighters.

Bangkok Air receives Skytrax Award two years in a row
Monday, 20 June 2005

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Bangkok Airways recently received the World Airline Award 2005from Skytrax, again following the same award received last year, for the highest standards of airline customer service quality under the category of Asia Regional Airline.

Bestowed upon the world's premier recognition of an outstanding customer service standard, Bangkok Airways has been chosen for the airline’s realization that the product and service is important to all its passengers across the airport and onboard environment.

Such merit is the result of Bangkok Airways' strategic positioning as ASIA’S BOUTIQUE AIRLINE. This implementation focuses on front-line service, in-flight meals, new aircraft, comfortable lounges, boutique airports, and beautiful destinations that eventually led to the airline's far-and-wide recognition of premium service for all passengers.

M.L.Nandhika Varavarn, Bangkok Airways’ Vice President – Corporate Communications, spoke on behalf of the airline that the distinction has proved that the airline quality has been kept up to the ‘BOUTIQUE’ standard. “It really shows that we have done it the right way, for it’s the vote cast from the passengers,” said M.L.Nandhika.

Skytrax Award was established in 1990 with its panel comprising members from more than 50 countries, and over 74 nationalities. Basing on real quality standards, these awards are evaluated by a survey done on through website with participation from both people in the airline and related industries, as well as consumers around the world.

Asiana Airlines receives world's best award
Tuesday, August 09, 2005

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Striving for excellence, the lone carrier servicing the CNMI from South Korea, Asiana Airlines, was recently named one of the world's best for cabin staff in 2005.

Aviation market research Skytrax of London conducted the survey 10 months ago. The survey evaluated flight attendants service quality attributes like "welcoming passengers, language skills, friendliness of staff and courtesy of service, staff grooming and presentation, and problem solving abilities."

"The CNMI is fortunate to have a tourism partner who believes in quality service. Asiana Airlines is no doubt a pioneer and leader in the aviation industry. We applaud them for their outstanding achievement and wish them well for many more years to come," stated Vicky Benavente, MVA managing director.

Asiana Airlines services the CNMI with daily flights from Incheon, South Korea. Korean tourist makes up the CNMI's second largest tourism base. (PR)

China Airlines awarded top rankings for passenger service
Friday, 9 September 2005

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FaresProChina Airlines was awarded a 5-starranking for its First Class service in a recently released survey bySkytrax Research, a leading airlines service research specialist based inLondon. In separate surveys by Skytrax, CAL’s Economy Class was rated 3rdbest in the world, and its Business Class was rated 11th best in the world.The rankings are the highest recognition out of any Taiwanese carrier.

The Skytrax Research surveys on Business and Economy Classes were conductedon 66 leading air carriers around the world, with each airline rankedaccording to its product and service quality. In the 2005 overall survey,the airlines on the top 10 of Economy Class were Malaysia Airlines, ThaiAirways International, China Airlines, Emirates, Asiana Airlines, AllNippon Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss InternationalAirlines and Gulf Air.

In the same survey, China Airlines was ranked 1st in the world in theaggregate categories of Service Quality on both Economy and BusinessClasses, and was ranked 5th and 9th in the aggregate categories of Productquality on Economy Class and Business Class, respectively.

In December 2004, China Airlines became the first airline in the world tointroduce Boeing’s newly developed Signature Interior to its B747-400cabins. The three-class cabin on CAL’s new B747-400s can carry 390passengers, including 12 in First Class seats, each with independent andprivate space. As the consequence, In the recent Skytrax star rankingsurvey of 209 airlines, China Airlines First Class was awarded the coveted5-star status, along with other outstanding airlines including SingaporeAirlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways.

ChinaAirlines was cited for its excellent Long Haul Seating, Check-in Service,Lounge Staff Service and Cabin Staff Service Efficiency. China Airlines now flies to 52 destinations in 23 nations, and operates afleet of 66 advanced passenger and cargo aircraft. The average age of itsfleet is less than 5.5 years, one of the youngest in the worl

THAI's President receives 2005 Skytrax 'World Airline Leadership Award'
5 August 2005

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Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, Thai Airways International's President, has been named the winner of the 2005 Skytrax "World Airline Leadership Award."

With regards to Mr. Abhiradee's nomination and award of this year's Skytrax "World Airline Leadership Award," Skytrax said "We examined many different factors within the selection process and looked for the airline President or CEO who has achieved change and improvement through true hands-on leadership. THAI is undergoing a real metamorphosis in terms of quality change, and this is much more than just cosmetic improvement."

