THAI Offers Code-Share Flights to the Maldives

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced that the company is operating code-share flights to the Maldives in cooperation with Bangkok Airways, on the route Bangkok-Maldives-Bangkok.

THAI is pleased to offer code-share flights to the Maldives, renown for its splendor and natural beauty. Flights to the Maldives will be operated at a frequency of three flights per week on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, utilizing Airbus A319 aircraft.

The flight program for flights on the route Bangkok – Maldives v.v. during the winter schedule, now until 26 March 2011, are as follows:

Marketing Flight No

Flight Days

Route

Departure

Arrival

Aircraft

TG4523

Mon, Thurs, Sun

Bangkok-Maldives

1400

1620

A319

TG4524

Mon, Thurs, Sun

Maldives-Bangkok

1720

2340

A319

(Departures and arrivals in local time)

“The code-share agreement between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the return route from Bangkok to Maldives significantly offers more travel opportunities for passengers who book and travel with THAI. Through this code-share arrangement, more passengers will be able to travel to the Maldives, the island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of 26 atolls, and experience the renown pure beauty of the Maldives at its best,” said Mr. Weerawat Swasdibutra, THAI General Manager for Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.

Currently, THAI serves 71 destinations worldwide in 34 countries, spanning five continents. THAI operates flights to cities in Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East, People’s Republic of China, Indian sub-continent, Australasia, and the United States.

The new code-share services between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the route Bangkok to Maldives took effect on 30 December 2010.

Source: Thai Airways International

Galana Petroleum wins Maldive jet fuel deal

Middle East based Galana Petroleum Limited has won a tender to supply a total of 1.02 million barrels of jet fuel to the Maldives for delivery between April 2010 through March 2011, industry sources said on Sunday.

Galana concluded the deal with the archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, at premium of $3.59 a barrel to the benchmark Middle East kerosene price, traders said.

The first delivery is scheduled for April, sources familiar with deal said.

"It is variable but the average size of each parcel is about 6,000 tonnes," a source said.

Galana edged out the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and European trader Vitol, for the supply deal with the Maldives, traders said.

Source: http://uk.reuters.com

IBS to deploy its solution for Maldivian

Thiruvananthapuram-based IBS Software will deploy its new-generation passenger service system aiRES for Maldivian, the national airline of Maldives.

The solution is to help Maldivian manage its passenger reservations, inventory control, fares and ticketing, and departure control functions.

Maldivian has chosen IBS’ solution for its cost-effectiveness, optimum fit, short implementation time and flexible features that include web distribution, GDS, and credit card payment gateways.

“Through its open architecture, aiRES will enable Maldivian to broaden its customer service offering by integrating it with its distribution channels,” the company said in a release.

Maldivian operates scheduled flights to Thiruvananthapuram and is looking to add destinations such as Colombo in November 2008 in its bid to boost tourism to the nation and to provide better convenience for the locals traveling abroad.

Source: www.business-standard.com

Maldivian uses IBS' Passenger Services System

Maldivian, the national airline of Maldives, has gone live with IBS' new-generation Passenger Service System, aiRES in the Software as a Service (SaaS) mode. The solution will help the airline manage its passenger reservations, inventory control, fares & ticketing, and departure control functions.

Maldivian has chosen IBS’ solution for its cost-effectiveness, optimum fit, short implementation time and flexible features that include Web Distribution, GDS, and Credit Card payment gateways. Through its open architecture, aiRES will enable Maldivian to broaden its customer service offering by integrating it with its distribution channels.

Maldivian operates scheduled flights both to domestic destinations as well as to the regional destination, Trivandrum in India and is looking to add more such destinations such as Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2008 to boost tourism to the island nation and more importantly to provide greater convenience for the locals traveling abroad. aiRES provides the airline the rich functionality and the flexible and scalable architecture required to help address its growth needs and the business agility to adapt to the requirements of a changing and competitive market. The SaaS (hosted) version of the new-generation system allows Maldivian to utilize the complete functionality of the system to improve customer experience, in a very cost-effective manner, being required to pay on a transaction basis. This is especially significant at a time when rising costs driven by fuel prices, are driving airlines to look for effective ways to reduce operational costs in other areas.

Source: www.indiaprwire.com

India: Cabinet okays Air Services Agreement with Maldives

"The revised agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between the two countries and has the potential to spur greater bilateral trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the meeting.

