XML/RSS feed of Travel News from Just the Flighten-gbhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/travel/index.htmlTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19605244-abu-dhabi-welcomes-more-hotel-guests-in-2009.htmlAbu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has revealed that the destination bucked global trends in a "globally depressed" travel market last year by achieving an increase in hotel guest numbers.

Some 1.54 million people stayed in hotels in Abu Dhabi throughout 2009, marking a two per cent rise on the previous year.

The number of guest stays recorded in the final quarter was 16 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2008.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of the ADTA, said: "The year ended on a high with a very successful last quarter driven by major events and an Eid break with strong stay-at-home characteristics."

He added: "While the last 12 months have been challenging, as they have for all destinations, we believe growth is a very solid performance in the face of global decline."

Over 96,000 people from the UK stayed in hotels in Abu Dhabi last year, making Britain the main market for the emirate ahead of the US.

The ADTA has targeted hotel guest numbers of 1.65 million in 2010.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19605244-abu-dhabi-welcomes-more-hotel-guests-in-2009.htmlTue, 9 Feb 2010 13:53:18 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsabu dhabitravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19605202-lonely-planet-offering-free-vancouver-guide-for-iphones.htmlVancouver, Canada.

The application has been made available to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will take place in Vancouver between February 12th and 28th.

Users can learn more about some of the city's top sights and attractions, such as the UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver Art Gallery and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.

The tool will also offer a number of fun facts about the city, a location-based navigation facility and maps provided by Google.

Travellers can download the guide for free from the iPhone apps store or through iTunes.

It will be available until March 1st this year.

People planning winter sports holidays this year can make use of a free iPhone app that was recently released by the Ski Club of Great Britain.

The application provides useful information and advice on snow depths, weather forecasts and other issues relating to hundreds of skiing and snowboarding resorts around the world.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19605202-lonely-planet-offering-free-vancouver-guide-for-iphones.htmlTue, 9 Feb 2010 13:35:56 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsvancouvertravel newsmobile-travelhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19604980-busy-weekend-in-store-at-stansted-airport.htmlStansted Airport has revealed that it is preparing for a busy weekend, with thousands of passengers set to jet off on Valentine's Day breaks between February 12th and 14th.

The London base revealed that it is expecting flights to Rome, Venice and Verona in Italy to be particularly popular among couples embarking on romantic getaways.

Ski breaks are also an option, with easyJet offering services to Geneva and Lyon from Stansted.

Those who are more interested in winter sun are expected to make use of Cyprus Airways' flights to Larnaca and Paphos, while easyJet offers connections to Faro and Fuerteventura from Stansted.

Mark Souter, head of airline relations at the airport, said: "For the undecided romantics out there, with over 140 destinations across 32 countries to choose from, it's just a matter of deciding where to take your valentine from Stansted this weekend.

"Ten new destinations have already been announced for our route network this summer, so you could always surprise your valentine with a treat later in the year."

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19604980-busy-weekend-in-store-at-stansted-airport.htmlTue, 9 Feb 2010 12:15:34 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsgenevalyonromecyprus airwaystravel newsthe canary islandscyprushttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19604965-london-city-airport-voted-best-in-uk.htmlLondon City Airport was named the UK's leading aviation hub for the fifth year in a row at the 2010 Wanderlust Travel Awards.

Over 2,000 people voted to decide the accolades, giving London City an overall score of 85 per cent and placing it ahead of Southampton Airport, Newcastle Airport, Birmingham Airport and Inverness Airport, which completed the top five.

Richard Gooding OBE, chief executive of the London base, said: "We are delighted to have won this prestigious award again and are pleased that Wanderlust readers continue to vote London City as the best UK airport."

In the international airport section, Singapore Changi took top place with a score of 92.5 per cent, followed by Hong Kong International, Vancouver, Seoul Incheon and Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand were voted the top three airlines by readers of Wanderlust magazine, while Virgin Atlantic was the only British carrier to feature in the top ten, coming in eighth.

The awards also covered destinations, with Luang Prabang, Laos; Siena, Italy and Berlin, Germany emerging as the top cities.

Namibia, Oman and New Zealand took the top three spots in country section.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19604965-london-city-airport-voted-best-in-uk.htmlTue, 9 Feb 2010 12:11:34 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsberlinhong kongsingaporelondonair new zealandemiratesvirginsingapore airlinestravel newsnew zealandhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602709-report-highlights-growth-in-online-travel-sector.html
Twelve per cent more people booked a travel product on the internet during the past 12 months than in the previous year, the study from eDigitalResearch found.

