Business travel

Conducive environment will help support economic growth - GM Singapore Airlines

By Surekha GALAGODA

[email protected]
 

Sri Lanka should have a conducive environment to develop the airline industry that supports the country's economic growth, said General Manager Singapore Airlines in Sri Lanka C.H. Chia.

He said that besides a liberal air services agreement, a supportive cost structure in areas such as landing, parking and ground handling charges will help the airline industry in Sri Lanka to grow, and bring more tourists and business into the country.

Chia said that although oil prices declined recently, the prices are still higher compared to an year ago. Moreover, airlines use highly refined jet fuel, which costs more due to the refining process compared to ordinary crude oil that the public is probably more familiar with.

A number of airlines (about 30 at the last count) has gone bankrupt in the last six months and many carriers have streamlined their operations or cut back on their route network in this environment.

Nevertheless, the recent moderation in oil prices had allowed Singapore Airlines to lower its fuel surcharges recently, which the airline continually kept under active review.

Chia said that despite the challenging environment, Singapore Airlines has not relented on its journey of innovations and service enhancements. Singapore Airlines was the first airline in the world to operate the latest Superjumbo A380 aircraft, an engineering marvel which allows Singapore Airlines to push forth the envelope in product innovations.

A whole range of improvements from having the latest generation of inflight entertainment system onboard to wider, more comfortable seating been installed, along with fine service touches that Singapore Airlines is renowned for. Singapore Airlines A380 flies from Singapore to Sydney, London and Tokyo.

The A380 aircraft is also fuel-efficient and lowers the fuel cost per passenger-kilometre compared to other aircraft types, and this gives Singapore Airlines an edge over our competitors, by lowering our fuel outlay.

With the current financial crisis in USA rapidly deteriorating into a full blown economic crisis and spreading to the rest of the world, the operating environment will become even more challenging. However, Singapore Airlines with its strong balance sheet and established track record is well placed to ride out the storm and is committed to maintain and grow its operations in Sri Lanka, which had been an integral part of its global network for the last 38 years.

A-380 info Singapore Airline Suites

The Singapore Airline Suites available exclusively onboard the Singapore Airlines A380, are truly a class beyond first.

Each Suite offers an exquisitely private space. Lounge in the largest ever seat; a lavish armchair with adjustable headrest and armrests.

For a restful sleep, experience the pleasure of sleeping on a standalone bed; not one converted from a seat, topped off with the turn-down service with fine linen and full-sized pillows.

New Business Class

The Business Class seats are the widest in its class with each leather seat unfolding to the largest full-flat bed in business class, with more room to stretch and enjoy a rejuvenating night's rest.

Even work is a pleasure, with all the conveniences in an office provided for in a centralised business panel offering in-seat power supply and USB ports.

New Economy Class

From roomier seats to the widest choice of on-demand entertainment options, the New Economy Class offers the warmest welcome in the sky.

Enjoy an inflight entertainment experience that even other airlines talk about, presented on a 10.6 inch wide LCD screen, the largest in its class.

KrisWorld

Watch the latest movies and TV programs, listen to music or play interactive games on the new KrisWorld, the inflight entertainment system with over 1,000 on-demand options.

Even business is a pleasure, with in-seat power supply, two USB ports and built-in Microsoft Office software.

Abacus sweeps regional Best GDS Award for tenth time

Abacus International, Asia Pacific's leading travel facilitator won the Best Global Distribution System (GDS) at the 19th TTG Travel Awards 2008 sealing a decade of achievement of this industry accolade.

The respected award is organised by leading travel publisher, TTG Publishing, with readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BT mice China across Asia Pacific casting their votes based on criteria such as network comprehensiveness, ease of operation, user friendliness, efficiency and reliability.

Abacus International President and CEO Robert Bailey said, "Abacus is the first and only GDS to attain the 'Best GDS' award for ten consecutive years. We really appreciate the effort and contributions of our thousand-strong team and the many travel suppliers who have supported us throughout Asia Pacific in achieving our aspirations for the travel distribution industry and the travel industry at large."

"Asia's travel industry has evolved at an unprecedented pace over the past decade, with economic, political and industry factors creating the impetus for growth and a more dynamic environment. This award adds to our 20th year celebration list and we will continue to strive for innovation and provide leadership within the rapidly-evolving industry, in the years to come."

In the past year, Abacus has launched a suite of online solutions that is designed to help travel agencies build stronger Internet presence, and added a Maldives national marketing office to its network. In addition, Abacus uploaded net fares for the historic cross-straits flights and now facilitates travel bookings between Taiwan and China.

"As the only GDS rooted in Asia, our deep understanding of the region's travel markets together with our innate Asian spirit provides a firm foundation to help shape the region's travel distribution scene," said Robert Bailey.

SilkAir recognised as Asia-Pacific's best airline

SilkAir has been voted Asia-Pacific's 'Best Regional Airline' by the readers of TTG for the ninth time since this award category was first introduced in 1995. The award was presented at the TTG Travel Awards 2008 event in Bangkok.

The 'Best Regional Airline' award honours the carrier offering the best in-flight service, network and schedules within the Asia-Pacific region. Readers of TTG voted for SilkAir in this category.

The annual TTG Travel Awards serve as a benchmark for high standards across the industry, celebrating the travel industry's best by offering 72 awards across four categories: airlines, hotels, spas and travel agents.

"The TTG Travel Award is one of the travel industry's most distinguished forms of recognition. It is a tremendous honour to be voted 'Best Regional Airline' by TTG readers," said Chief Executive of SilkAir Chin Yau Seng.

"This coveted award goes a long way in deepening our commitment to meet - and exceed - our customers' expectations of SilkAir as a regional carrier known for its high service standards."

It is not the first time this year that SilkAir has received international recognition.