The Cabinet, which met here this morning, also approved signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain on labour and manpower development which will benefit the Indian emigrant workers, especially the unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers and housemaids, he said.

In another decision, the Cabinet cleared signing of a social security agreement between India and France. The Social Security Agreement provides Indian nationals working in France the following benefits -- "of avoidance of double social security contribution by the detached Indian workers in France, portability of social security benefits on relocation as also totalisation of period of contribution in the second contracting state for determining the eligibility for social security benefits," the minister added.

Further, approval has been given for signing of the agreement between India and Latvia for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income The agreement will stimulate the flow of capital, technology and personnel from India to Latvia and vice-versa. It will provide tax stability and reduce any obstacles in providing mutual cooperation.

Source: www.mynews.in

Indian Government gives approval for air services agreement with Maldives

With a view to attracting more foreign passengers, the Government today (18 Sept 2008) gave approval for signing an Air Services agreement with Maldives.

The approval has been given at a meeting of Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"A revised agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Maldives and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

The decision comes in accordance with the policy of liberalisation in the civil aviation sector. It also reflects government's liberal approach in the matter of granting traffic rights under bilateral agreements with various foreign countries.

The signing of a new Air Services Agreement is the first milestone to achieve for the purpose of establishing air connectivity with new countries. Recently, a number of new Air Services Agreements have been initialed/signed based on modern practices in civil aviation sector.

Air Services Agreements with some countries were signed some time back and required updating in view of the changing circumstances and developments in international civil aviation, and with respect to newer standards and recommended practices. These countries include the US, UK, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Iceland, Finland, Tunisia and Qatar. PTI

Source: www.ptinews.com

Extend your Eid break with Emirates Holidays and enjoy extra nights for free

Emirates Holidays announced its Eid packages to some of the most sought after destinations in Europe, India, Malaysia, China and the Indian Ocean.

Emirates Holidays offers holidaymakers the chance to extend their Eid breaks with extra nights for free on all of this season's specials.

John Felix, Senior Vice President of Emirates Holidays commented:

'With Eid just around the corner, we are delighted to offer UAE residents a series of affordable, quality, tailor-made holiday packages to some of the world's most stunning and intriguing destinations. Whilst many travellers leave planning a holiday over Eid to the last minute, we recommend that people book early in order to get some of the best deals.'

Felix said, 'All accommodation offered by Emirates Holidays is inspected to ensure it meets our high standards. Many of our promotional offers are for rooms classified as deluxe, superior or luxury, giving Eid holidaymakers the opportunity to experience a higher level of luxury at a competitive cost.'

Pampering Retreats - Pamper yourself in five star luxury at the Banyan Tree Seychelles for four nights for the price of three staying in a picturesque Hillside Pool Villa. Valid until the end of October 2008.

Alternatively, mix relaxation with cultural discovery staying in a Deluxe Lagoon Room at the Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa Kumarakom in the Indian city of Kochi, where you pay for three nights and stay for four. The offer is valid until 15th October 2008.

City Escapes - Emirates Holidays is offering a varied selection of city destinations including Istanbul, Vienna and Kuala Lumpur.

Explore The Topkapi Palace from Ottoman times, historic mosques and art houses in Istanbul staying at the Conrad for four nights for the price of three. The offer is valid from 25th September until 5th October 2008. Guests can also stay at the Hyatt Regency for five nights for the price of four between 29th September and 5th October 2008.

Alternatively take a romantic break in Austria, staying at the Hilton Vienna for four nights for the price of three. The offer is valid from 1st until 10th October 2008.

For a dazzling capital city break, Eid holidaymakers can head to Kuala Lumpur, in the cultural heart of Malaysia, staying at the Shangri-La Hotel in a Horizon Executive Room for four nights for the price of three. The offer is valid from 25th September until 10th of October 2008.

Indian Ocean - In Mauritius, Emirates Holidays is offering travellers double the value for their money with a package at the luxurious Oberoi Mauritius in a Luxury Pavilion for six nights for the price of just three. Valid until 31st October 2008.

In the Maldives, holidaymakers can stay in a Lagoon Villa at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa for five nights for the price of four. This package offers the perfect romantic holiday for couples looking to unwind. The offer is valid until 31st October 2008.

Oriental Immersion - For an introduction to oriental culture, Emirates Holidays is offering three nights for the price of two at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, valid from 1st until 9th October, or four nights for the price of three at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, valid from 29th September until 8th October 2008. These packages are the perfect way to discover Chinese heritage.

