American Airlines and British Airways Take Flight in Tokyo

American Airlines and British Airways have launched their new Tokyo Haneda International Airport flights.

Both airlines’ inaugural services from the Japanese capital’s newly expanded gateway departed within minutes of one another yesterday morning.

American is now offering the only flights between Tokyo Haneda and New York, with its daily JFK schedule complementing Japan Airlines’ established service between Haneda and San Francisco. Both services carry the codes of both airlines.

British Airways is operating Haneda’s only route to the UK, serving the airport an initial five times a week non-stop from its London Heathrow hub, in addition to its established daily Tokyo Narita schedule.

Yesterday’s debut services were marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tokyo Haneda hosted by American’s VP and managing director Asia/Pacific Theo Panagiotoulias and British Airways’ area GM Asia Pacific Jamie Cassidy, joined by Japan Airlines president Masaru Onishi.

American’s VP and MD Asia/Pacific Theo Panagiotoulias said: “We are very excited by this new flight that links two of the world’s largest financial markets and offers passengers the ability to fly from New York to Haneda, the closest airport to downtown Tokyo, and which hasn’t had service from the USA since 1978 when Tokyo’s Narita International Airport opened. We also are pleased to be offering this new service as part of our new transpacific joint venture with our valued oneworld partner, Japan Airlines.”

British Airways’ Area GM Asia Pacific Jamie Cassidy added: “Today is a historic day for British Airways as we start our new route from Haneda which compliments our existing service from Narita. The start of this route allows us to offer our customers greater choice and flexibility. We are proud to be the only carrier operating from Haneda direct to the UK. The start of this service demonstrates our commitment to Japan and the deepening of our growing relationship with JAL.”

Japan Airlines president Masaru Onishi stated: “Japan Airlines began operating on new international routes from Haneda at the end of October last year. Passenger numbers have been very encouraging and are a good indication of the demand for flights to and from Haneda. The launch of

American’s and British Airways’ flights today is undoubtedly great news for the traveling public in Japan and is certain to strengthen further oneworld’s service offerings to customers.”

In addition to the new flight from Haneda to New York JFK, American and its partner Japan Airlines also offer non-stop daily service from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to JFK. American flies between the US and Tokyo using Boeing 777 aircraft with 247 seats – 16 in First Class, 37 in Business Class and 194 in Economy Class.

Flight AA135 will depart JFK daily at 6:10pm, arriving at Haneda at 10:15pm the following day. The return AA134 will depart Haneda at 6:40am daily, landing at JFK at 5:15 am the same day.

With the launch of the its new five-a-week service from Haneda in addition to its daily Tokyo Narita schedule, British Airways will operate 12 flights a week between Tokyo and London Heathrow.

Flight BA7 will depart London Heathrow on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8am, landing at Haneda at 5am the next day. The return flight BA8 will depart Haneda on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6:25 am, arriving at Heathrow at 10am the same day.

Airlines Cheap Flight : Air Lan Promotional Flight Fares to Lima and Quito

America’s top carrier and South America’s prime cheap flight provider, Air Lan has announced special and promotional flight fares for sector Peru and Ecuador. In this offer released very recently this month, travelers can book cheap flights to Lima,Ecuador will be selling from a starting fare of GBP 451. The biggest announcement yet is that flights to Madrid are free of charge in this offer.

In this ‘UK special’ promotion, travelers can book their long-haul flights, flying from anywhere in London or UK including airports Manchester, Heathrow, Gatwick, Aberdeen, Edinburg, Glasgow and New Castle.

These special fares are subject to travel on or after 10 January 2011 and on or before 31 March 2011. The selling of these fares will start from November 05th to November 25th, 2010. However seat availability and taxes are to be verified while making reservations. Minimum 6 days and maximum 12 month stay is required. Also, travelers can enjoy a mid way stop over in only 40 GBP.

British Airways Strike Enters Its Second Day

The strike by British Airways cabin crew has entered its second day, with both sides claiming the advantage.

The Unite trade union said half of BA’s 250 planes had been grounded on the first day of the three-day stoppage.

But BA says it reinstated flights as so many worked, adding that 97% of cabin crew due to show up at Gatwick did so on Saturday, as did half at Heathrow.

The dispute centres on job cuts and a pay freeze. Another four-day stoppage is planned to begin on 27 March.

Unite insisted 80% of its 12,000 members had supported the first day of the walkout – the first by BA cabin crew in 13 years.

The union said BA’s Terminal 5 at Heathrow was like a “ghost town”, adding that the airline contingency plans were failing.
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British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia Near Deal for an Expanded Alliance

European antitrust regulators on Wednesday took a step toward approving an expanded alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia after the airlines offered to give up landing and takeoff slots at airports serving London and New York.

The European Commission said the three airlines, all members of the Oneworld alliance, had offered to cede slots at Heathrow, Gatwick and Kennedy Airports.
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