BAA figures down dramatically in March

BAA is feeling the effects of the economic downturn with passenger numbers to the end of March falling by 11.3% year-on-year across its seven airports.  The knock-on effect will also be felt by not only the air carriers, but by airport retailers and the varied services that go to form part of the travel infrastructure.  Worst hit was Gatwick at 17.7%, its sale at an advanced stage, Stansted 15.9% and 13% at Glasgow.  Heathrow (only) dropped by l 7.5%, a better figure than its European rivals are likely to achieve. The airport actually showed a small increase in air transport movements, an indication of how badly the load factors are doing.  The April date for Easter this year would have played a part in numbers.  Charter traffic fell away by a dramatic 30%.  Leisure holiday makers are turning more and more to the flexible scheduled operations. www.baa.com

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Bombardier new passenger jet gets vital order

BOMBARDIER C series new regional jet has landed a second order.  Dublin-based Lease Corporation International Aviation has signed a firm purchase agreement for three CS100 and 17 CS300 aircraft along with 20 unspecified options.  Officially launched at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, on the back of a Lufthansa commitment for 30 plus 30 options, service delivery is set for 2013.  The Canadian company’s Bombardier Belfast facility, the former Shorts operation, will be home to the design and manufacture of the aircraft’s wings.  The C series, with a maximum 149-seat capacity will compete head-on with the long time stalwarts in the marketplace,  Airbus A320 derivatives and Boeing’s Next Generation 737 series.  The new aircraft is powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G geared turbofan, which will also be fitted to the forthcoming Mitsubishi Regional Jet ordered by ANA.  www.bombardier.com

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CSA Czech Airlines could have new owners by the end of September

CZECH REPUBLIC’S finance ministry has advanced to a second round of tendering for the sale of CSA Czech Airlines.  Air France-KLM and a consortium comprising Czech Unimex Group and Travel Service remain in the bid.  The ministry says that the winner should be known by the end of September at the latest.  Up for grabs is a 91.5% stake.  CSA was profitable in 2008 and like AF is part of Skyteam.  Bidders need to meet conditions such as keeping CSA's national identity status to prevent the airline losing any of its international routes outside Europe.  Air France-KLM is expansion minded and would see an acquisition as outflanking Lufthansa.  Aeroflot were eliminated at this round.  British Airways seems to be less interested in mainland Europe than ever, with the exception of its North Atlantic Open Skies operation, and a proposed tie-up with Iberia. www.praguepost.com

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Icelandair expands UK - USA operation

ICELANDAIR’S low cost operation from Heathrow to the United States via Reykjavik is to be expanded with flights four times per week from Heathrow to Seattle via Reykjavik starting Wednesday 22 July.  Linking in with Alaska Airlines, the new services will enable travellers to access onward connections to destinations in Canada and the US including Calgary, Vancouver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.  People who are willing to make an overnight stopover in Iceland will be able to depart Manchester.  Icelandair operates three-cabin Boeing 757s Transatlantic, a traditional 2+2 Business Class, Economy Plus, also 2+2, and standard Economy.  Other North American destinations include Boston, New York, Orlando, Halifax and Toronto.  www.icelandair.co.uk

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Luton Airport in the news for both good and bad reasons

LUTON AIRPORT visitors will be pleased to learn that the re-building of the dual carriageway road from the M1 J10 is now complete making the journey from the motorway both safer and quicker.  The bad news is that the Spanish owned airport is now charging for the privilege of dropping off passengers allegedly to keep the traffic flowing.  Regulars point out that the traffic flowed fine when Luton was announcing record passenger numbers.  Again on the positive front the loss of ThomsonFly to Tel Aviv has been more than made up by the arrival of El Al with daily services (except Saturday) and the opening of a seasonal twice weekly route by Wizz Air to Varna, on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.  Wizz Air already serves Bourgas, another popular Black Sea resort from Luton, and also Sofia, the Bulgarian capital.  It becomes the airline’s 16^th destination from the north London airport.  www.london-luton.co.uk

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Singapore legendary hotel up for sale