Skywards members will receive up to 20% bonus Miles when they book hotel accommodation for a minimum of three nights.

All prices are per person on twin-sharing basis and include: economy class return airfare from Dubai on award-winning Emirates Airline, accommodation, American breakfast, room taxes and service charges, as well as transfers between airport and hotel, with the exception of the Vienna package which does not include transfers.

Source: www.ameinfo.com

SriLankan Airlines is to run non-stop flights between the UK and the Maldives this winter

SriLankan Airlines is to run non-stop flights between the UK and the Maldives this winter

The airline will operate twice weekly from Heathrow to Male starting on October 26 with a flying time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.

The carrier’s UK and Ireland manager Chanaka Olagama said: “We recognise the need to introduce this non-stop service for such a popular holiday destination.

“Customers’ needs are our priority and we believe that this new direct service will provide a time-effective way to travel in style and comfort to their paradise location.”

Source: travelmole.com

President Gayoom officially inaugurates Gan International Airport

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has officially inaugurated the Gan International Airport on Tuesday.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony President Gayoom said that the Gan International Airport would make a remarkable contribution to speeding up the pace of progress in Addu Atoll. He also said that the Government attached a very high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular as it was one of the most populous atolls in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the development of Addu Atoll over the past few years and that the opening of the International Airport was a notable achievement in the field of aviation.

During his speech President Gayoom urged the employees of all airports in Maldives to provide the best services for their customers and pointed out that the Airports were the face-front representatives of the country.

The Minister of Transport and Communication Mohamed Saeed also spoke at the ceremony, noting the historic significance of the Addu Atoll Airport. He said that Maldives had achieved significant progress in the field of aviation due to the collaborative efforts of the Government and the people.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Madam Nasreena were greeted upon their arrival at the ceremony by the Minister of Transport and Communication Mohamed Saeed and senior officials of the Ministry, the regional airport and Maldives Airports Company.

The Presidential couple arrived in Addu Atoll at 11:00am Tuesday morning. They were greeted at the Gan Airport by the Atoll Chief Saud Abdulla, Minister of Transport and Communication Mr. Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Tourism and Civil aviation Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, and other officials attending the ceremony. The students of Feydhoo School presented the President and the First Lady with a welcome song at the airport.

Source: haveeru.com.mv

Maldives' airline to operate daily flights to India

Launching its first international operation, Maldives' national carrier 'Island Aviation Services' would be starting daily flights between the island nation's capital Male and Thiruvananthapuram from January 25.

To start with the airline would be flying a 50-seater Dash8 aircraft for the 120-minute journey, starting from 13:30 Maldives time, and return to the island at 18:30 from here, the airline's Managing Director, Bandhu I Saleem, told a press meet here.

" We are making a beginning in the international aviation sector on the strength of warm ties between the two countries and their liberal aviation policies," Saleem said.

Island, fully-owned by the Maldivian Government, had so far been providing inter-island connectivity among the islands constituting the Maldives.

The launch of the service in the sector would help the normal passengers flying between the two countries and also the tourism boom on both sides, he said.

A fast emerging tourist hotspot, the number of resorts in Maldives was expected to go up to 100 from 80 now. Male receive quite a large number of chartered tourist flights from European countries, he said.

Spencer's Travels Services Ltd., would be representing the airline whose office was inaugurated in the city Tuesday.

Source: hindu.com

Jazeera Airways launches flights to the Maldives

Kuwait and Dubai based Jazeera Airways announced today the launch of their non-stop route from Dubai to the Maldives. Attending the media launch event in the Maldives were Jazeera Airways senior officials, members of the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority, officials from the

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, the Maldives Minister of Tourism and travel agents from Kuwait and Dubai.

Jazeera Airways who operate a fleet of new Airbus A320s, all fitted with signature leather seats, are only the second carrier to operate non-stop flights to the Maldives from Dubai, which will fly every Sunday and Tuesday.

Low-fares to the Maldives can be booked online at jazeeraairways.com, and customers can also reserve their preferred seats at the time of booking.

Source: Maktoob

MAS files RM123m law suit against Air Maldives

Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) has filed a US$35.55 million (RM122.65 million) lawsuit against Air Maldives Ltd alleging its failure to make payments on the lease of aircraft to the latter.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, MAS said its solicitors had filed affidavits of service on Wednesday in the Kuala Lumpur High Court in respect of its claims against Air Maldives for US$35.55 million.

