In Brief

Gulf Air Introduces ‘Flying Chefs’

Gulf Air has gone a step further in enhancing the in-flight experience for its passengers. With increased passenger levels in the premium cabins, Gulf Air has enhanced its dining services - in particular its unique Flying Chefs. Michael Kent, Gulf Air's Head (In-flight Services), said, "There were many sceptics when we first introduced the on-board chefs. After two years - and with more than 100 chefs operating throughout the network - we have changed the face of in-flight dining." While on-board, first class passengers are welcomed by the maitre d' and chef who explain how they can enjoy their dining experience. Kent further stated that this enhancement has spread to all cabins of the aircraft and not limited only to the premium class. "Our Economy passengers are plied with snacks, meals and movie treats throughout the flight. These changes are evident in enhanced menus, choice of crockery and cutlery, the gallery design," he added.

Etihad Lands Flight In Frankfurt

Etihad Airways launched its services to Frankfurt beginning June. This non-stop daily flight comes a year after the airline launched its Abu Dhabi to Munich route in May 2004. Jurgen Steltzer, German ambassador to UAE, on occasion of the inaugural flight, said, "Etihad's direct operations to Munich and now Frankfurt will further strengthen the ties between Germany and UAE. It will encourage more German tourists to come to Abu Dhabi."

Etihad had taken delivery of its new aircraft - the Airbus 330-220 - in May this year. This sounds the beginning of its transition to a new fleet of wide bodies, which will reportedly arrive from October 2005 onwards. The new aircraft is the first Airbus wide body to feature the 4000i in-flight entertainment system, which will be a feature of all new Etihad aircraft.

SITA SC Release Strong 2004 Asia Pacific Results

SITA SC, the global Communication Services Integrator for the travel and transportation industry, claimed that its 2004 results for its Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has strengthened its position in the market. The revenues reportedly came in at US $182.2 million. Hans-Peter Kohlhammer, CEO and director general of SITA SC, said, "We have contributed to a reduction in operational costs for the airlines through substantial price reductions, adapted our offering to better meet the needs of airlines and started new services such as consulting and network integration. Our ultimate gauge of success however, is customer retention, which stood at 98.9 per cent in the APAC region by 2004."

The result, according to the group, is mainly a reflection of three factors - restructuring, helping migration of the region's airlines from expensive 'legacy networks' to flexible and low-cost Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks, and its price reductions valued at more than US $80 million across both legacy and IP connections.

Air France Ties Up With Thales

Air France's A380 fleet just got a little more comfortable. The airline signed up with Thales for its in-flight entertainment system. It will develop a range of on-demand audio and video programming for its customers with the TopSeries i5000 from Thales. Jean Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of Air France, said, "Simple and easy to use, the TopSeries i5000 offers our customers a broad choice of programming. We will be equipping the A380s on our Montreal and New York routes first, followed by Beijing and Tokyo, with 538 passengers on board." Designed for maximum reliability and usability, the i5000 is currently the most technologically advanced in-flight entertainment system in the market.