SINGAPORE’S legendary Raffles Hotel, home to the Singapore Sling cocktail, has been put up for sale by its owner Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia, according to reports in the local media.  The Fairmont Raffles Hotel International Group, part of the Prince’s Kingdom Holding Company, is seeking buyers at around UKP300m.  Other properties within the group are on offer as Fairmont tightens its purse strings in the global downturn.  Still on schedule however is a UKP100m investment in London’s Savoy Hotel, due to re-open later this year. www.raffles.com

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ON TOUR: The Iguassu Falls

We live in a day and age where even the world’s most far flung capitals are within 24 hours flying time and just one stop from London.  Places that even 25 years ago were considered only by the rich or ambitious for visiting are now on most brochures.  We are privileged that it is relatively easy to visit some amazing far flung places with ease.  The most exotic of destinations are within the reach of those even with a modest budget.

One can argue which is the world’s greatest waterfall.  Niagara and the Victoria Falls both have their advocates, but for shear size and beauty, with its 276 separate cascades of water, Iguassu straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, must rank supreme.

The falls are 850 miles by good quality roads from Buenos Aires, 700 miles from Sao Paulo and 900 miles from Rio.  There are frequent flights from the main hubs and both the Argentine and Brazil host local airports serving the quite large communities supporting the substantial tourist trade and industrial growth.

Europeans first set eyes on the falls in 1541 but it was not until end of the 19th century that its glory began to be known, a multi-million visitors per year tourism industry emerging into the millennium. 

Perhaps the best way of introducing yourself to Iguassu is to take a 30-minute helicopter trip.  It is a wondrous initiation.  The glory unfolds and the full size and majesty is held in an awesome panorama seemingly stretching for miles.  In fact you can view the falls from the air, from the water, and from an island that sits in the middle of the whole complex.  Plus from both banks where the authorities have done considerable work in making access easy, even for those with walking difficulties.  On the Argentinean side there is a miniature railway that runs down to a viewing complex whilst the Brazilians provide an elevator to the most spectacular of all the falls, known as the Devil's Throat. 

If you are brave and don’t mind getting wet, powered canoes take you literally under the falling water, the Brazilian access further along the river, giving longer on the approach and perhaps a more thrilling ride.  On the Argentinean side a steep pathway takes you down to the river level and a free ferry to the island of San Martin where you should have no difficulty in climbing up to the top and some splendid views.

The Argentinean part of the river offers a larger variety of cascades but from the restricted Brazilian bank there is more to see.  Visit both countries.  The border controls are as simple as they could be.

World’s greatest dam

The falls may be nature offering an outstanding demonstration of an awesome force but just a 30-minute ride away is another water-powered show of authority, the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, man-made, and the largest in the world in terms of electricity generation.  Completed in 1984, the main dam structure hides a one kilometre-long turbine hall containing 20 generating units each having an output of 700mw.  Regular tours are organised into this vast cavern, part of a guided visit that includes the fascinating eco museum, in the reception area complex, and the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, a fascinating multi-national animal haven.  Jaguars, capuchin monkeys and skunks can be seen in special natural enclosures. 

Standing on the top of the dam the sheer magnificence of the complex can be seen, the man-made lake stretching back 100 miles and 40 miles in width at some points.  Itaipu is a 50/50 development between Brazil and Paraguay but South America’s largest nation in fact takes 90% of the electricity produced, or 19% of its total power requirements.  Payment for the extra energy a very nice earner for one of the poorest countries in the continent.

Iguassu is not just water

Iguassu is not just the massive water highlights, magnificent as they are.  Make sure you give yourself enough time to visit the Parque das Aves (aviary) on the Brazilian bank close to the heliport.  Set in 12 acres of lush subtropical rainforest you don’t have to be a bird fan to appreciate the splendid and natural way the sanctuary has been laid out.  A large number of birds are in huge walk-through aviaries, some 80ft tall and at least 200ft long, allowing visitors to watch the feathered folk interact as they go about their daily routines.  Highlights include the toucans and multi-coloured tanagers as well as roseate spoonbills, herons and egrets.  Signage is in English and allow two to three hours.  It was founded by a British couple 25 years ago.