A MAS spokesman said the bulk of the lawsuit was for Air Maldives’ alleged failure to make the lease payments in the 1990s, as well as all other charges related to the lease.

“Among other things, the sum of US$35.55 million was for the lease of the planes, the administrative charges, technical assistance... Air Maldives failed to meet those commitments and we are taking action,” he claimed.

On May 16, MAS announced that it had received a letter from the secretariat of the Court of Arbitration giving notice of a proceeding initiated by Air Maldives.

Air Maldives alleged that MAS had failed to perform its duties under a management agreement signed on Jan 16, 1996.

MAS had said the suit referred to the memorandum of understanding dated July 29, 1994, between the government of Maldives and Malaysian Helicopter Services Bhd (MHSB), now known as Naluri Corp Bhd.

It also referred to the shareholders agreement dated Oct 1, 1994, between the government of Maldives and MHSB, and the management agreement between MAS and Maldives Air.

Meanwhile, in a separate announcement, MAS said it had launched the “Get Spotted” campaign to reward its Enrich frequent flyer members.

As part of its “Let’s Fly Malaysia!” campaign, Enrich members will receive special edition luggage tags custom-designed for Malaysia Airlines by Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid or better known as Lat.

MAS said overall, 50,000 luggage tags would be distributed, and an average of four winners would be selected daily during the campaign period.

“Each winner will receive 10,000 Enrich miles and RM50 ‘temptations’ inflight shopping vouchers.

“Winners who are spotted on Aug 31 will receive a 3-day/2-night Golden Holidays package for two persons, either to Phuket, Denpasar, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Bangkok.”

During the campaign period, Enrich members who check in for their flights or arrive at the KLIA can collect the luggage tag at the Enrich counters. They will need to display the tag creatively on their hand baggage, and if spotted by a team of Enrich promoters in KLIA, they stand at chance to win the prizes.

Source: The Edge Daily

Maldives wants new airports for resort islands

Maldives is seeking international investors to help build ten regional airports as part of a plan to develop nearly three dozen resort islands, a minister said on Wednesday.

"We plan to build 10 domestic airports packaged with tourist resorts, to make it economically feasible to investors. The tenders will go out later this year," Maldivian tourism minister, Mahmood Shaugee, told AFP.

The government plans to develop the 35 resort islands over the next two years. The exotic South Asian holiday location attracts over 600,000 visitors each year, mostly Europeans.

About 700 kilometres (435 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives is a string of 1,192 coral islands scattered across the equator. Some 199 are inhabited with 87 islands developed as tourist resorts, according to a recent World Bank study.

The government last year signed up investors to develop the 35 resort islands, which will help raise the local hotel industry's bed capacity to 23,000 within the next three years from 20,000 currently.

Maldivian resorts, favoured by celebrities, report over 90 percent occupancy.

"We're confident we can easily fill the new resorts," Shaugee said.

The low-lying atoll nation has a population of 369,000 and the region's highest per capita income of over 2,300 dollars.

Source: LBO

Maldives wants new airports for resort islands

Maldives is seeking international investors to help build ten regional airports as part of a plan to develop nearly three dozen resort islands, a minister said on Wednesday.

"We plan to build 10 domestic airports packaged with tourist resorts, to make it economically feasible to investors. The tenders will go out later this year," Maldivian tourism minister, Mahmood Shaugee, told AFP.

The government plans to develop the 35 resort islands over the next two years. The exotic South Asian holiday location attracts over 600,000 visitors each year, mostly Europeans.

About 700 kilometres (435 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives is a string of 1,192 coral islands scattered across the equator. Some 199 are inhabited with 87 islands developed as tourist resorts, according to a recent World Bank study.

The government last year signed up investors to develop the 35 resort islands, which will help raise the local hotel industry's bed capacity to 23,000 within the next three years from 20,000 currently.

Maldivian resorts, favoured by celebrities, report over 90 percent occupancy.

"We're confident we can easily fill the new resorts," Shaugee said.

The low-lying atoll nation has a population of 369,000 and the region's highest per capita income of over 2,300 dollars.

Source: LBO

Sumatec's Unit Secures RM5.75 Mln Project In Maldives

Sumatec Resources Bhd's unit Sumatec Corporation Sdn Bhd has secured a project worth RM5.757 million in Maldives, said Sumatec in a filing to Bursa Malaysia here, today.

The contract, which is scheduled to be completed in May 2008, is for the design, fabrication, testing and supply of new Aviation Fuelling System for Maldives Airport Company Ltd, a government-owned company of the Maldives.