A report released by the company and IMRG also showed that nearly half (48 per cent) of people are more likely to look online this year to find the cheapest deals.

Affordability appears to be a big concern for consumers, with one in four respondents to the survey saying they are planning to spend up to 50 per cent less on their holidays in 2010.

David Smith, director of operations at IMRG, said: "This marks a shift in consumer purchasing behaviour as more people are swayed by better holiday deals online and are less likely to plan so far in advance."

He added: "With another tough year ahead for travel, it is important that companies capture the growing online bookings market with better deals and a better user experience."

A number of airlines have already launched sales this year to attract customers making early travel plans, including Aer Lingus, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602709-report-highlights-growth-in-online-travel-sector.htmlMon, 8 Feb 2010 14:06:51 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsaer lingusvirginbritish airwaystravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602588-australian-tourism-holds-up-despite-global-challenges.htmlAustralia continued to prove a popular travel destination last year despite the emergence of global problems such as the economic downturn and the swine flu outbreak.

The number of international visitors to the country remained steady, a trend that highlighted its "resilience", according to Tourism Australia.

Inbound tourism from major markets such as the UK, New Zealand and Germany was consistent with the previous year, while growth was recorded from the US, Singapore, India and other countries.

Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia, said: "These results show practical plans to lessen the impact of global events on travel to Australia last year have worked to a point."

He added: "It is more than just the visitor numbers that we want to grow and we will remain focused on growing the economic contribution that international visitors deliver to the Australian economy each year."

The agency revealed that its focus this year will be to "vigorously market" Australia in some of its key markets around the world.

Travellers can reach the country by catching flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602588-australian-tourism-holds-up-despite-global-challenges.htmlMon, 8 Feb 2010 13:20:05 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssydneybrisbanemelbournetravel newsaustraliahttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602566-wizz-air-to-launch-london-to-belgrade-flights.htmlWizz Air has announced that it will expand its network into Serbia this summer and launch flights to Belgrade from Luton Airport.

The new route will be served by three weekly flights from July 24th.

It was also confirmed that the airline will introduce a service linking Serbia's capital city to Dortmund in Germany from June 12th.

Gyorgy Abran, Wizz Air's chief commercial officer, said the carrier was "delighted" to be offering its "low fares" and "excellent travel experience" to people travelling to Serbia.

He added: "Wizz Air has been proving its commitment to the region by opening new bases and routes and growing the fleet of our brand new Airbus A320 airplanes."

Velimir Radosavljevic, general manager of Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport, said: "We would like to have as many foreign tourists as possible. It is our wish for Belgrade and Serbia to be recognised as a destination offering a new picture of hospitality, and able to meet the wishes and needs of different categories of our foreign guests."

Wizz Air also announced recently that it will be increasing frequencies on its route from Luton Airport to Bucharest this summer.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19602566-wizz-air-to-launch-london-to-belgrade-flights.htmlMon, 8 Feb 2010 13:13:23 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19600644-bmi-improves-self-service-check-in.htmlBmi passengers will benefit from a smoother travel process this year following a revamp of the airline's self-service check-in system.

The airline worked with IBM to revamp the services available to travellers who opt to check in online, at an airport kiosk or via their mobile phone.

As well as checking in for their flight, passengers will be able to confirm travel on onward services, change seats and print out boarding passes.

The new self-service check-in options have been made available at all of bmi's major bases in the UK and Ireland, including Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport, Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

Peter Federico, bmi's IT director, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with a company which has demonstrated its capability in this field over a number of years.

"IBM's solution has a well-proven track record, being run by many airlines in Europe and around the world. It gives us a unified check-in platform for self-service kiosks, web and mobile devices."

The technology company's check-in system is currently being used by 60 airlines and airports around the world.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19600644-bmi-improves-self-service-check-in.htmlFri, 5 Feb 2010 16:27:29 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsedinburghlondontravel newsmobile-travelhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599892-singapore-airlines-unveils-new-cabin-products.htmlSingapore Airlines has announced that it will introduce a number of new cabin products on its Boeing 777-200 aircraft this year.

The carrier plans to refit 11 of the planes with the intention of providing more space, comfort and convenience for passengers.

A new "contemporary look" has been designed for the economy cabin, with seat covers designed by Givenchy, "soothing" colours and softer fabrics similar to those used on the airline's Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

Business class passengers will be able to enjoy lie-flat leather seats featuring a control panel, which allows travellers to select the most comfortable setting from a number of preset options.