We recommend three nights in the falls area.  The Sheraton in the National Park is the ideal base but AERBT stayed on the Brazilian side at the Bourbon Cataratas Convention Resort, with a fine resturant and splendid grounds.  Brazilian shows and terrific dining will keep you entertained in the evenings and if you are that way inclined there is even a casino right on the border.  For those interested in nature Cataratas, the Brazilian city guarding the falls, is the gateway to a stunning highland of rain forests and nature reserves. www.bourbon.com.br www.iguassuworldsdestination.com www.parquedasaves.com www.iguassu.com.br

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HAPPY TALK: Which direction?

An aviation enthusiast on his way to the site of a disused military aerodrome in the middle of rural Norfolk came to a fork in the road and stopped.  There was no sign indicating which route went where.   

Spotting a local by the road, he yelled out.

"Hey, does it matter which road I take to the airfield?"

"Not to me it don't," came the melodic reply.

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Air France continues to expand at London City Airport

AIR FRANCE is to introduce daily London City Airport flights to Nantes, the largest city in Brittany, next Monday (27 April).  A VLM Fokker 50 aircraft will be used for the service, the Dutch airline now part of Dublin-based CityJet, itself 100% owned by AF.  Flight time in the two-class 50-seat turboprop is 1hr 45min.  The AF Group airlines currently offer flights from LCY to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Dublin, Dundee, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, the Isle of Man, Geneva, Jersey, Luxembourg, Manchester, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Rotterdam and Strasbourg. www.londoncityairport.com

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Boeing delivers 6,000th aircraft

BOEING has delivered its 6,000^th 737, a Next-Generation dash 800 aircraft, to International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) whose customer is Norwegian Air Shuttle.  The aeroplane's tail features a special decal denoting this milestone.  The 737 first flew in April 1967 with Lufthansa the launch airline.  Now called the “Classic” some 4,131 were built.  In 1998 Southwest Airlines took delivery of the initial Next-Generation model.  To date, unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2,200 units, approximately USD163bn at list price.  The latest 737-900 can accommodate up to 215 passengers more than twice as many as Lufthansa’s launch aircraft. www.boeing.com/commercial/737family

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Canadian market set for expansion with new agreement

CANADA is expected to sign a deal with the European Union at a Summit with the EU on 6 May in Prague.  It will be similar to last year’s USA “Open Skies” treaty offering unlimited city pairs and frequencies.  The one big difference is the raising of a foreign ownership limit to 49% of an airline's voting stock from 25% -- a move welcomed by the country's main carriers, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines, which want more inward investment.  The new agreement could also open up the US market to investors this side of the Atlantic under a ‘back door’ arrangement.  Canadian carriers have traffic via the United States, often with Mexico and Europe the final destination. www.transportcanada.com

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Holiday Inn major revamp takes off

HOLIDAY INN has confirmed that its central London-Bloomsbury property at Russell Square, close by King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras stations, has completed its major public area renovations, making it compatible to the high standard recently unveiled by owner IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).  Around the globe Holiday Inn is upgrading and re-branding.  Most noticeable is the dramatic changes to signage – evolving the iconic script logo, energising the signature colour green and eliminating the current shield shape.  The brand replaces more than 11,000 signs around the world to reflect this refreshed and contemporary look.  To put it in its true perspective the undertaking includes the revamp of more than 3,100 hotel lobbies and 400,000 guest rooms.  www.holidayinn.co.uk

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Kiev flights now have competition

KIEV in the Ukraine is now served by two airlines from Heathrow.  British Airways has been joined by bmi offering daily services.  One World v Star Alliance.  The new service is timed to offer connections each way to Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester  and Dublin.  Bmi’s new Chauffeur Drive service is available on the route for fully flexible Business Class travellers.  Kiev, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is one of Europe’s lesser known and explored capital cities.  It is also home to key cultural attractions including the St Sophia Cathedral, a Byzantium landmark, the architecture and grandeur of which was celebrated in a recent exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.  Little known details about Kiev include the fact that it is listed as one of the greenest cities in the world by the United Nations and boasts over 60 parks and green spaces.  In recent years, the Ukrainian spelling Kyiv has been internationally recognised and in 2008 the city competed for a spot on the international version of the board game Monopoly.  www.flybmi.com

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Plymouth gets back direct central London air services after 21 years

