Posted: May 22, 2013 | Author: sedgie47 | Filed under: UK Tourism News, Welsh Tourism News | Tags: 1, 2012, London 2012, London Visitors, More Visitors, Office for National Statistics, Olymprics, ONS, Queen's Jubilee Celebrations |
By Phil Davies
Hosting the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee celebrations last year only attracted 1% more foreign tourists to London than 2011, new figures show.The capital still managed to attracted 15 million visitors from overseas in 2012 – more than half the total travelling to the UK.
The overall figure was 31 million visits, according to VisitBritain which hopes to draw 40 million by 2020.
The total number of visits to London increased by almost 4% in 2011, and more than 3% in 2010, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Edinburgh, which had 1.25 million visitors, was the second most popular UK city last year, followed by Manchester at 932,000.
Despite “intense competition” from other destinations, it was hoped the UK would attract a million more visitors in 2013, VisitBritain’s strategy and communications director Patricia Yates said.
Tourism minister Hugh Robertson said he was “encouraged” by the rise in visitors to the UK, and confident the figures would “continue to grow”.
The resorts of Bournemouth and Penzance, and the Suffolk town of Ipswich saw increases of up to 68% in visitors, VisitBritain said.
Nearly four million French tourists crossed the Channel last year but visitors from the US were the most valuable for the UK economy, spending £2.4 billion.
Top five UK destinations:
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Liverpool.
Sourced from Travel Weekly
Posted: March 13, 2013 | Author: walesairforum | Filed under: Aircraft Engineering/Manufacturing | Tags: $348.6 million, 2012, Embraer, Engineering, Jumps, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Net Profit |
By Aaron Kemp
Embraer reported a 2012 net profit of $348.6 million, significantly widened over $120.4 million in net income in 2011, on a 6.5% rise in revenue to $6.18 billion.
The Brazilian manufacturer reversed a 2011 fourth-quarter net loss of $88.6 million to earn a $122.7 million net profit in the 2012 December quarter. Embraer delivered 106 commercial aircraft in 2012, one more than the 105 delivered in 2011. Deliveries in 2012 were led by 62 E-190s.
“The mix of products and revenues for the year, the company’s ongoing focus on its programs directed towards improving productivity and efficiency, the appreciation of the US dollar against the real, as well as the stimulus packages implemented in Brazil” all helped improve operating margin, Embraer said in a statement.
The company reiterated that it continues analysis of a second generation E-Jet “with a potential entry into service scheduled for 2018.” Embraer said in January that the re-engined, upgraded versions of its E-170 and E-190 family of regional jets—not yet officially launched—will be exclusively powered by Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines.
Embraer said 56 new E-Jets were sold in 2012. Full-year commercial aviation revenue was essentially flat year-over-year at $3.75 billion. Commercial aviation generated 64.6% of the company’s revenue last year.
Sourced by ATW
Posted: March 1, 2013 | Author: sedgie47 | Filed under: Accidents & Incidents, European Aviation News, UK Aviation News, Welsh Aviation News, World Aviation News | Tags: 1 in 5 million, 2012, aircraft, Aviation, IATA, Lowest, Passenger, Rate, Safest Year |
By Phil Davies
Iata has hailed 2012 as having the lowest passenger aircraft accident rate in history – the equivalent of one in every five million flights.
This represented a 46% improvement over 2011, when the accident rate was 0.37, or one accident for every 2.7 million flights.
There were 75 accidents last year, down from 92 in 2011. Of these there were 15 fatal accidents covering all aircraft types against 22 in the previous year with 414 deaths compared to 486.
Africa’s accident rate for all aircraft types almost doubled with 13 accidents in 2012, up from eight the previous year.
Iata director general and CEO Tony Tyler described the continent’s overall performance as “far from satisfactory”.
He said: It should be as safe to travel by air in Africa as it is in any other part of the world.”
Tyler added: “The industry’s 2012 record safety performance was the best in history.
“Each day approximately 100,000 flights arrive safely at their destination. Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, manufacturers and safety regulators work together to ensure every flight is as safe as possible. Their dedication and co-operation has made air travel remarkably safe.
