Apr 19
Graham McKenzieAfrica Africa, Airlines, Aviation, cheap flights, flights, leisure, South Africa, tourism, travel
The flagship carrier of the Netherlands is KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, hosting a main hub at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and headquartered in nearby Amstelveen. Offering both domestic and international service, KLM-Royal Dutch airlines serves over 90 destinations, and is also a member of the world’s second largest airline alliance, SkyTeam.
For the past several years, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines has been part of Air France-KLM, while it has also maintained an operating partnership with Northwest Airlines, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the USA. The two-airline consortium operates a fleet of 607 aircraft that carry nearly 75 million passengers a year to 258 destinations. The Air France-KLM partnership recently obtained even more global reach by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the Italian carrier Alitalia.
Founded in’19 and the world’s oldest air carrier, KLM ran its first flight, from London to Amsterdam, in May’20. During World War II it ceased operations. The company was accused of helping accused Nazi war criminals escape Germany after World War II, but it has denied the allegations.
While KLM remains the world’s oldest airline, it is no longer the world’s oldest independent airline. Air France and KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines announced merger plans in 2003, marking the end of KLM’s independent run. The merger did affect the ongoing cooperation between KLM and Northwest Airlines, however, as both companies joined SkyTeam in September 2004.
Fliers in first or business class on KLM are given souvenir porcelain reproductions of old Dutch canal houses, the Delftware miniatures filled with a Dutch liqueur. KLM’s practice of handing out the Delft porcelain miniatures began in’52, and, as 2008, the company’s eighty-eighth year in operation; there are 88 models of the houses. Each October 7 the company celebrates the anniversary of its founding with a new Delftware design.
KLM’s mileage program is Flying Blue. Members can accumulate and spend miles on flights on Air France-KLM, and also on other SkyTeam carriers and with a variety of transportation, travel, and financial companies. Flying Blue members earn four membership levels, Ivory, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, determined by their accumulated SkyTeam miles. Members can also earn miles on flights operated by Kenya Airways, which is a Flying Blue partner.
The venerable history of KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines has not shielded it from the current year’s economic turbulence. On account of declining ticket sales and lower cargo traffic, Air France-KLM announced recently that will lay off up to 2,000 workers. These job cuts represent about 3 per cent of the total workforce. The company further plans to reduce its airline capacity by about 2 per cent in the summer of 2009, hoping to compensate for the $653 million loss it posted for the fourth quarter of 2008. Company management has said it has not ruled out even more future job reductions or flight terminations as the company seeks to stabilize its finances and return to profitability.
An airline watchdog group based in Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, announced in February 2009 that it is suing Air France-KLM over price fixing allegations. KLM denies the charges and will defend against the suit. British Airways and Qantas were recently fined $5 million and $20 million over similar price fixing allegations.
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for South Arica?s leading Flight comparison & Booking portal, which includes KLM Airlines amongst others.
Apr 09
Graham McKenzieAfrica Africa, Air Carriers, Airbus A380, Airlines, Arab Air Carriers Organization, Arab League, Arab Nations, Aviation, Body Aircraft, Capital Of The United Arab Emirates, Cargo Capacity, Cargo Carrier, cheap flights, Dubai International Airport, Eleven Years, Emirates Airlines, flights, Government Affiliation, Growth And Profitability, leisure, Low Cost Carrier, Passenger Airline, Passenger Fleet, Regional Airline, South Africa, Southeast Asia, tourism, travel, United Arab Emirates
Based in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates Airlines is the world’s eighth largest airline. Emirates Airlines was founded in’85, and has grown to serve 92 destinations in 55 countries around the world. Not offering domestic service, Emirates nonetheless is the premier airline of the Middle East and also is a market leader in Southeast Asia. It is one of only six airlines in the world to operate a fleet of all wide-body aircraft built by Airbus and Boeing.
Emirates Airlines is unique among air carriers in that it has been consistently profitable. The company has only had one year it marked a loss. Moreover, sales growth has never fallen below 20 per cent a year. During its first eleven years, the company doubled in size every three and one-half years, and it has continued to double in size every four years since. Its efficient, lean workforce gives it all the advantages of a low-cost carrier. The airline is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization, founded in’65 by the Arab League as a regional airline trade organization. Open to any carrier based in any member state in the Arab League, the Arab Air Carriers Organization seeks to promote safety, quality, and cooperation among the airlines of the Arab nations.
The government of the UAE both owns and operates Emirates Airlines, but it neither provides capital nor interferes with its day to day affairs. This unique arrangement allows Emirates the advantages of government affiliation without the downside, powering its unmatched growth and profitability.
Emirates Airlines also runs a cargo carrier, Emirates SkyCargo. Also based at Dubai International Airport, Emirates SkyCargo functions like a passenger airline. It operates nine aircraft, and also uses the cargo capacity of the passenger fleet.
