Corporate Travel News For Europe/MEA

EgyptAir plans to increase Cairo-New York JFK frequency from five times weekly to daily, effective 13-Dec-2017 (Airline Route, 31-Aug-2017). The airline operates the service with Boeing 777-300ER equipment. The service is the only nonstop connection between Egypt and the US, according to OAG.

South African Airways (SAA) CEO designate Vuyani Jarana said: "There will be no miracles at SAA", adding: "You need management and a board that is committed to transform the airline and return it to profitability" (Bloomberg, 01-Sep-2017). Mr Jarana stated: "There is a strategy in place to 'stop the bleeding' and I am confident that it will succeed, and that we can negotiate plans for refinancing. The exciting part will be in re-engineering the commercial and growth strategy and improving customer satisfaction". Mr Jarana also commented: "I would want to see more people with airline and international experience joining me at SAA".

Deutscher ReiseVerband (German Travel Association - DRV) received (30-Aug-2017) confirmation from Greece's Ministry of Tourism regarding plans to introduce an accommodation tax as of 01-Jan-2018. The tax rate depends on the type of accommodation. Details include:

• EUR0.50 per room and night in a one or two star hotel;
• EUR1.50 per room and night in a three star hotel;
• EUR3 per room and night in a four star hotel;
• EUR4 per room and night in a five star hotel;
• EUR0.50 per night in a holiday apartment.

The tax is to be collected and paid by the Greek accommodation companies alone. More detailed information is planned to be provided during Sep-2017. DRV "expressed... disagreement" with the measures. [more - original PR - German]

Copenhagen Airports A/S issued (31-Aug-2017) a DKK50 million (EUR6.7 million) tender to expand Copenhagen Kastrup Airport's T2 airside area by 4000sqm, and rebuild the existing T2 retail areas. The scope of works includes establishment of a new arrivals area and general refurbishment, along with a new second floor. Bidders are invited until 22-Sep-2017. [more - original PR]

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary affirmed plans to submit a binding bid for Alitalia, adding the while the carrier "struggles to make money... it's still a very good brand in Italy" (Bloomberg/Reuters/Milano Finanza, 31-Aug-2017). Mr O'Leary said Alitalia's brand would be retained, as would most of the carrier's Rome based aircraft. He said: "The jets are all leased, so we would want those leases, but we would want the bankruptcy administrator to restructure them". Mr O'Leary reportedly stated pilots and engineering employees are also planned to be retained. He however noted competition concerns around the combined market share of the two carriers, with Ryanair already being the largest airline in Italy. In the event of competition concerns affecting acquisition, Ryanair would pursue around 90 aircraft instead, according to Mr O'Leary. According to the CAPA Fleet Database, Alitalia operates a mix of A320 family aircraft, A330-200s and Boeing 777-200ERs.

CAPA - Centre for Aviation stated (31-Aug-2017) Emirates received one A380 aircraft (A6-EUY; serial number 242) on 27-Aug-2017, as recorded by the CAPA Fleet Database. The airline now operates 97 A380s with 45 on order.

Royal Air Maroc plans to commence three times weekly Casablanca-Bilbao service on 26-Mar-2018, according to a 30-Aug-2017 GDS display. The airline will operate the service weekly with Boeing 737-700, 737-800 and Embraer 190 aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines MD Ethiopian International Services Esayas WoldeMariam confirmed the airline is in negotiations for a contract to manage Arik Air, in response to a request by Nigeria's Ministry of Aviation (AP/The Citizen/The East African, 30-Aug-2017). Ethiopian Airlines submitted a proposal and is "bidding with other airlines" for the contract. Mr WoldeMariam said: "We definitely are willing and able to take over the management of Arik Air".

Auckland Airport noted (30-Aug-2017) European visitors increased 24.2% year-on-year during Jul-2017. The strongest visitor growth were from UK (36.2%), France (29.8%) and Spain (26.3%). The positive result was contributed by Emirates upgauging Dubai service to the A380. [more - original PR]

Auckland Airport reported (30-Aug-2017) strong growth in international passenger traffic on Asia and Middle East routes, up 26.8% year-on-year for Jul-2017. This was driven by new routes to China, Hong Kong and Qatar as well as Emirates up-gauging to A380 for its direct Dubai service. Meanwhile traffic on Americas routes decreased 3.3% due to seasonal capacity reduction by United Airlines' on San Francisco service. [more - original PR]