“Nevertheless, there is still work to do. Every accident is one too many and each fatality is a human tragedy.
“The first commercial airline flight took place on 1 January, 1914. Since then the airline industry has made continuous improvement in safety its top priority.
Sourced from Travel Weekly
Posted: February 28, 2013 | Author: walesairforum | Filed under: Airline & Route News | Tags: 2012, Consecutive, Fourth, Net Profit, Positive, results, Triples, VLG, Vueling, VY, year |
Vueling made a net profit of 28.3 million euros in 2012, an improvement of 173% on 2011. The operating profit (EBIT) in 2012 totalled 33.2 million euros, a rise of 192% on 2011.
The company increased the number of passengers carried by 20.1% compared with the previous year, to 14.8 million passengers in 2012. Furthermore, Vueling improved the load factor of its flights to 77.7%, 2.1 percentage points higher than in 2011. This increase in traffic was partly the result of the increase in connecting passengers at Barcelona El Prat airport, which doubled compared with the previous year, to a total of 1.6 million passengers in 2012.
Vueling’s total revenue rose by 27.7% to 1,103 million euros. This rise in revenue was the result both of the improvement in unit revenue and the increase in passenger traffic (+20.1%). Revenue per passenger rose by 5.9% on 2011, to €74.2.
With regard to costs, Vueling cut its ex-fuel unit cost by 1% in 2012. The unit cost per available seat kilometre (ASK) excluding fuel stood at 4.14 euro cents. Fuel costs rose by 34.1% on 2011 as a result of the greater volume of activity (+23.1% of ASK) and the greater unit fuel cost per available seat kilometre (ASK). The unit fuel cost per ASK rose by 7.5% on 2011 as a result of the depreciation of the euro against the dollar (-8%). This increase in the unit cost of fuel led to the total unit cost per available seat kilometre (ASK) rising by 1.5%.
Vueling continues to strengthen its financial structure and increased its net cash balance to 339.3 million euros at 31 December 2012.
Market situation
The macroeconomic environment was not favourable in 2012. Spanish GDP recorded a year-on-year fall of 1.4% in 2012. This fall was greater than the 0.4% drop recorded in the Eurozone. Despite the weak macroeconomic scenario, Vueling has continued growing, increasing passenger traffic by 20%.
Traffic at AENA airports saw a 3% reduction in passenger numbers in 2012. This fall was the result of the sharp drop (-13%) in the Spain-Spain market. However, traffic rose at Barcelona airport by 2% in 2012 thanks to the positive performance of the Barcelona- Europe market (+10%), which offset the fall in the Barcelona-Spain market (-9%).
Vueling has increased its market share at Barcelona airport to 30%. In addition, Vueling has continued to consolidate its presence in European markets, positioning itself as the third largest airline in terms of volume at Paris Orly and Rome Fiumicino airports.
The price of oil rose slightly in 2012 by 0.3% compared with 2011. The price of a barrel of Brent oil reached an average price of 112.5 dollars per barrel, while the price stood at 112.2 dollars per barrel in the same period of 2011. In the same period, the euro depreciated by 7.7% against the dollar, from an average exchange rate of 1.39 dollars per euro in 2011 to 1.28 dollars per euro in 2012. This depreciation of the euro led to the price of a barrel of oil in euros rising by 9% on the previous year.
Traffic
Vueling significantly increased its traffic figures in 2012, making the most of the consolidation of the markets in which it operates.
The company carried 14,794,857 passengers, 20.1% up on the previous year.
This growth was possible as a result of the increase in the load factor and the increase in activity. The load factor rose by 2.1 percentage points on 2011, to 77.7%. The increase in activity is reflected in the 17.6% increase in the number of flights and the 23.1% rise in the number of available seat kilometres (ASK).
In addition, Vueling increased the number of connecting flights which it offers at Barcelona airport. Vueling carried over 1.6 million connecting passengers at Barcelona airport in 2012.
