SouThERN AfRiCA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
March 31 2010 I No. 2100
INSIDE
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
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NEWS
Air MAlAwi A Awi
NEWS
ASATA 50Th CoNgreSS
fEaTurE fE
Temporary schedule changes
Redesigning the story of travel
A feast for culture vultures
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ruSSiA
Page 11
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‘we’re e’re here to stay’ – Thai Airways Natalia thomsoN
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AST time we ‘sneaked’ out of the country. This time we’re here to stay.” That’s the word from Thai Airways, which last week sought to allay the industry’s scepticism that the airline would ever launch its direct Johannesburg-Bangkok route, having moved the date several times already this year. The launch date had been moved, said Charles Pamonmontri, director Europe & Africa Department, because of a delay in securing a permit from SA authorities. The airline also hopes to obtain rights to fly to Cape Town eventually so that it can extend its Johannesburg flights to the Mother City before returning to Bangkok. Also on the cards is a possible codeshare with Thai’s Star Alliance partner, South African Airways, allowing the airline to carry its passengers through to SAA’s South American destinations, São Paulo and Buenos Aires.
Thai pulled out of the SA market “against its will” for a second time in January 2009 due to the economic situation but now the airline is “ready”, Charles claims. Asked when agents could start booking the airline and when an official announcement would be made on the appointment of a GSA in South Africa, Charles was non-commital, saying details would be revealed “pretty soon”. Stressing the airline’s intention to stay this time, he told representatives from the SA travel sector that the operation would now be sustainable with the improved economy and lower fuel prices. The airline has confirmed it will now start its flights on June 2, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays using a B777-200ER aircraft. The flight departs Bangkok on 01h15 arriving in JNB at 07h30. The return flight departs Johannesburg at 13h40, arriving in Bangkok at 05h55 the following morning. n
Flight times from Johannesburg to Bangkok Airline Thai Airways Malaysia Airlines Etihad Emirates Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific
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Length of journey Transit time 11h15 None 12h35 3 hours 14h35 8 hours 50 minutes 14h20 1 hour 20 minutes 12h45 1 hour 35 minutes 15h15 2 hours 5 minutes
wlh offers three-star luxury World Leisure Holidays has re-entered the three-star market with a new Mauritius property – Coin de Mire Hotel. Located in the northern part of the island, the recently renovated hotel features 60 superior, 23 de-luxe, and 19 family rooms. The property also features a restaurant and bar, a wellness lounge, two swimming pools, a tennis court, a fitness centre, indoor games, and water activities. “This hotel with a three-star rating offers all the pleasures of a quality stay and the confidence of a ‘best value for money’ offer in its category,” says national sales and marketing manager, Alexis Bekker. Pictured here are marketing co-ordinator, Claudia Carrozza; Alexis; and senior reservation consultants, Kyle Sansbury and Tammy Glendinning. WLH has exclusive sales rights to the hotel. Photo: Tijana Huysamen
Air Mauritius – twice weekly to Durban Natasha tiPPel AIR Mauritius plans to bump up its Durban frequency to two flights a week from April. Despite the economic downturn, the airline saw an increase in demand along this route, says vice president of sales, Rana Ramdaursingh. Rana notes that there will be a third frequency during seasonal peak
periods and if the airline continues to see growth and demand in the market, it will increase flights to three a week on a more permanent basis. In other news, Air Mauritius has decided to centralise its reservations and ticketing operations in JNB as well as having its own offices at Durban and Cape Town airports. This ends a five and a half year relationship with
Holiday Aviation, which has been gsa for Air Mauritius in KZN and the Western Cape. The airline has also appointed Carla da Silva as regional manager for Southern Africa and Latin America. Carla will be responsible for the overall Air Mauritius operations in South Africa and online operations in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. n