Qatar CEO Severely Reprimands Air France

Qatar, along with other Gulf-based airlines is in a mad race to develop the Gulf as a major airline hub. This necessitates a high number of planes for these airliners at a brisk pace. However, friction with traditional European players has become a dampener. Media sources revealed that Mr Akbar Al Baker, the Qatar boss, came down heavily upon Air France for not cooperating to resolve the issue. He was quoted as saying ‘The hand of friendship extended to Air France has not been reciprocated and this is not conducive to relations between our countries’. Other comments included ‘People have to change their perception of Arab carriers. We have to make money. Our governments have made it clear we have to stand on own feet or shrink’ and ‘We don't have an oil well behind our headquarters to fuel our growth’.

What the Tussle is all about

European carriers are apprehensive that if there is a rise in the number of Gulf based fleets, they will lose out on their share of the pie. The scenario can prove beneficial for customers as there are chances that such a development would increase cheap flight options. However, European and the US carriers have stated that the credit rules are unfair. The credit rules allow sanctioning of export loans for Gulf-based airliners if they buy planes from Airbus or Boeing. However, if some airline is based in the country, where Airbus and Boeing are manufactured, it is not eligible for the export loan.

Fog and Flight Issues Plague Bangalore Airport

It is winter time again and airports across India are going into overdrive to tackle the inevitable fogs that cloud the skies. Like most other airports, the Bengaluru International airport is also set to put its best foot forward to deal with the situation as fogs are expected to result in massive flight delays. Expressbuzz revealed airport sources as having disclosed that a fog contingency plan has been set aside after a meeting with Air Traffic Control, different airlines operating flights to Bangalore, Meteorological Department, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

It is noteworthy that last year dense fogs in North India led to large scale rescheduling of numerous Bangalore flights. In fact, every year many travellers who book their flights to India during winters, have to put up with fog related delays in quite a few airports across the country. The fog that surrounds Bangalore airport is called Radiation fog. This year round, the fog was expected to start from 15th November and is likely to last till 15th February 2011.

Airport sources were quoted as saying ‘We are anticipating morning fog up to February and flight operations are expected to be hampered," said an official who did not want to be identified. "Keeping this in mind, we have directed all airlines and airport partners to undertake steps to minimise the inevitable difficulties that passengers will have to face.’ For passenger convenience, airport initiatives include sending SMS updates on flight status and flashing fog related news on LED screens at the airport

Anyone, who has booked cheap flights to India and has plans of travelling to Bangalore, should be well informed about the fact that fogs during the wee hours delays 1215 flights, which creates a backlog of airborne flights as well as those on the ground. This in turn delays 4042 flights on a daily basis revealed the source.

More seats added on flights to South Africa

Lufthansa airline has confirmed that it plans to increase the number of seats it offers on flights to South Africa.

Starting this month, the carrier will add nearly 1,100 additional seats per week ahead of the holiday season.

In order to increase passenger numbers, Lufthansa are adding three Airbus A380s on flights to Johannesburg.

Axel Simon, director of Southern Africa for Lufthansa German airlines and Swiss International Air Lines, said: "Passengers on board our brand new flagship the A380 will experience a new dimension in flying."

He added: "This aircraft is equipped with the most modern service classes the Lufthansa fleet has to offer providing increased comfort."

The airline is also introducing additional direct flights to Cape Town from Frankfurt until the end of March to meet demand for those heading to Africa over the winter.

Lufthansa handles 4.7 million passengers per month and flies to 207 destinations in 81 countries.

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