The carrier also announced that improvements were being made to its award-winning inflight entertainment system, with screen sizes set to be increased in business and economy cabins before the end of 2010.

The new offerings will be available to people catching Singapore Airlines flights to Shanghai from February 23rd, before being extended to Hong Kong, Beijing and other routes later this year.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599892-singapore-airlines-unveils-new-cabin-products.htmlFri, 5 Feb 2010 13:03:14 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogshong kongsingaporesingapore airlinestravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599562-improved-river-terminal-to-open-in-vienna.htmlVienna this year will be able to set off on a river cruise from a new and improved terminal in Austria's capital city.

Set to open in May, the three-storey construction is located between Schwedenbrucke and Marienbrucke on the bank of a canal that is linked to the Danube.

It will provide a new base for the high-speed Twin City Liner catamarans, which operate 75-minute river cruises from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

The terminal will provide easier access for wheelchair users and will also host smaller ships offering pleasure cruises on the Danube.

There will be a desk manned by representatives from Bratislava, who will provide information for people planning to visit the Slovakian city.

Around 200,000 passengers are expected to use the new terminal every year.

As well as providing a new and improved location for travellers to sail from, the development will include a restaurant, coffee house, shops and spaces for events and exhibitions.

Flights to Vienna are available with easyJet, Aer Lingus, Austrian Airlines and other carriers.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599562-improved-river-terminal-to-open-in-vienna.htmlFri, 5 Feb 2010 11:36:34 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsviennaaer lingusaustrian airlinestravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599554-skiers-offered-free-iphone-app.htmlskiing holiday this year will be able to make use of a new iPhone app released by the Ski Club of Great Britain.

The application was developed in association with Land Rover and is available for free download from iTunes.

It provides a variety of information relating to 250 resorts all over the world, including snow depths and conditions both on and off piste.

Users will also be able to catch up on the latest news and see webcam views of the destinations they will be visiting in France, Austria, Canada and other winter sports hotspots.

Abi Lee, new media manager at the Ski Club, said: "We're thrilled with the snow report app that we have developed with the help of our snow report partner, Land Rover."

She added: "The snow information provided on the app is the most accurate and up to date around and will be ideal for skiers and boarders who want to check conditions when they are on the move and even when they are in resort."

The organisation also provides daily reports, weather forecasts and other useful features on its website.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19599554-skiers-offered-free-iphone-app.htmlFri, 5 Feb 2010 11:34:35 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newstechnologyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19598337-boeing-reveals-first-dreamliner-interior.html
The plane was equipped with a partial interior that offered a look at some of the features and provisions that will be available to passengers.

Arches have been installed in the 787 to provide a unique welcome onto the aircraft, along with larger luggage bins and lavatories, a "dynamic" lighting scheme and electronic window shades with adjustable transparency.

The interior of the third test-flight Dreamliner was also equipped with instrumentation racks, engineer workstations and other components.

Tom Galantowicz, Boeing's director of 787 interior, said the plane had been specially configured to assess passenger experience elements.

He added: "Our engineers and flight-test team use a disciplined process to certify the various elements of the interior and conduct airplane-level verifications.

"Our team is making great progress and is looking forward to getting this airplane in the air later this month."

The Dreamliner is set to be delivered to its first corporate customer in the fourth quarter of this year.

Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Air New Zealand are among the carriers that have placed orders for the plane.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19598337-boeing-reveals-first-dreamliner-interior.htmlThu, 4 Feb 2010 16:50:02 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsair new zealandunited airlinesvirgintravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19597887-etihad-to-operate-more-flights-to-japan.htmlFar East this year will be able to connect to additional flights to Japan being operated by Etihad Airways.

The carrier announced that it had expanded its network in the country this week with the launch of flights to Nagoya from its base in Abu Dhabi.

Operating via Beijing, the route will initially be served by four weekly flights, with frequency set to increase to five connections a week from March 29th.

Etihad will continue its expansion in Japan with the launch of a service between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, which will get underway on March 27th.

James Hogan, the airline's chief executive officer, said: "These new services, our first to Japan, are very important to Etihad.

"We believe the connection between Abu Dhabi and Nagoya will offer opportunities to grow tourism, as well as foster commercial growth and benefit key industries."

