Travel Agent - August 13, 2007 - (Page 20)

Cover Story Continued from page 19 the airline launched what it claims is the first and only nonstop service between Hartford, CT and Amsterdam. Earlier this year, the airline’s Senior International Executive, Phil Haan, said that more so than any other new international route Northwest has launched, the success of the Hartford-Amsterdam route depends on attracting travelers that today are driving to other airports. Haan explained that Northwest believes that Hartford air market data, which shows the number of travelers destined for Europe originating from Bradley International Airport, is underestimated, as it does not include the potential to attract passengers currently driving to other airports, most notably New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Logan International Airport in Boston. low-fare carriers that are taking steps to make affordable flights to Europe available to Americans. Many of these services kicked off before the U.S. and the EU agreed on Open Skies, but such services may provide a glimpse of what’s to come. European carriers like Eurofly, Flyglobespan and LTU are increasing flight services between Europe and large U.S. cities like New York and Las Vegas for as much as $200 less than major American carriers. Of course, the catch is that most flights are seasonal and some of these carriers charge fees for services like meals and entertainment. Through November 13, Eurofly is operating nonstop flights from JFK to Naples, Bologna and Palermo, as well as Pescara and Lamezia Terme. Because traffic to Rome is so strong, the airline is considering extending its services there through the winter. “For 2008, we’re looking at expanding in Italy and in 2009, we may be able to look at opening other gateways in Canada or Florida,” says Rosario Mariani, general sales agent in North America for Eurofly USA, which just kicked off its third season of service between JFK and Italy. “We’ll see where the opportunities lie at that time.” Should the carrier ever expand service to the west coast, Los Angeles would be the obvious choice, he adds. In May, Scotland-based Flyglobespan began daily service between Boston and Glasgow, Scotland, as well as between New York and Liverpool, England. Most recently, the airline inaugurated its nonstop flight from JFK to Ireland’s West Airport in Knock, Ireland, which serves as a gateway to Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Galway and Mayo. The flight operates three times a week and are available through October. One-way rates begin at $259, exclusive of taxes and fees. Germany-based LTU International Airlines operates direct flights between Düsseldorf, Germany and Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Miami and Fort Myers, FL. In early June, flights from Los Angeles began operating five times a week and flights from Las Vegas revved up to twice weekly, with roundtrip fares starting at $388 for economy class. In the first quarter of 2007, the airline posted a sales growth of 12.5 percent and it expects to see a five percent overall annual growth, due in part to the expansion of LTU’s long-haul business in the U. S. LTU will start operating new service from Melbourne, FL to Berlin’s Tegel airport on November 3, says Pierre de la Motte, a spokesperson for the airline. In addition, some services are transitioning from seasonal to year-round, mainly due to demand from business travelers. “We come from more of a holiday background and now we are looking at business travelers more and more,” de la Motte says, adding that the airline plans to increase its number of business class seats from 18 to 30. “That is the reason we have been changing our whole business model.” Further U.S. expansion plans are in the works, he notes, but details were not ready for discussion at press time. If one had the time and the perseverance, charting these potential pairings opens up a bevy of new destinations to sell—though it only seems come March 2008 will we know the true potential Open Skies has bestowed on the travel community. Stay tuned. Smaller Carriers Also beefing up competition and helping to lower fares is the entrance of a handful of Europe’s roughly 25 low-cost and Northwest Airlines (left) and LTU are among the many carriers considering how to alter their flight schedules 20 TravelAgent August 13, 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - August 13, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week Cover Story: Open Skies PACIFIC ASIA: New Zealand Tourism Update CARIBBEAN AND BAHAMAS: One&Only Ocean Club’s Slow Season Package MIDDLE EAST: Middle Eastern Airlines ALASKA: Cross-country Skiers Flock to Fairbanks CRUISES: Azamara Assails The Sea HONEYMOON AND ROMANCE: Honeymoon Survey Results Agent Profile Luxury Travel Expo Update Classified Marketplace Advertisers’ Information People & Places

Travel Agent - August 13, 2007

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