news about cheap fares and airlines from travel search engine Trabber

Czech state controlled airline CSA announced Friday a rise in its fuel surcharge on air fares due to the increase in the global price of oil.

The surcharge on European flights will rise by 2.0 usd to 25 usd and on long-haul flights by 11.0 usd to 71 usd with immediate effect, the airline said.

The surcharge change is the first since November when lower oil prices allowed it to be cut. Oil prices reached 65 usd a barrel in April and are expected to stay above this level for the foreseeable future, CSA said.

source: Forbes

Scandinavian travel group SAS AB said Wednesday it would sell its holdings in three airlines as it announced a savings package designed to cut costs by 2.8 billion kronor ($399 million).

SAS said it would sell its stakes in Spanair, bmi and Air Greenland and focus on its flagship carrier, Scandinavian Airlines, as well as its smaller airlines Blue 1, Wideroe, airBaltic and Estonian Air.

The package was initially planned to be presented on Thursday, but was moved forward because of market and media speculation on what it contained.

source: Chron

Finland’s national carrier Finnair is all set to start direct flights between Helsinki and Mumbai from June 27, Christer Haglund, senior vice president of the airline, said here Tuesday.

”Starting from June 27, Finnair will connect Mumbai to Europe in the fastest and most convenient service five times a week with the most competitive return fares,” Haglund said at a news conference.

”Apart from providing the latest wide-bodied Airbus A340 crafts, Finnair will cater to Indian tastes and preferences with Indian cabin crew, to make Indian passengers feel at home.”

Haglund said Finnair has decided to focus on India as a major Asian hub of its operations.

source: indiaprwire.com

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, has criticised British Airways for increasing its fuel surcharge to £43 – its 9th increase since May 2004. Ryanair continues to guarantee no fuel surcharges ever.

Speaking today Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Peter Sherrard said:

“‘This is British Airways’ 9th fuel surcharge since May 2004. In that time the price of oil has doubled but British Airways’ fuel surcharge has increased 17 fold’.

“‘Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and will never apply a fuel surcharge, not now, not ever'”.

source: Easier

Brazilian Airline Gol has just announced an agreement with US-based Continental Airlines whereby passengers flying with Continental will be able to purchase tickets on all routes served by Gol for connections in Brazil and South America. While the partnership covers all routes served by both airlines, only Continental will be able to sell tickets on Gol flights.

source: Brazzil Mag

Operations of Mexicana de Aviacion in Cuba is showing good results, with a sustained demand for capacities and a high occupation index, authorities of the Mexican airline said.

The airline operates daily Mexico City-Havana flights, with additional routes, including Varadero, in high tourist seasons.

source: Prensa Latina

Delta Airlines, the world’s third largest passenger carrier, has recommenced non-stop service from New York’s JFK International Airport to Montego Bay.

The first flight in more than 20 years arrived at the Sangster International Airport on Saturday at approximately 10:30 am with 128 passengers aboard. The airline will operate on that route six days per week.

source: The Jamaica Observer

Chile-based carrier LAN Airlines SA said Friday its May traffic rose 29.9 percent on a 24.1 percent capacity expansion.

The Latin American airline said occupancy also improved to 68.7 percent from 65.7 percent. LAN gave no details on its traffic growth, only percentage gains.

LAN said its long-haul capacity grew due to increased offerings to the United States, south Pacific and Europe, partially offset by trimmed capacity to the Caribbean.

source: Forbes

Yellowknifers longing for milder climes this winter are in luck: Air Canada will launch a daily non-stop flight between the Northwest Territories capital and Vancouver from December to April.

Airline spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said Thursday that Air Canada is trying out the new route, which for now will only be offered during the winter season.

“‘A lot of services we do start seasonally, and we see what sort of response we get,'” Fitzpatrick said. “‘This is partly intended to take advantage of some of the tourist traffic, particularly the people who come up from Asia, they like the aurora. And just generally, you know, it is a vibrant market.'”

Air Canada already offers flights between Yellowknife and Calgary and Edmonton.

source: CBC News

Emirates Airline is offering packages of three nights accommodation, including buffet breakfast, at the AC Valencia Hotel a visit to the Emirates Team New Zealand base camp at the Port America’s Cup and a day of race viewing onboard the team’s VIP boat, with full hospitality.