The addition of Tokyo and Nagoya brings Etihad's total number of destinations in the Far East to eight, with flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore also available with the carrier.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19597887-etihad-to-operate-more-flights-to-japan.htmlThu, 4 Feb 2010 15:34:05 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsabu dhabitokyoetihadtravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19596638-gatwick-airport-praised-for-public-transport-links.htmlGatwick Airport has received praise for the quality of its public transport connections.

Campaign group Railfuture carried out research at airports across the UK to assess their rail, bus and coach links and the information that is provided to travellers about transport options.

The report highlighted substantial differences between bases and a few surprises, such as Southampton Airport receiving a better rating than Heathrow Airport.

London Gatwick was identified as one of the leading bases, with "excellent all-round provision" of public transport options.

Railfuture spokesman Trevor Garrod, who helped compile the report, said: "Gatwick is a good example of best practice, with the rail station connected to the airport.

"Other rail connections have to be made via a bus or coach link, which is less
satisfactory."

The other examples of best practice identified by the group are Birmingham Airport, Stansted Airport, Manchester Airport and Southampton.

Mr Garrod called for some "joined-up thinking" on the issue of public transport links for travellers, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits that would result from wider use of trains, buses and coaches.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19596638-gatwick-airport-praised-for-public-transport-links.htmlThu, 4 Feb 2010 09:14:19 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslondontravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19595431-survey-shows-growing-confidence-to-travel.html
More than half (58 per cent) of the adults questioned said they are intending to take at least one overseas break in 2010.

This marks an improvement from the 54 per cent of respondents who said they were planning to travel abroad within the next 12 months in a similar survey conducted in July 2009.

Over two thirds (68 per cent) of people living in London are intending to take a foreign holiday this year, according to the research, while 64 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have their eye on an international break.

Gordon Gourlay, managing director of First Rate, said it is "of course good news for the travel industry" that the majority of Brits will be heading abroad in 2010.

He added: "It appears, however, that in the early part of 2010 there may be greater demand for holidays which appeal to younger age groups, as many families are set to forgo their traditional break or intend to leave it until later in the year to decide whether finances will stretch to a holiday abroad."

First Rate provides exchange services to corporate clients including the Post Office and easyJet.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19595431-survey-shows-growing-confidence-to-travel.htmlWed, 3 Feb 2010 15:54:25 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogstravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19595016-easyjet-launches-first-new-routes-of-2010.htmlEasyJet this week launched new flights to Hamburg and Dusseldorf from Gatwick Airport.

The services are the airline's first new routes of 2010, with dozens more set to follow over the coming months.

Travellers will be offered more than 70 new routes across easyJet's European network in 2010, boosting the carrier's total number of services to over 500.

Chief executive Andy Harrison said: "EasyJet continues to attract new customers because we offer the lowest fares to the most convenient airports.

"Despite the challenging economic conditions, we will grow ten per cent and will carry 50 million passengers this year on over 500 routes. The 70 new routes we will launch in the coming months will reinforce our position as Europe's number one air transport network."

Doncaster-Sheffield Airport will be at the centre of the airline's expansion, with new flights to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Faro, Palma de Majorca and Prague set to be launched from the base in April.

Holidaymakers will also be offered new routes from Stansted Airport to Cagliari and Gatwick Airport to Bordeaux, both of which will get underway on March 28th.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19595016-easyjet-launches-first-new-routes-of-2010.htmlWed, 3 Feb 2010 14:11:44 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsamsterdambarcelonabordeauxpraguetravel newsthe balearicsthe algarvehttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19594813-singapore-airlines-completes-green-flight.htmlSingapore Airlines recently completed a journey which it claims was the world's first multi-sector demonstration green flight.

The carrier used a Boeing 747-400 to fly from Los Angeles to Singapore via Tokyo and achieved fuel savings of more than ten tonnes, as well as a 33-tonne reduction in carbon emissions.

A number of measures were implemented to make the journey more eco-friendly, including the use of ground electrical supply to power the aircraft while it was at airports in order to reduce fuel consumption.

The flight also used the most efficient route possible between the three destinations, meaning emissions were minimised.

Gerard Yeap, Singapore Airlines' senior vice-president of flight operations, said: "The route an aircraft takes, the altitude at which it flies and the weather it encounters all affect the amount of fuel it burns and the carbon dioxide emitted.

"Managing this effectively and in real time is therefore very important, for the operating carrier and the environment."

