Airlines battle for winter business

2008-09-08

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the global airline industry will lose US$5.2 billion in 2008. But the ongoing problems besetting the airline industry, should mean we – as customers – enjoy a winter of genuine bargains.

Budget UK-based airline BMI is offering twice daily flights on its Heathrow to Moscow Domodedovo route. Economy fares start from £247, including charges and taxes.

BMI has increased a deal with Russian carrier Transaero, which is also increasing its daily services between Moscow and London, with four flights a day in each direction.

And the airline has also promised to slash its fares in a winter sale. Reduced rates are available on bookings made for travel before March 31 next year. Both business and economy fares have been cut on flights across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia and Africa.

EasyJet is hoping its new daily flights from Gatwick to Istanbul will prove popular. Flights to the |Turkish city begin on December 12. Fares start from £35.99 one way, including tax. Istanbul is the fifth new route to be added to the airline's Gatwick base this winter. EasyJet is also adding flights to Lyon, Basel, Helsinki and Salzburg.

Meanwhile Irish budget carrier Ryanair has expanded its winter ski schedule for 2008/09, increasing its routes by 40% to 101. This year's ski flight schedule has also been expanded until April 18, 2009, to include next year’s Easter holidays. The airline will operate routes to the snow from eight UK airports, with flights available for the first time from Bristol and Bournemouth.

Finally, for travellers still affected by the recent collapse of Zoom, help is at hand. Air Transat Holidays has jumped in and offered 100,000 extra seats for summer 2009 on Glasgow, London Gatwick and Manchester routes to replace the capacity lost by Zoom.

The company has already provided 15 extra flights to help stranded Zoom customers get to and from Glasgow, Manchester and Gatwick to Toronto and western Canada.