Google Flight

Google has bought the Massachusetts-based ITA software firm for $700m (£460m) to make it convenient for users to search for specific flight information on its highly-dominant search engine. Google might have described its intention as “pro-competitive” and “pro-consumer”, but it has expectantly shook up online booking agencies.

Collaboration with ITA is sure to draw  regulatory scrutiny considering ITA is the most widely used service by the travel industry. Not much in the public eye, but i it is ITA that acts as a medium between travel companies and users. It provides  flight data, timings, availability and prices to the travel industry.

Google’s chief executive, Eric Schmidt, said: “Their technology opens exciting possibilities for us to create new ways for users to more easily find flight information online, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Google.”

While the company has made it clear that it has no intention of selling airline tickets to consumers, fears of Google yielding too much power and influence cloud the travel market.

Concerns have  become evident, by travel agents Kayak and Expedia who approached ITA to snatch the business from Google. However, negotiations with Google had already progressed to an advanced stage.

Google beat reported bidders Expedia, Kayak and Travelport.

Al Maktoum International Ruway (GFDL/Fatma3298)

Dubai officially opened its second Al Maktoum International Airport on Sunday for cargo operations. Previously known as Jebel Ali International Airport, it is the emirates second airport and supposed to become the world’s largest. In a statement issued by Dubai Airports, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum , president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports said “the opening is the first step in a long infrastructure development project that over time will see our new airport transformed into the world’s largest global gateway and a multi-modal logistics hub that plays an increasingly integral role in the ongoing economic and social development of Dubai. It is a proud day for Dubai and an auspicious occasion for the future of global aviation”.

Phase 1 of the Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC) features a runway that is capable of accommodating a super-jumbo Airbus A380 jet, 64 remote stands, a cargo terminal with a capacity for 250,000 tonnes a year and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate 5 million passengers a year.

The completion of the USD$10.9 billion project is estimated to take 10-15 years and will have five runways, up to four terminal buildings and the capacity for 12 million tonnes of freight and 160 million passengers a year.

Passenger flights are planned to start by March 2011, dependent on IATA regulations.

Sheikh Ahmed said in May “Dubai first airport, the Dubai International Airport is capable of handling 2.5 million tonnes of cargo and is expected to increase its capacity by 48 percent to 3 million tonnes by 2015″

It is estimated that 98 million passengers will pass through Dubai International Airport by 2020 and will rocket to 150 million by 2030.

Dubai Airports have stated, Dubai International Airport is the fourth largest airport globally for international passenger traffic.

Committed cargo carriers for the new airport include Aban Air, ACI, Aerospace Consortium, Aviation Service Management, Coyne Airways, EuroAsian Services, Gatewick, Ramjet, Reem Style, Rial Aviation, Rus Aviation, Sonic Jet, SunGlobal, Skyline and United Aviation Services with operations steadily increasing over the next few months.

Lufthansa Airport Lounge at Frankfurt Airport (CC/Don Serapio)

Delays in flights, security checks, and arriving too early for check-in are all part and parcel of airline travel. Despite travelers understanding the existence of such and many more unwanted factors in airline travel, it is no wonder they play chaos in executives’ professional lives. Airport lounges offer a solution and make up for the lost time by providing all the necessary comforts in work and relaxation. An airport lounge, also known as airport club is a lounge or place of relaxation offered by the airline for travelers on long-haul flights, delayed flights or those who ought to recover from a tiring journey.

An airport lounge comes with a package of luxurious facilities specially designed for business and long distance travelers. Along with the peace and quiet, there are a number of luxury services provided such as meeting rooms, Wi-Fi access, spas, gyms, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, phone & fax, TV and babysitting facilities for families. Access to an airport lounge also means that you gain better assistance, as customer service representatives are more attentive

There are several methods for gaining access to an airport lounge.

• The airline you travel with may have its own lounge and purchasing an annual or lifetime membership is the regular approach.
• Discounts on lounge access are available for frequent flyers to be exchanged using ‘miles’.
• Owning a high-end credit card allows free entry to lounges, as long as the person is entitled to own the card.
• Travelers frequently traveling first class or business class are sometimes allowed free admission.
• Using an airline status card, one can attain access to airline and its partner airline lounges.

Major airlines operate lounges in a majority of big cities around the world while smaller airlines offer it only in their hometowns. They propose various services, ranging from a simple yet cozy seating area to a more luxurious swimming pool and massage therapies. Most of the airport lounges will welcome you by offering the following comforts:

• Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic beverages (free or on purchase)
• Snacks
• Business needs like newspapers, Wi-Fi zone, TV, phone, fax, conference (meeting) rooms
• Indulgences like top-notch restaurants, private cabanas with private showers, massage services designed around travel stress, artistic interiors by world-renowned designers, large plasma screens showing the latest news updates.
• Personalized services including medical attention
• Day care centre
• Billiards, video and computer games to keep you engaged.

Here is a list of notable airport lounges that possibly couldn’t go unnoticed:

1. Admirals Lounge – American Airlines, John F Kennedy International Airport, USA

2. Air France Lounge at Terminal #2 – Air France, Charles de Gaulle International Airport, France

3. Golden Lounge – Malaysian Airlines, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

4. Lufthansa Lounge – Lufthansa, Frankfurt International Airport, Germany

5. Premium Terminal – Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport, Qatar

6. President’s Club – Continental Airlines, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington D.C., USA

7. Qantas First Class Lounge – Qantas, Sydney International Airport, Australia

8. SAS Lounge – Copenhagen International Airport, Denmark

9. Silver Kris – Singapore Airlines, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

10. Smokers Lounge – Swissair, Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

11. Star Alliance Lounge – Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

12. Terraces Lounge – British Airways, JFK International Airport, USA

13. The Royal Orchid – Thai Airways, Bangkok Airport, Thailand

14. The Wing – Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

15. VIP Lounge – LanChile, Santiago International Airport, Chile