Mr Yeap also said that the carrier will continue to work with governments, regulators and suppliers to improve the sustainability of the aviation industry.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19594813-singapore-airlines-completes-green-flight.htmlWed, 3 Feb 2010 12:56:56 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslos angelessingaporetokyosingapore airlinestravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19594795-tourism-recovery-continues-in-asia-pacific.htmlAsia Pacific region continued its recovery from the global economic downturn in November 2009, according to a new report.

Preliminary figures released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) show that the number of people visiting countries in the area increased by three per cent year-on-year during the month.

South-east Asia was among the strongest contributors to the growth, with Vietnam reporting a 37 per cent rise in arrivals and Thailand (26 per cent), Malaysia (11 per cent) and Singapore (eight per cent) also attracting more tourists.

Countries in south Asia such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives also posted positive figures, along with Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific region.

Kris Lim, director of PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre, said: "The year-to-date rate of decline in international visitor arrivals to the region has now eased to a loss of just three per cent over the January-to-November period.

"Based on the latest available results for December 2009, the recovery momentum in arrivals remains strong for many destinations in the region. This is very encouraging and we may look with greater confidence to the year ahead."

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19594795-tourism-recovery-continues-in-asia-pacific.htmlWed, 3 Feb 2010 12:52:09 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogssingaporetravel newsnew zealandthailandmalaysiaaustraliahttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19592204-emirates-increases-flights-to-kuala-lumpur.htmlEmirates this week increased the frequency of its flights to Kuala Lumpur from Dubai.

Travellers heading to Malaysia's capital now have the option to connect to an additional daily flight to the city from the airline's hub in the United Arab Emirates.

The recent launch brings the number of weekly flights operated by Emirates between Dubai and Kuala Lumpur to 21.

Richard Jewsbury, the carrier's senior vice-president of commercial operations in the Far East and Australasia, said: "Emirates has always been committed to Malaysia. This increase in flight frequency follows strong and increasing demand for flights not just from business travellers, but leisure travellers as well.

"We are now offering further access to numerous Emirates destinations around the world."

Emirates first entered the Malaysian market in October 1996, launching flights to Kuala Lumpur via Dhaka.

A weekly non-stop service to the city was introduced ten years later.

The airline also expanded its operations in Europe recently with the introduction of twice-daily flights to Rome.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19592204-emirates-increases-flights-to-kuala-lumpur.htmlTue, 2 Feb 2010 13:08:05 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogskuala lumpuremiratestravel newsdubaimalaysiahttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19592194-aer-arann-marks-anniversary-of-isle-of-man-flights.htmlAer Arann recently celebrated the first anniversary of its flights from London City Airport to the Isle of Man.

Since its launch 12 months ago, the service has provided a "crucial" link between England's capital city and the Isle of Man, according to the carrier.

Prior to introducing the new flights, Aer Arann had to work with the Civil Aviation Authority and London City Airport to obtain steep-approach certification for the ATR 72-500 series.

The airline was the first to be certified to use the plane, which it described as "quiet and environmentally friendly".

Andrew Kelly, Aer Arann's corporate affairs director, said: "We are delighted with the success of the London City-Isle of Man route in its first year. It is a quality service offering business and leisure customers a convenient, friendly and most importantly a value for money service.

"In order to operate the route we had to adapt our business model and our success in doing this is reflected in the fact that we carried 60,000 passengers in our first year."

The regional carrier also operates flights within Ireland, as well as services linking Ireland to the UK and France.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19592194-aer-arann-marks-anniversary-of-isle-of-man-flights.htmlTue, 2 Feb 2010 13:06:42 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsaer arrantravel newsirelandhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19591408-body-scanners-introduced-at-uk-airports.htmlHeathrow Airport and Manchester Airport in the UK.

Participation is now mandatory for all passengers who are selected for a scan.

Those who refuse will not be allowed to travel.

The use of the scanners is part of an ongoing attempt to increase aviation security following an attempt to cause an explosion in an aircraft over Detroit on Christmas Day.

Manchester Airport has been trialling the technology in its second terminal since October last year.

Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience at the airport, acknowledged that compulsory scans represent a "big change" for passengers who are selected to take part.

"We know privacy concerns have been on our customers' minds, which is why we have put strict procedures to reassure them that their privacy will be protected," she added.

"It will enhance security for everyone, which can only be a good thing, without compromising people's privacy. The image generated by the body scanner cannot be stored or captured, nor can security officers viewing the images recognise people."