PLYMOUTH has gained direct air services to central London for the first since Brymon Airways short-lived route in 1987.  On Monday (20 April) Air Southwest introduced twice daily flights from Devon’s largest city non-stop to London City Airport, the aircraft originating from Newquay.  According to the airline forward bookings looked strong.  The route will provide a speedy alternative for central London to the airline’s four times daily Gatwick operation via Newquay, that service now competing with Flybe flying three times per day, each with Bombardier turboprops.  Flybe replaced a British Airways 737 service. www.airsouthwest.com

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Toronto downtown airport gets a further boost

TORONTO CITY CENTRE AIRPORT, on an island sitting literally yards from the Lake Ontario riverside, is to be further boosted with extra flights to Montreal and Ottawa.  The controversial airport, originally opened in 1939, and after several short-lived attempts at scheduled services, became the home of the then new Porter Airlines in October 2006.  Operating the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 the airline now serves 17 destinations including Newark New York and Chicago’s Midway.  This summer the airline will operate up to 18 daily return flights to Montreal and 14 to Ottawa.  The Porter package includes lounge snacks, beverages, wi-fi and computer workstations, all at no additional cost.  This is replicated on board with complimentary premium snacks, wine and beer. www.flyporter.com

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CRUISING - An introduction

Your editor in chief Malcolm Ginsberg claims to have been cruising since the age of eight when his parents took him (and his little brother) on a trip from Southampton to Sydney, six weeks via the RMS Asturias.  They were on the UKP10 package scheme in the harsh post-war years to attract immigrants to Australia .  The Ginsberg’s did not last long ‘down under’, returning the following year on Orion (also a Royal Mail Ship), considered the first modern long-haul passenger liner.  Since those far distant days Malcolm has travelled on over 30 cruise ships, all over the world. 

In this new  series Malcolm will review from time to time a whole series
of vessels ranging from the extremely well kitted out river cruisers to the top luxury liners.  However, first of all, an introduction, followed by a cruise news update.

Cruising is a Complex Business

In the United Kingdom 1.4m individual cruise packages were sold in 2008.  When you think that these actually average out at UKP1,150 each you will realise that cruising is immensely popular and generates vast sums.  Even this year the numbers will rise.

We’ve all been to a dinner party, sat down with friends and chatted about future (and past) holidays.  Inevitably the subject of cruising comes up.  The question raised is “I would like to go cruising, what would you recommend Malcolm?”

In fact there are more permutations than on a Ford. Tick off the boxes.

And there is one thing about cruising that is not even thought about in terms of questions.  It is probably the best way to make friends for life.  From all over the world.

•    How much do you want to spend?

•    Deep sea or river cruising?  Some of the boats on the Rhine and Danube are enormous, even with swimming pools.

•    Are you happy to fly to your start/finish port or would you prefer a Dover, Southampton or Harwich rendezvous? Or maybe fly one way?  The warmer weather is usually two days from these shores.

•    The ship choice is large.  Big liners, 2,500+ passengers, medium size vessels 1,250 upwards, or something in the boutique class, which can mean from 50 other guests, to 600. Whatever size of ship you choose boarding and departure is usually no problem (and really show up the airports).  Modern ships are generally very well thought out and designed.

•    Do you want to dine at a fixed time with the same company and waiting staff each meal time, or to suit you?  Some ships offer both.

•    You can cruise across the North Atlantic, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, North and South America, the Far East, Antipodes and the Pacific.  New areas are being discovered for sea holidays all the time.  And of course world cruises (and parts of) are proving more and more popular.

•    Do you want a cruise that takes in a new port every day, or one that has a day at sea and a day in port. Or more time at sea?

•    Is your requirement to make it a holiday with children, or completely without?  The cruise markets provides for both.

•    Are you really into the budget cruise business, or do you want six-star luxury?  The requirements of both are very well catered for, as are all categories in-between.

•    Inside or outside cabin?  A balcony can easily double the cost of the trip.

•    Specialised cruises.  As part of their marketing efforts many companies offer unique cruise packages including cooking, wine tasting, music, the American theatre, jazz, and sporting interests.  You can learn all about computers, how to play the electric keyboard and indulge in card games.  One company often has a golf professional on board who will plan ahead to visit major courses at each port of call.  Edinburgh is not that far from St Andrews.