Revenue
Vueling achieved total revenue of 1,103 million euros in 2012. This figure represents an increase of 27.7% on 2011, in which total revenue amounted to 863 million euros. Vueling managed to increase its revenue in the year as a result of both the improvement in unit revenue and the increase in activity in 2012.
Unit revenue per passenger rose by 5.9% in 2012. Vueling obtained unit revenue per passenger of €74.2. This improvement in revenue per passenger was the result both of the increase in the fare per passenger (6.9%) and an improvement in ancillary and other revenue per passenger (1.4%).
As regards activity, the company increased the number of available seat kilometres (ASK) by 23.1% on 2011. This increase in activity took place both in the domestic market and in the international market.
Costs
Total costs increased by 25.5% on 2011. The main increase was seen in fuel costs, which rose by 34.1%. Other costs (ex-fuel) rose by 21.9%, lower than the increase in the company’s activity (+23.2% of ASK).
The average price of jet fuel in the period from January to December 2012 was $1,017/mT, while in the same period of 2011 the average price was $1,020/mT, a small fall of 0.3%. However, the euro depreciated by 7.7% against the dollar over the period. This depreciation of the euro led to the price of fuel in euros rising by 9% on 2011. The price of fuel in euros rose from €728/tonne in 2011 to €794/tonne in 2012.
This rise led to an increase in Vueling’s cost base. The total unit fuel cost per available seat kilometre (ASK) rose by 1.5% in 2012 on the previous year.
Other costs grew at a lower rate than the increase in the company’s activity. The unit cost per available seat kilometre excluding fuel (CASK ex-fuel) stood at 4.14 euro cents, 1% down on 2011.
The cost reduction programme implemented by the company enabled savings of 21.5 million euros in 2012.
Business review
In 2012, Vueling achieved its growth targets, carrying a total of 14.8 million passengers. This represents a 20.1% increase in passenger traffic on 2011. This growth was the result both of an increase in international traffic 1.6 million passengers and in domestic traffic 0.8 million
The growth in connecting passengers also contributed to this increase in traffic figures. The number of connecting passengers in 2012 stood at 1.6 million, 2.5 times higher than in 2011.
In 2012, Vueling continued improving and innovating in its products and services aimed at business passengers. The company has introduced the new Excellence fair, which includes services aimed at passengers who travel for business. It has also renovated the company’s corporate image so as to improve its positioning. Furthermore, it has implemented a new line of revenue through licensing agreements of the Vueling brand.
Vueling offered high levels of service and punctuality in 2012. The level of punctuality in the months between January and December reached a new record of 88%, 2.8 percentage points higher than in 2011.
Vueling successfully implemented its cost savings programme for 2012. The company achieved total savings of 21.5 million euros, 47% up on the initial target of 14.6 million euros.
2013 Objectives
The company’s objectives for 2013 are as follows:
1- International growth. Vueling plans to continue increasing its capacity. The company plans to increase capacity in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) in 2013 by between 10% and 15%. This growth will have a major international component, where the company expects to increase its capacity in ASK by between 20% and 25%. In order to achieve this increase, Vueling plans to increase its fleet to a maximum of 70 aircraft in the summer season of 2013.
2- Cost savings. Vueling will continue implementing its cost reduction programme. It plans to implement 100 cost-saving initiatives in 2013 which will allow a saving of 17.7 million euros.
3- Product and service innovation. Vueling will continue innovating in its products and services so as to improve the experience of its customers. It will offer new services and products aimed at business passengers: improvements in Excellence class, a new cabin configuration, Wi-Fi on-board etc.
4- Agreements with airlines. In 2013, Vueling plans to enter into new partnership agreements with other airlines. These agreements will make it possible to increase passenger traffic by offering new connections.
Outlook for 2013
In 2013, Vueling plans to increase its capacity in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) by between 10% and 15%, with greater emphasis on international markets. The company plans to maintain its ex-fuel unit costs per ASK in 2013 at similar levels to those in 2012. The significant international growth planned for 2013 involves a clear commitment towards Vueling becoming an important Europe-wide operator.