The scanners are also set to be introduced at Birmingham Airport by the end of the month.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19591408-body-scanners-introduced-at-uk-airports.htmlTue, 2 Feb 2010 09:33:58 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslondontravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589856-egypt-listed-as-top-choice-for-2010.htmlEgypt has been identified as one of the best options for British travellers hoping to make their budgets stretch as far as possible this year.

Post Office Travel Money revealed that the country will offer some of the biggest gains for people travelling mid-haul, with its currency having fallen by almost 15 per cent against the British pound over the past year.

Sales of the Egyptian pound were up nine per cent at Post Office branches last year.

Sarah Munro, head of travel money at the organisation, said: "Low package prices and cheap resort costs made Egypt popular in the noughties.

"The weaker Egyptian pound combined with a top ten place in our Worldwide Holiday Cost Barometer of destinations offering the lowest costs for tourist staples, should also make Egypt a star choice in 2010."

A similar recommendation was given to Dubai, with the Post Office revealing that the destination is offering "five-star hotels at three-star prices".

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589856-egypt-listed-as-top-choice-for-2010.htmlMon, 1 Feb 2010 14:33:04 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsdubaitravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589650-london-gatwick-expects-strong-2010.htmlGatwick Airport has released passenger figures for December 2009 and announced its ambitions for the coming year.

The base handled 2.12 million travellers in the final month of last year, 1.5 per cent more than in December 2008.

Annual growth was recorded in the number of people catching scheduled flights to the UK, the Channel Islands and Europe from London Gatwick.

December was the third consecutive month of increasing passenger numbers at the airport.

For the year as a whole, however, traffic decreased by 5.3 per cent from 2008 to 32.37 million customers.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport's chief executive officer, said: "I am pleased to end the year with a third consecutive month of growth in passenger numbers, which demonstrates that Gatwick Airport is recovering well from the economic downturn.

"While overall annual passenger numbers were lower than in 2008, the newly independent Gatwick Airport will compete strongly to become the airport of choice for airlines and passengers in 2010 and beyond."

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589650-london-gatwick-expects-strong-2010.htmlMon, 1 Feb 2010 13:24:52 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslondontravel newshttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589597-cultural-battle-expected-between-european-cities.htmlIstanbul in Turkey, Pecs in Hungary and the Ruhr Metropolis in Germany.

Post Office Travel Money released a report identifying Istanbul as the "most obvious winner", following a 23 per cent increase in visitors last year and an "impressive" calendar of events lined up for 2010.

However, the company revealed that tourist items in Turkey have risen in cost by around 44 per cent this year, while Hungary was found to be the cheapest of 30 countries surveyed in a recent study.

Sarah Munro, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: "With rising prices in Turkey and cheaper costs in Hungary, there is some justification for thinking that Pecs is limbering up for a cultural contest in which it could wrest the spotlight from Istanbul."

Germany's Ruhr Metropolis was described as the "dark horse", although the appeal of its "unique industrial heritage" could be cancelled out by the low value of sterling against the euro.

In the most recent Post Office report on the cost of galleries, museums and heritage sites, Warsaw, Lisbon and Prague were found to be the cheapest cultural hotspots.

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589597-cultural-battle-expected-between-european-cities.htmlMon, 1 Feb 2010 13:08:24 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogslisbonpraguetravel newsturkeyhttp://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589528-continental-to-increase-heathrow-to-new-york-flights.htmlContinental Airlines has announced that it will offer more flights from Heathrow Airport to New York this year.

The carrier will add a fourth daily connection to its hub at Newark Liberty Airport from March 27th, with a fifth daily service set to be introduced from October 30th.

Continental's total number of daily departures from Heathrow Airport will therefore increase to seven, with two services to Houston currently available from the base.

It was also confirmed that all of the airline's flights to and from the London hub will feature flat-bed seats in business class from June 1st.

Jeff Smisek, the carrier's chief executive officer, described the link between New York and Heathrow as a "flagship route".

He added: "As the leading airline in the New York market, we are excited about introducing these schedule and product improvements for our New York-London travellers.

"All our New York-London customers will benefit from more flight options, while those traveling to London in BusinessFirst - whether from New York or Houston - will be assured of a flat bed seat whenever they choose to fly with us."

Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2009 - Just The Flight]]>http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19589528-continental-to-increase-heathrow-to-new-york-flights.htmlMon, 1 Feb 2010 12:48:29 GMTtravelflightsairlinesholidaysdestinationsblogsnew yorklondoncontinental airlinestravel news