Don’t worry if you have a disability.  The cruise companies were amongst the first members of the holiday trade to realise there was a big market for people with limited, or no, walking ability.  The same goes for those who have specialised eating requirements.  Within reason the chefs really want to help and the latest ships have some spectacular kitchens.  And don’t worry about being ill at sea.  You must be covered by adequate insurance but the medical facilities on board are exceptional, better than in many UK regional hospitals in terms of equipment provided and that is not demeaning the value of the UK’s National Health Service.  Virtually every ship, of any size, has at least one full time doctor on board and helicopter evacuation is not unknown in emergency cases.  The big ships are organised for it.

There are currently about 272 cruise ships operating with nine new ones due in 2010.  QE2 was pensioned off last year to be replaced by a new Queen Elizabeth (QE3?) next year. 

In a survey carried out for the Passenger Shipping Association the question was put “which is of greater importance to you, the quality of the facilities or the choice of destination?”  The ship and its facilities topped the poll easily beating destinations!

Finally a word of warning.  The current economic downturn, coupled to the ever increasing cruise capacity, has meant some significant discounting, particularly with the bigger cruise operators.  This in turn has broadened the market with some large ships attracting a more rowdy crowd than hitherto.

For a guide to cruise ships there is nothing better than the Berlitz “Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships” by Douglas Ward, now in its 24th edition.  www.berlitzcruising.com

CRUISE NEWS APRIL 2009

CELEBRITY has added a pre-inaugural cruise prior to Equinox maiden voyage from Southampton to Civitavecchia on 8 August.  Friday 31 July sees the ship, the second in the Solstice class, featuring the Norwegian fjords on an eight-day trip visiting Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, and the delightful city of Oslo.  Introducing what may become an interesting trend in ship design Equinox features Aqua Class, top quality balcony staterooms on the main resort deck, and but a short walk to the Spa complex. www.celebritycruises.com www.celebritycruises.com

CRYSTAL has always been noted for the quality of its cuisine.  The American run but Japanese owned cruise line has now gone somewhat further.  Take two Michelin Star chefs, one Bocuse d’Or winner and one French Laundry sous chef.  Add a Nobu executive chef.  Stir in two James Beard Award-winning wine experts, a couple of Masters of Wine and blend well with leading mixologists.  These are the key ingredients for Crystal Cruises 13th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery, served onboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  Seven culinary themed itineraries between May and December 2009 host a fabulous selection of the world’s leading chefs, wine experts and mixologists to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship in cooking demonstrations, hands-on classes, tasting sessions and specially designed menus. www.crystalcruises.com

CUNARD says that the new Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage sold out in 29 minutes 14 seconds.  The ship even outdid its distinguished predecessor, QE2, whose final trip was available for booking for just 36 minutes in June 2007.  The ship, part of Carnival, is due to set sail from Southampton on 12 October 2010 for a 13-day voyage to the Canary Islands. There is virtually no capacity left for the balance of next year.  The 2010 / 2011 brochure has just been released.www.cunard.co.uk

P & O might just have the package for you.  If you are in to cooking and thinking of perhaps a busman’s holiday Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White is a guest on a number of Ventura trips this summer and will be offering the chance for passengers to participate in private cookery sessions to groups of up to eight adults.  The interactive sessions will involve participants joining Marco as he creates a three-course feast.  Passengers will pay UKP75 for the sessions.  If it’s just the food you want Marco has his first restaurant at sea on board Ventura. The White Room provides passengers with panoramic views and the option of dining under the stars in the evening.  The cost is UKP20 per passenger, very inexpensive by gourmet meal standards. www.pocruises.co.uk

STAR CLIPPERS, which operates three of the world’s tallest and most beautiful sailing ships, is offering free European flights for UK-based passengers to join selected sailings for summer 2009 Mediterranean cruises on board the 360’, four-masted Star Clipper and the 400’ five-masted Royal Clipper.  Summer 2009 voyages on board these fully crewed, beautifully appointed ships include itineraries around the Greek islands, Croatia and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and from Rome (Civitavecchia) to a variety of islands and mainland destinations in the Western Mediterranean. www.starclippers.com

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