Emirates was among the first airlines to use the Airbus A380, accepting delivery in July 2008. They fly the Airbus A380 on routes between Dubai and JFK in New York, between Dubai and Heathrow in London, and on the runs to Sydney and Auckland.
While Emirates sole hub is Dubai, it serves over 100 destinations in 56 countries. It maintains agreements with Singapore and Australia that allow it offer connections from their countries to even more destinations throughout the world.
Emirates passengers enjoy the perks of Skywards, allowing them to accumulate or spend frequent flier miles on Emirates or any of its Skywards partners, including Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Blue, South African Airways, Continental, Kingfisher, and United.
Emirates also maintains a stake in Dnata, the leading travel service provider in the Middle East. Dnata’ 6,500 employees provide technical, ramp, cargo, and passenger services at Dubai International Airport.
Dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, and Emirates Airlines are all subsidiaries of The Emirates Group, an international public holding company also with headquarters in Dubai. The airline currently employs about 35,000 staff.
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for South Arica?s leading Flight comparison & Booking portal, which includes Emirates Airlines amongst others.
Apr 06
Graham McKenziethailand Air Tickets, Air Travel, Airlines, Aiyapura Resort And Spa, Aviation, Bangkok Airways, Beac, Breathtaking Ocean, British Airways, Comparison Shopping, Eva Airways, Flight Comparison Shopping, flights, Flights To Bangkok, Hot Season, Ko Chang, London Heathrow, Rainy Season, Rapid Increase, Resort And Spa, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways, Thai Villas, thailand, Three Seasons, tourism, Tourist Destination, Transport, Trat Province, travel, Tropical Gardens, UK
Ko Ching is Thailand’s second largest island and the biggest island in Ko Chang National Park. It is 330 kilometers from Bangkok, in Trat Province. Ko Chang has seen a rapid increase in tourism in recent years.
Bangkok Airways flies twice a day from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat. You can get to Bangkok inexpensively thanks to healthy competition for this route. All flights to Bangkok from the UK are out of London Heathrow. British Airways and Quantas offer flights to Bangkok, as well as Singapore and Hong Kong, as one of its stopping points on the “kangaroo route” to Australia. Also try Thai Airways and Taiwanese carrier, Eva Airways.
Direct door-to-door mimibus transfers will get you from Trat to Ko Chang and fares include the ferry crossing. Ko Chang has three seasons including the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to May and the rainy season from June to October. In general the climate is hot and humid with lots of rainfall, 4,000 mm per year.
Getting around Ko Chang is simple using the songthaew, public taxis, hired small motorcycles or cars. The atmosphere is laid back so many visitors pick a beach and walk wherever they want to go.
It has become a favorite for Bangkok families on holiday. The island is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, snakes, deer and elephants and offers ideal spots for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking.Ko Chang’s recent growth as a tourist destination is due in large part to its proximity to Bangkok, just 5 hours away.
The best known of the 47 islands of the Mu Ko Chang National Park is Ko Chang. If you’re an adventurer, you can take part in an 8 hour tour of the Than Mayom Waterfall and the Khlong-Plu Waterfall. If that isn’t enough, you can plan an overnight camping excursion in the jungle. If you’re looking for luxury, you can enjoy Thai villas at the Aiyapura Resort and Spa. You will be sure to enjoy the surrounding tropical gardens and breathtaking ocean views.
The best beaches are located on the west coast and they offer the finest accommodations as well as night life, Sai Khao and the White Sand Beach is the most popular on Ko Chang. There are beach bars, jazz clubs and night club that offer entertainment. You can stay in the thatched huts or wooden bungalows for a natural experience. You also have the option of luxury suits that offer air conditioning, televisions and pools.
Klong Prao Beach has a steeper, sandy beach with a beautiful rocky landscape in its northernmost area.Kai Bae Beach is similar to Klong Prao. You can hire canoes and kayaks, and there are plenty of dive shops. Bang Bao Beach is a fishing village built on stilts. Hire a boat and fish or snorkel to view the rich coral life.
On Khlong Prao, Chang Chutman offer half-hour and hour-long elephant safaris into the interior. You can also go on foot, preferably with a local guide. Start at the southern end of the island.
The Monkey Training Center in Ko Chang demonstrates the abilities of its monkeys, mainly coconut gathering.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Thailand and Flights to Ko Chang
Mar 20
Graham McKenziethailand Air Tickets, Air Travel, Airlines, Aviation, Comparison Shopping, Flight Comparison Shopping, flights, thailand, tourism, Transport, travel, UK
Krabi Province, on the west coast of Southern Thailand, is similar to other Thai holiday destinations offering beautiful beaches and major tourist centers designed to cater to its 2 million foreign visitors.
