Asia Business News: Top Stories for April 13, 2005

Hong Kong International Airport has been voted the world's best airport for the fifth consecutive year, as part of the 2005 World Airport Awards conducted by Skytrax. The survey, which evaluated over 30 aspects of passenger satisfaction, garnered responses from a massive 5,584,365 respondents, a 15% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines have launched an interline e-ticketing service, allowing passengers to book flights without the need for paper tickets. In other business news, Nikko Hotels International has expanded its properties in China, while Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is offering American Express cardmembers a 50% discount on published rack rates and a complimentary third-night stay.

Key Takeaways:

• Hong Kong International Airport has been voted the world's best airport for the fifth consecutive year, according to the 2005 World Airport Awards.
• Skytrax's annual Airport Survey evaluated over 30 aspects of passenger satisfaction, including check-in, security, and amenities, and gathered responses from 5,584,365 passengers, a 15% increase from 2004.
• Singapore Airlines and United Airlines have launched an interline e-ticketing service, making it possible for passengers to book flights without paper tickets.
• Nikko Hotels International has expanded its properties in China, with the addition of Dalian and Tianjin hotels, which will feature luxury amenities and banquet spaces.
• Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is offering American Express cardmembers a 50% discount on published rack rates and a complimentary third-night stay at participating hotels in Asia.
• China Southern Airlines and Northwest Airlines have partnered to offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and airport lounge access.
• Bangkok Airways has launched two new non-stop air links between Bangkok and Zhengzhou, China, and Bangkok and Hangzhou, China.
• American Express and the Asian Hotels Alliance are offering a limited-time promotion for cardmembers in selected markets, with complimentary stays and breakfast.
• Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Blue have increased their fuel surcharges due to rising crude oil and jet fuel prices.
• Hong Kong Express Airways has received approval for its licence application to operate multiple daily services between Hong Kong and secondary cities in mainland China.
• President Airlines has launched charter flights from the new Poipet International Airport in Cambodia to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Statistics:

• 5,584,365 passengers responded to Skytrax's 2005 Airport Survey.
• 15% more passengers responded to the 2005 survey compared to the previous year.
• The surcharge on Qantas domestic travel will increase by $8 (A$6.20), from $12 to $20 (including GST) per sector.
• The surcharge on Qantas trans-Tasman travel will increase by $11, from $29 to $40 per sector.
• The surcharge on Qantas international travel will increase by $31, from $29 to $60 per sector.
• Jetstar will increase its surcharge from $10 to $19 (including GST) per sector.
• Virgin Blue's domestic flights will have a surcharge of $19 per sector.
• Virgin Blue's Pacific Blue flights will have a surcharge of $35 per sector.

Sources:

• Skytrax (no date)
• Asia Pulse (April 13, 2005)
• Singapore Airlines (April 2005)
• Nikko Hotels International (April 2005)
• Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts (April 2005)
• China Southern Airlines (April 2005)
• Northwest Airlines (April 2005)
• Bangkok Airways (April 2005)
• American Express (April 2005)
• Asian Hotels Alliance (April 2005)
• Qantas (April 2005)
• Jetstar (April 2005)
• Virgin Blue (April 2005)
• Hong Kong Express Airways (April 2005)
• President Airlines (April 2005)