Furthermore, Skytrax added "Whist THAI is completing a corporate makeover and introducing new products across all cabins, this has to be allied to a new attitude amongst the whole THAI workforce - a fresh, invigorated and customer orientated style that THAI is famous for. It is quite clear that Mr. Abhiradee is leading and encouraging these changes by personal example, and we are delighted to honor him with the 2005 World Airline Leadership Award."

Mr. Kanok Abhiradee was appointed as President of Thai Airways International in May 2002, when the world airline industry was recovering from the impact of 9/11. After he was appointed as THAI's President, Mr. Abhiradee guided the company through the SARS public health crisis that affected the airline industry as well as the Asian Tsunami that affected travel to parts of Southern Thailand.

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Airline of the Year

We have been voted Airline of the Year in the Skytrax passenger poll twice in the past three years — a remarkable achievement by any measure. We also, in this year's poll, won the "Best Airline Asia," "Best First Class" and "Best First and Business Class Lounges" awards.

We fly more than 13 million passengers and almost a million tonnes of freight to and through Hong Kong every year. Yet we deliver our signature high-quality Service Straight From the Heart on every flight. As the airline of Hong Kong, we are proud to be an ambassador for the city wherever we fly. In 2006, our 60th Anniversary, we will operate 100 wide-body aircraft — a signal of our continued commitment to strengthen Hong Kong as a global aviation hub and gateway to the Chinese Mainland, and our determination to make Cathay Pacific the world's most admired airline.

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SKYTRAX AWARDS Best Airline Lounges 2005
Cathay Pacific tops the 2005 Airline Lounge Awards, ranked No 1 First Class lounge and No 1 Business Class lounge

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The results for the 2005 Best Airline Lounges survey have been published by Skytrax Research, covering First and Business class airline lounges.

FIRST CLASS LOUNGE RANKING

1 Cathay Pacific - HKG

2 Thai Airways - BKK

3 South African Airways - JNB

4 Asiana Airlines - ICN

5 Malaysia Airlines (KUL)

6 Lufthansa (FRA)

7 Singapore Airlines (SIN)

8 Qatar Airways (DOH)

9 Gulf Air (BAH)

10 Swiss (ZRH)


BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE RANKING

1 Cathay Pacific- HKG

2 Virgin Atlantic - LHR

3 Gulf Air - BAH

4 China Airlines - TPE

5 Swiss - ZRH

6 Singapore Airlines - SIN

7 SAS Scandinavian - CPH

8 Malaysia Airlines - KUL

9 China Airlines - TPE

10 Qantas Airways - SYD

Commenting on the lounge rankings, Peter Miller of Skytrax said "our lounge ratings are the result of an exacting analysis of standards. We are not interested in which airline has the largest lounges, or necessarily the most technologically advanced services - but the combined quality of product and service. A good airline lounge is somewhere you feel relaxed, genuinely welcome, and the expected product facilities are available."

"The airport experience is now a critical elements of today's air travel enjoyment in First and Business class, and passenger expectations are at their highest. Customers prepared to pay these fare levels expect the best quality of service - from start to finish of their journey" added Miller.

Lounge ranking assesses the national image and characteristics that an airline portrays throughout its lounge facilities. "Identity and branding is increasingly important for today's airlines, but we are not evaluating simply from the presence of corporate logos and branding" said Miller.

"The lounge is an opportunity to project the image and feeling of a country - creating a unique atmosphere, so that although you are actually passing time in a large concrete, utilitarian building, you feel as if you are closer to the real character of the country or culture. One of the best airlines in this respect, is South African Airways who have developed a striking and attractive African theme for all of their directly operated lounges - entering their lounge in London or Cape Town, and you enter into the wonderful world of Africa, with beautiful hand crafted furniture and decorations".

If you want to de-stress before or between flights, head for Thai Airways lounges in Bangkok where you can have a traditional Thai neck or foot massage.

In Hong Kong at the Cathay Pacific lounges you can indulge in a luxurious bath in the Cabanas, enjoy freshly cooked speciality noodle dishes, relax in a day-break room or surf the net anywhere in the lounges with wifi connectivity.

"There are a number of airlines claiming to offer high revenue passengers an exclusive or unique experience in the airport environment, although in some cases it is based on the re-working of an existing theme" said Miller. "Our Survey seeks out those airlines that offer something original, and above all, they offer in the best quality format"

The reality is that customers base their satisfaction levels on the actual experience. That experience is not going to be judged just on the "shopping list" of available lounge facilities, but the way in which they are delivered. As with all walks of life, it is the "feel-good" factor which determines satisfaction, and that is dependent on the quality and character of the service itself.

There is no shortage of "added-value" items that airlines have integrated into these lounges appealing to their highest revenue customers. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms - children's playrooms, games rooms, music rooms, dvd players, valet services, fitness centres, a la carte dining with lounge chefs … to name just a few.