With regard to opportunities, Vueling will continue taking advantage of its strengthened leadership in Barcelona so as to reinforce its competitive position. In addition, the consolidation process in the European airline industry may facilitate new market opportunities. In 2013 Vueling will also consolidate its low-cost high-service business model.
On the risk side, the weak macroeconomic environment and sluggish demand in southern Europe may have negative effects. Other risks include an increase in airport fees and high fuel prices.
Sourced by aviator.aero
Additional Notes
Vueling will be flying from Cardiff Airport for Summer 2013. Direct flights to Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga & Alicante are currently available beginning the end of March.
Over 40 onward connections are also available within Africa, Europe & Russia via Barcelona.
Book now at www.vueling.com/EN
Posted: February 22, 2013 | Author: walesairforum | Filed under: Airline & Route News | Tags: 2012, AF, AFR, Air France, Air France-KLM, €1.19 billion loss, Global Recession, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, KL, KLM, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Restructuring Costs, Spiralling Fuel Prices |
AirFrance/KLM has blamed the global recession, spiralling fuel prices and restructuring costs for a €1.19 billion loss last year.
In the year to December 31, the combined airline spent an extra €890 million on fuel and another €471 million on restructuring to ensure the combined carrier’s future profitability under its Transform plan.
These factors meant losses rose from the 2011 deficit of €809 million.
Group chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta said: “The year 2012 was characterised by a slowdown in global growth and recession in Europe, but nevertheless saw a sharp increase in the fuel price.”
The latter was mainly due to the appreciaton of the dollar, the currency in which it is bought, he said.
Spinetta added: “Despite this very tough context, our results were in line with our expectations, with the first effects of the Transform plan enabling us to reduce the operating loss.”
The two airlines managed to cut €53 million from operating losses, but these still reached €300 million.
Air France/KLM filled an average of 83.1% of its seats during the year, an increase of 1.2 percentage points.
The group said that 2013 had started “amid an uncertain environment”, with further volatility in fuel prices and currencies.
It pledged to maintain strict control over capacity and spending but would stick to its plan to turn around the carriers’ profitability by 2015.
Sourced by TTG Digital
Posted: February 5, 2013 | Author: sedgie47 | Filed under: Airline & Route News, Tour Operator News, UK Aviation News, Welsh Aviation News | Tags: 2011, 2012, Airlines, Business Travel, Leisure Travel, Leisure Trips, Outpace, Tour Operators |
By Phil Davies
Leisure trips in the final quarter of last year continued to outpace the same period in 2011, new data shows.December closed 2012 on a positive note overall for both business and leisure travel, with future hotel stays suggesting additional growth potential for both sectors, according to Pegasus Solutions.
Leisure travel demand for hotels across the world remained strong despite temporary regional setbacks, according to the electronic hotels transactions processor.
Net bookings in the last three months of 2012 continued to grow by an average margin of 6% over 2011 as rates remained steady.
In North America, December bookings rose 6.3% over prior year as rates grew nearly 4%.
The positive leisure performance further highlights the need for hotels to cater to the leisure booker, according to Pegasus chief executive David Millili.
“Driving traffic to a hotel’s website is the best way to increase valuable direct bookings,” he said.
“Hotels can’t hope consumers will find them. Implementing an internet marketing strategy that encompasses the latest advances in keyword, phrase and content analysis, social media, and email campaigns will keep a hotel top of mind the next time a consumer is ready to book.”
December’s business travel bookings rose to match 2011’s “substantial volume”, a feat only achieved in three other months last year.
North America showed positive upswings for bookings, average daily rate and revenue as net reservations inched past the previous year by 0.2%. Global rates increased by +1.8% over 2011 as North America grew 2.2%, returning to the growth pace experienced in the summer.
The fourth quarter results and expected first quarter 2013 stays suggest a new year rife with opportunities for “attentive” hotels, Pegasus said.
Sourced from Travel Weekly
Alitalia’s chief executive has made a sudden departure from the airline, one year into his post.
By Gwyn Topham
Wales Air Forum 