Corporate Travel News For Europe/MEA

EU Commission approved (04-Sep-2017) the German Government's plans to grant a "temporary" EUR150 million bridging loan to airberlin. The Commission expects the measure "will allow for the orderly wind down of the insolvent airline Air Berlin without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market". German public credit institution KfW will provide a credit facility of up to EUR150 million to airberlin over the coming months. The Commission noted the loan will be paid out in installments under "stringent conditions", which include airberlin demonstrating its liquidity needs on a weekly basis, and new installments will only be paid when all existing liquidity has been used. The Commission confirmed Germany is "committed to ensure that either the loan will be fully repaid, or Germany will submit a winding down plan for Air Berlin". [more - original PR]

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport reported (04-Sep-2017) its 'small bags only' security lanes trial saw 95% of passengers wait between zero and 10 minutes. As previously reported by CAPA, Schiphol trialled a dedicated security lane for passengers with no baggage or small bags during Jul/Aug-2017. Additionally, 15% to 20% more passengers passed through the 'small bags only' security lanes compared to regular security lanes. Schiphol subsequently extended the service up to and including the autumn holiday period. [more - original PR - English/Dutch]

Qantas Airways launched (04-Sep-2017) a codeshare agreement with El Al Airlines on 04-Sep-2017 for travel from 12-Sep-2017. Qantas will codeshare on El Al operated services from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Johannesburg to Tel Aviv, while El Al will codeshare on Qantas operated services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Hong Kong, as well as on Sydney-Bangkok and Sydney-Johannesburg services. [more - original PR]

Mauritius' Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Ghana's Minister for Aviation Cecilia Abena Dapaah held (30-Aug-2017) a meeting on 30-Aug-2017 focused mainly on the possibility of a JV between Air Mauritius and Ghana. Air Mauritius chairman Dr Arjoon Suddhoo said Ghana's Government is seeking assistance from the airline to launch a new national carrier. The parties also agreed on a business plan for Air Mauritius to expand in Africa. Air Mauritius CEO Somaskaran T Appavou said a team from both countries is holding talks on establishing the new carrier. Mr Appavou and Ms Dapaah signed a MoU regarding the project on 31-Aug-2017 (defimedia.info, 01-Sep-2017). [more - original PR]

South African Airways (SAA) confirmed (31-Aug-2017) plans to adjust its domestic and regional network as part of a five year corporate plan designed to return the airline to financial stability. The network changes aim to optimise SAA's schedule by transferring services to other airline partners. SAA will maintain its SA flight code on services operated by "sister airlines". [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Antwerp International Airport announced (01-Sep-2017) CityJet plans to suspend London City-Antwerp service, effective 27-Oct-2017. Passengers who have booked travel after the suspension date will offered full refunds. Antwerp Airport stated it is seeking another carrier to operate the "historic route". [more - original PR - Dutch]

Kyrgyzstan's Government reportedly entered a review of plans to sign a MoU on the provision of fifth freedom rights to foreign airlines from the EU, Southeast Asia, Near East and Middle East (Tazabek, 02-Sep-2017). The project would see the development of Bishkek Manas International Airport as a hub for passengers and cargo. A positive decision is expected to help attract investors for the establishment of a national carrier with joint foreign ownership.

Scoot country head India Bharath Mahadevan stated the airline "can operate direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata to destinations like Copenhagen, Vienna, Cairo and Manchester", since it possesses the necessary fifth freedom rights to operate direct air services between destinations in foreign countries (Times of India, 03-Sep-2017). Mr Mahadevan reported Scoot would likely charge around INR13,000 (USD203.21) for one way and around INR26,000 (USD406.54) for round trip services between India and Europe. India based LCCs Indigo and SpiceJet are also reportedly exploring plans to launch low cost long haul India-Europe services, possibly in 2018, with London Gatwick Airport likely to be first destination for both carriers.

NIKI founder Niki Lauda commented on interest in the carrier, confirming: "I am preparing a plan to bid for NIKI which has to go in... by the end of the week" (Reuters, 03-Sep-2017). Mr Lauda added: "But I have not decided yet under what conditions I will do it. As previously reported by CAPA, Mr Lauda was scheduled to meet with airberlin's insolvency administrators on 29-Aug-2017.