Airlines want to satisfy their loyal and most highly valued customers says Miller, and in this respect the real winners tend to be Asian carriers - lounges with the most developed product facilities, and service that is unsurpassed in other regions of the world.

Germany's Lufthansa has set the benchmark in Europe for First Class passengers, with its recently opened First Class terminal in Frankfurt, where pampering and personal service is the new watchword for First class travel. In the US, airline lounges tend to be more functional say Skytrax, and budgetary constraints affecting all carriers there means that product innovation or competitiveness is lagging behind other regions. These lounges are suited for domestic travel, but still do not match intercontinental travel standards that passengers are used.

7th May 2005

CX's BKK Lounge

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The Pier

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LOT chosen The Best Airline in Central and Eastern Europe

2005-09-13, 07:41

For the eighth time in a row LOT Polish Airlines have received the prestigious title of "The Best Airline in Central and Eastern Europe", awarded by the British "Business Traveller" magazine readers. It is another time when LOT has become included in the group of the best airlines in the Europe.

Marek Grabarek, President & CEO of LOT receiving today the award for LOT Polish Airlines said: "This award is an extraordinary distinction for LOT, especially because we have been awarded for the eighth time. It is even more precious for us, since it is awarded based on opinions of frequent fliers, and especially of persons travelling in business class."

The prizes of the Business Traveller monthly have been awarded for over 21 years. In 1998 a separate category - The Best Central and East European Airlines - was introduced. It was then when LOT obtained that title for the very first time.

Business Traveller is a worldwide magazine published in the United Kingdom, America, Germany and Asia. In each issue of the monthly a survey is published, in which the readers evaluate airlines, airports, hotels and car rental companies. The surveys are analysed by an independent company: Opinion Research Corporation International (ORCI).

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The Wing

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I saw that chilean airline LAN won the "best south american airline" category...GREAT!!!

Qantas has the 'best' in-flight entertainment

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Qantas has swept the board at the recent Avion Awards for in-flight entertainment. The airline’s Q system won awards for best overall in-flight entertainment system and best entertainment guide. The airline also won awards for its in-flight magazine Qantas the Australian Way and best special purpose video.

The Avion Awards are held annually by the World Airline Entertainment Association and it is the third time in the last four years that the airline has won the award for best overall in-flight entertainment.

Qantas’ executive general manager. John Borghetti, said: "In-flight entertainment is an important part of airline travel, especially on long-haul flights, and Qantas invests significant resources to ensure our customers enjoy the very best in-flight entertainment experience available. Receiving these awards from a panel of international experts is testimony to this commitment."

However, the Avions are awarded by a 25-member panel and some argue that the Skytrax in-flight entertainment survey, which gathered votes from more than a million passengers earlier this year, is a better indicator of quality. This year, Emirates came top for its ICE system, followed by Singapore Airlines for Krisworld. Qantas did not make the top five.

Continental Airlines Named 'World's Leading Business Class Airline'; Airline Receives Two Awards at 2005 World Travel Awards

/noticias.info/ Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it has been named the "World's Leading Business Class Airline" and "North America's Leading Business Class Airline" at the 2005 World Travel Awards during a ceremony in London on Monday, Nov. 14. The ceremony, held at London's Royal Opera House, was broadcast globally by BBC World and the Arab Travel Channel.

The awards were based on votes cast by a total of 156,000 travel agencies and professionals in more than 140 countries worldwide. The voting categories included leading travel destinations, airlines, hotels, personalities and companies around the world.

Voting took place from May through September 2005, in which 3,500 nominations were made. More than two million votes were completed, returned and processed using the online voting form.

The World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 and accounts for all sectors of the global travel industry.

Continental Airlines is the world's sixth-largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,000 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 151 domestic and 133 international destinations, more than any other carrier in the world. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines, which include Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. With over 42,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 60 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.

For the second consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 Most Admired Global Airline on its 2005 list of Most Admired Global Companies. Continental was also included in the publication's annual "Top 50" list, which ranks all companies, across a wide variety of industries, that appear in the Global Most Admired Companies issue. Continental again won major awards at the 2005 OAG Airline of the Year Awards including "Airline of the Year" and "Best Airline Based in North America" for the second consecutive year, and "Best Executive/Business Class" for the third consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com .

Hawaiian ranks No. 1 again

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Hawaiian Airlines ranked No.1 for on-time performance, baggage handling and for the fewest cancellations among airlines nationwide in 2005, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This is the second consecutive year the airline earned the department's top overall scores for its service.

Hawaiian was the nation's top airline for punctuality in 2005, with 95.1 percent of its flights arriving on schedule.

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