The contract is expected to contribute positively to the overall earning and shareholder value of Sumatec for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2007.

Source: BERNAMA

IAS signs agreement to purchase new plane for Rf 105 million

Island Aviation Services (IAS) has signed an agreement with a Norway company to purchase a 50-seat Dash airplane for Rf 105 million, Thursday. The plane being purchased is a Dash Q300 model.

At the signing ceremony held at Nasandhura Palace Hotel the agreement to purchase their largest airplane so far was signed on behalf of the IAS by the company’s Managing Director Ibrahim Saleem. The Norway company, Widerøe, which will deliver the plane for IAS was represented by the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lars Kobberstad.

According to IAS, the new plane which has previously been used in colder climates, is not that much different from the current 37-seat Dash-8 model being used by IAS, although more spacious. The company also said that the new plane will be brought to Male by the final week of October this year.

“The new plane will also be used for flying to regional airports,” the Managing Director of IAS said. “When we receive the authorization to fly to India we will fly there too.” The company has made arrangements to begin flights to Trivandrum, India sometime during the course of the year.

IAS is purchasing the new plane a million Rufiyaa cheaper than the 37-seat Dash-8 plane they had purchased earlier. With the addition of the new plane to their fleet the effective passenger capacity of the company will be raised from 106 to 156.

The IAS fleet currently consists of a Dash-8 plane on rent from the bankrupt Air Maldives airlines, a Dornier purchased in 2003 for Rf 19.27 million, another Rf 59 million Dornier brought into service in July 2005, and the 37-seat Dash-8 purchased last year.

Source: haveeru

Maldives to open five new airports

The Maldives' Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation has revealed that five new airports will be built on reclaimed lagoons across the North and South atolls taking the Maldives' total hub count to seven.

Mahamood Shougee said that Emirates Airline, which already flies to the capital, Mahe, was considering flying to the new hub in the south and that charter airlines from Europe were already scheduling flights to the new airports.

Each of the new airports will be built in conjunction with at least one resort as the Maldives gears up to introduce more mid-range properties to its portfolio of products.

Source: Arabian Business

emirates holidays and hyatt hotels offer summer suite special deals

Emirates holidays and hyatt hotels offer summer suite special deals

It’s summertime, and the living is about to get real easy with Emirates Holidays and Hyatt Hotels in Dubai announcing a unique, co-branded brochure and promotion that guarantees a highly-rewarding holiday.

The “suite specials” promotion brings together the best of two worlds – a first-class tour operator and a top-notch hotel chain – for the very first time in the industry.

Loaded with a range of features, the packages come with attractive price tags for travel in Economy Class, including options for Business and First class where applicable, and a choice of suites at three properties – Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency in Dubai. Besides couples and honeymooners, the suite packages are ideal for families as they accommodate two adults and two children at the Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt and two adults and one child at the Hyatt Regency.

Travelling on Emirates Airline, guests are greeted by meet-and-assist services, chauffeur-drive and a welcome pack at Dubai International Airport. Guests are also pampered with exclusive benefits from Hyatt that include complimentary continental breakfast, a minibar and access to the Club Lounge. The rates include all accommodation related taxes and charges.

These offers are valid from 1st June to 31st August.

John Felix, Vice President Emirates Holidays said: “At Emirates Holidays we believe in designing fresh and novel travel experiences that envelop a broad spectrum of benefits and provide a completely hassle-free holiday. The suite special offer has been carefully designed to marry the best Emirates and Emirates Holidays has to offer with Hyatt’s reputation for outstanding properties and luxurious service. With the Dubai Summer Surprises running during this period, guests are assured of returning with memorable experiences and bags full of shopping.”

The packages are available around the Emirates network in Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Mauritius, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda & Yemen.

Peter Fulton, Regional Director at Hyatt Hotels said: “The Hyatt’s range of properties in Dubai offer unique and memorable experiences for the traveller and consummate levels of luxury. Summer is a great time to enjoy our range of properties, given that the city wears a festive look with the Dubai Summer Surprises in town and travellers descending from all over the world. We are delighted to team up with Emirates Holidays, the region’s leading and top-notch tour operator, and offer unsurpassed levels of benefits to our customers.”

About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, offers today’s travellers over 735 hotels and resorts (over 136,000 rooms) in more than 44 countries. The company’s affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt branded hotels and resorts under the Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Place™ and Hyatt Summerfield Suites® brands. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc., which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites.