Most flights into Krabi originate from Bangkok via several airlines: Thai Airways (also offering flights from the UK to Bangkok), Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Firefly and Air Asia. Krabi International Airport (KBV) is about 15 km from the city centre 40 km from Ao Nang and 23 km from Had Yo two of the province’s best beaches.
The local Songthaew, public passenger pick-up vehicles, offer convenient transport to various local tourist attractions. Taxi and hired car are also affordable options. Krabi is hot and humid all year round, with the hottest usually in April. Many hotels, bars and ferries close during the rainy season during the fall. High season spans from November through April peaking during Christmas and New Years.
available to explore. Krabi’s natural coastal attractions never fail to impress tourists. Beaches are white and sandy with clear water, fascinating coral reefs, caves and waterfalls. Numerous islands are also available to explore.Krabi’s most unique feature, Phang Nga, a massive limestone karsts, rises high and steep from the flat rice paddies.
When you go to Krabi, you can find a variety of things to do and places to stay. This is the most developed beach in Ao Nang. You won’t go hungry either, there is a great selection of restaurants as well as places to stay.
Rai Leh is the place that backpackers and hikers tend to enjoy more because it has great rock climbing and smaller beaches. Ton Sai is where you will find affordable bungalows will avoiding all the tourists. It is also within walking distance of Rai Leh.
Four surrounding islands, Ko Jum, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Siboya offer quieter escapes for travelers seeking solitude.Had Yo is the last untouched beach in the Krabi province. It offers spectacular views of Jum Mountian and Ao Nang’s cliff walls.
Krabi is more than beaches and islands, however. Take a look at some of the other local attractions’ Krabi Town, the provincial capital, has memorable landscape featuring the prominent landmark Khao Khanap Nam. Created by two hills approximately 100 meters high that flank the Krabi River running between them, Kho Khanap Nam offers distinctive vistas accessible by a 15 minute long-tail boat ride from Chao Fa Pier. Visitors can canoe in the mangrove or a stroll to dinner at the night bazaar. Find authentic cuisine at Chao Fa Pier and the bazaar on Maha Road.
Pra Nang Beach (Princess Cave Beach) is less about sandy beaches and more about the area’s limestone scenery. A fascinating network of cave systems is home to the Pra Nang Beach considered to be the most beautiful beach in the world. The huge cave is believed by fishermen to be the home of a mythical sea princes. You can get to the Princess Cave Beach by boat or by foot.
Proncess Cave Beach, better known as Pra Nang Beach, skips the sandy beack look and focuses on the area’s gorgeous limestone scenary. It is considered to be the world’s most beatiful beach and is home to a network of wonderous caves. A local myth that is believed by the local fisherman is that the huge cave is home to the mythical sea princes. Proncess Cave Beach is accessable either by foot ot by boat.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Thailand and Flights to Krabi
Mar 16
Dawie BesterSouth Africa airline travel, Airlines, Aviation, flights, South Africa, travel
If you are a regular traveler in South Africa and looking for the cheapest airfare on local flights then this article will give you some useful tips. Go through them, write them down and adopt it next time you are looking for flights.
If you’re looking to save money on a domestic flight, try booking through smaller airlines such as 1Time, Mango or Kulula. These flights are usually cheaper than they are with standard airlines such as British Airways or SAA. Remember also to compare several different airline prices before you actually buy your ticket.
Perform a search online, at www.bestflights.co.za to find available seats and cheapest airfare, by comparing fares of different airlines. Online verification can reach you to get a cheap airfare ticket suitable for your budget. So spend some time in it.
In South Africa, for instance, the best time to find a cheap flight is during the off-peak hours or on the weekends, when air traffic is lighter. If you are flying to or from the major cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town, you will find that the weekday flights are usually full and much more expensive. So if you fly on the weekend or during the early morning or late evening hours, you will find cheaper fares.
Some airlines in South Africa do charge for paper tickets. Get your ticket online and print only the boarding pass. Do this printout at the airport, and you’ll avoid additional, needless charges.
If you’re going to be flying to a place not too far away, then make sure to check for separate planes to go and return instead of booking a round trip ticket. This could be much cheaper unless you find an airline that’s offering a big sale on round trip tickets.
It is better to check the websites of local airlines, because there is a chance you may get some very good deals. As advertised, it may show that if you book your tickets earlier you’ll get a cheaper ticket. But if local airlines are flying empty, then there are chances that you may get a good discount on the rates as no one likes to fly an empty plane.
These are the few tips that may help you the next time you fly locally in South Africa. Depending on your schedule and flexibility, the price of your ticket may vary every time you travel. Hence if your tour travel date is flexible and you will follow the tips then there would be some definite savings. Just try it.
To get more information on how to get a Flight to East London visit the author’s site at Best Flights.
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