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AIRASIA extends FLY-THRU service  

Trail blazing airline transforming low-cost travel 

08 Feb 2011 – Low-cost air travel is set to get less stressful, with budget long-haul airline AirAsia pioneering a move towards connecting transfers rather than the traditional point-to-point model. 

The award winning airline today announced it has added its FLY-THRU service on long haul flights from London Stansted to Perth (from £770 return), Melbourne (from £847 return) and Christchurch, New Zealand (from £912 return).* The airline has also started adding the transfer service to its short haul network, meaning guests can now book a flight from London to Bangkok, Bali or Singapore on one itinerary.  

What’s changed?

• No more booking separate flights – guests book online at www.airasia.com under one itinerary
• No more checking-in luggage twice – your luggage will meet you at your final destination
• Connection time from 90 minutes (up to 6 hours)

Anyone opting for the FLY-THRU service is guaranteed a free move to the next available flight in the event they miss a connecting flight as a result of a cancellation or rescheduling  

The new offering is perfect for British holiday makers who want to visit far flung destinations for less, but who don’t want to compromise on peace of mind or comfort. 

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, said: “AirAsia has a reputation for innovation and destroying previously held ‘sacred’ principles of the low-cost model, and our FLY-THRU service fits in with this mantra. Typically low-cost carriers operate a point-to-point service, but we recognize that many of our guests want the peace of mind that comes with a connection service. In defiance of the perceived complexities of these new innovations we introduce, we continue to operate as the world’s lowest unit cost airline.”   

The service has been added to some of our key routes and we intend to roll it out further throughout 2011 to offer our customers more choice.” 

For more details on FLY -THRU, or to book your own FLY-THRU itinerary, visit www.airasia.com

Abu Dhabi based luxury jet operator appoints new UK Sales Manager

Royal Jet - the international luxury executive flight services company based in Abu Dhabi - continues to boost its presence in the UK and European markets through its dedicated sales office at London Stansted Airport.

Situated at a facility owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) Group – the UAE’s leading aviation service provider – the combination of Royal Jet, Maximus Air Cargo – the UAE’s largest dedicated cargo aircraft operator – and Abu Dhabi Aviation – the largest Middle East commercial helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operator – offers customers total aviation solutions platform through a selection of wide-ranging products and services in a one-stop-shop environment that also enhances the Group’s presence in the region.

Royal Jet has appointed Desiree Martis as Sales Manager - Europe, Russia & Central Asia to be based in the UK office. Martis’ rich 24-year experience is expected to further boost the private jet operator’s growth targets as it has been spreading its wings through GSA appointments in India and Oman. The UK office became operational in May 2010.

Martis, who has worked for Royal Jet since 2006, is well experienced in two of the key services offered by Royal Jet, namely luxury VIP charter and medical evacuation services. She will push forward the company’s main vision of establishing Royal Jet as the preferred choice within the region through the delivery of service excellence and creation of strong business partnerships across relevant market segments. These segments include air charter brokers, corporate entities, High-Net-Worth-Individuals, government entities and insurance companies.

“Desiree Martis is finely-tuned into Royal Jet’s vision of growth and development strategy and will be able to take the company to its desired objectives in the UK and Europe,” said Shane O’Hare, President & CEO, Royal Jet.

“Since May last year, we have made significant inroads into the European market and are pleased that our vision to be amongst the world’s leading luxury flight services company is bearing fruit. With Martis appointment, and her vast sales experience, we hope to see that grow further.” 

Further to its objectives for the region, Royal Jet will be participating in Europe's leading event for the business travel & meetings industry, ‘The Business Travel & Meetings Show’ on 8 and 9 February at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in West London.

The company will showcase its latest product and services offerings at the show, including its corporate relationship programme – the ‘100 Club’. The programme allows all customers – from individuals to corporates - to profit from an attractive range of benefits, including increased discounts, depending on the type of aircraft usage and the number of hours flown.

O’Hare indicated that Royal Jet’s existing relationships in this market have been further complemented by its UK representative office and that working together with its partners under the ADA Group has not only boosted business opportunities for UAE-based aviation services companies, but also met the requirements of their loyal customers in the European markets.

“Royal Jet, which is chaired by HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, works with a number of key brokers and customers in the region and this venture will definitely help us increase our market share. Indeed, working alongside our partners from the UAE to offer a one-stop-shop destination for any and all aviation service requirements is ideally suited for our niche customers, and enables us to showcase to the European market the high quality of service that UAE-based companies provide,” said O’Hare.

BAA has confirmed the appointment of Nick Barton as Managing Director of London Stansted Airport with immediate effect. Nick had been performing the role on an interim basis and has 6 years' experience at Stansted, most recently as Commercial and Development Director.

Nick Barton said, "I am delighted to be the new Managing Director of Stansted Airport. It is a privilege to be part of this fantastic airport, working with staff who provide an excellent service to our customers. 2011 is a showcase year for us: we will be celebrating our 20th birthday in the spring, and later in the year we will see brand new trains in service on the Stansted Express as we head towards 2012.

"My immediate focus is ensuring Stansted continues to be prepared for the on-going cold weather. We are striving to keep disruption to an absolute minimum for our passengers and, where possible, have been assisting other airports, taking in diverted planes to help people reach their destinations."

London Stansted Airport unveiled its free iPhone app today, bringing everything from the latest flight information to a public transport journey planner direct to passengers’ fingertips.　

Designed to make life easier for travellers, users can save money by pre-booking car parking direct from their iPhone, download discount vouchers for shops and restaurants and view a vast array of useful airpor tinformation.　　

Steve Mills, Stansted Airport’s  iPhone app development manager, said: "London Stansted’s iPhone app is regarded as one of the most feature-rich airport apps available, which will not only make it easier for passengers using the airport, but improve the passenger experience for our travellers too.　　

"It conveniently brings together live flight updates, lots of usefu linformation about the terminal, and a reliable guide to the range of options for getting to and from the airport. So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first time visitor, the London Stansted app is the essential tool for all passengers passing through the airport."　　

Designed by transport Information company, Trapeze (formally known asKizoom) , the app is packed full with innovative features. Highlights include:　　

· Live flight departure and arrivals information

· Destinations we fly to

· Car park booking and directions to drive to the airport

· Rail journey planner

· Bus and coach information

· Car rental and taxi contacts

· Shop and restaurant information with downloadable vouchers andspecial offers

· Terminal maps and information

· Security requirements - what you can and cannot carry　

Dan Steele, Trapeze Business Development Manager, added:　"We're delighted to be working with London Stansted on this innovative project. Our years of experience creating mobile transport services means we've been able to build something both functionally rich and simple touse. We work very closely with our clients to ensure they have input at every stage of development. This approach has helped bring together our technical expertise and London Stansted's deep understanding of its customers to create a service that will be genuinely useful to the travelling public."　　

The app is free to download directly to your iPhone from the Apple AppStore - simply search for "Stansted" to locate the app.