About Emirates Holidays:

Emirates Holidays, the largest wholesale tour operator in the Gulf and Middle East, offers the region's most comprehensive programme of inclusive vacations. With ground arrangements and transfers included, the company meets the needs of today's discerning travellers by offering them a choice of arrangements that travel agents will find easy to sell.

Emirates Holidays launched its latest range of A World of Choice 2007-08 brochures in April. In its 17th year, the latest Emirates Holidays brochures feature the largest-ever range of holidays in four volumes covering Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean; Europe and The Americas; Asia and Australasia; and the brand-new Dubai and the Emirates. On offer are flexible, affordable and quality holidays to more than 120 stunning leisure destinations in 39 countries and a choice of more than 1,000 accommodation options.

Emirates Holidays provides sales and support services throughout the Gulf and Middle East, as well as an ever-increasing number of Southern European, Asian and African markets.

Source: Al-bawaba

MAS faces arbitration on claims by Maldives Air

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) is facing arbitration at the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris, after Air Maldives Ltd alleged that MAS had failed to perform its duties under a management agreement signed on Jan 16, 1996.

In a statement on May 16, MAS said it had received a letter from the secretariat of the Court of Arbitration giving notice of the arbitration proceeding initiated by Air Maldives.

It said the notice referred to the memorandum of understanding dated July 29, 1994, between the government of Maldives and Malaysian Helicopter Services Bhd (MHSB), now known as Nalur Corp Bhd.

The notice also referred to the shareholders agreement dated Oct 1, 1994, between the government of Maldives and MHSB, and the management agreement between MAS and Maldives Air.

"MAS is taking legal advice to challenge the claim," the national carrier said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia. MAS said the notice did not specify the amounts claimed by Maldives Air.

- The Edge Daily -

Another cheap airline plans to fly to Australia

JETSTAR is about to face its first challenge on the long-haul "low-cost" airline market between Asia and Australia, after the Chinese budget carrier Viva Macau confirmed plans to fly to Sydney by late July.

The airline, which is based in Macau, plans to launch three weekly services to Sydney once it takes delivery of its third Boeing 767 next month.

"The dates are not confirmed yet but definitely July," a Viva Macau spokeswoman told the Herald.

Based on the ticket prices Viva already offers, it is expected the airline could easily undercut the fares offered by Jetstar into Asia.

On its website yesterday Viva was offering return flights from Macau to Jakarta for as low as $138 (including taxes) and the Maldives for $370. Last year the airline's chief executive, Andrew Pyne, predicted Viva would undercut existing fares on the Sydney to Hong Kong route by at least 20 per cent.

Viva's chief operating officer, Con Korfiatis, is understood to have visited Sydney last week to make the final arrangements for the airline's arrival.

Mr Korfiatis is no stranger to Jetstar. The former Qantas executive was the first acting chief executive in the struggling 44.5 per cent Qantas-owned Singapore budget carrier Jetstar Asia.

Viva also plans to launch services to Seoul and Osaka within the next two months, before launching services into Europe by the end of the year. The airline, which commenced services last December, plans to expand its fleet to five 767s by the end of the year. Like Jetstar International, it has two classes. Economy passengers have to pay for meals.

Aside from banking on the growing demand for travel to the booming gambling mecca of Macau, Viva also plans to exploit the oversupply of hotel rooms in the former Portuguese enclave.

The airline is looking to offer Australian passengers en route to Europe a cheap hotel room in transit. It is rumoured Viva is looking at European destinations such as Moscow and Milan.

Viva's planned arrival comes after AirAsia announced plans to fly to Australia with its new long-haul budget carrier within the next year. But this could be delayed due to a lack of available aircraft.

The Hong Kong long-haul low-cost carrier Oasis is yet to indicate whether it plans to fly to Australia. The airline has so far singled out North America and Europe, but with plans to expand its fleet to 25 Boeing 747s by 2010 it could eventually include Australia in its growth plans.

■ The Australian Federation of Airline Pilots warned Jetstar would face pilot shortages if it pursued its plans to put all of its new pilots on Australian Workplace Agreements.

"It's not as if there's a ready supply of pilots sitting around," said AFAP's head of industrial relations Lawrie Cox.

"If anything this will be a backward step for the company," he said.

With Virgin Blue already having to cancel some flights due to pilot shortages, Jetstar plans to hire 200 pilots to aid its expansion over the next year.

Source: SMH