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Volume 7, Issue 14, April 8, 2009 |
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One year after the Open Skies aviation pact took effect, analysts agree it has encouraged partnerships, lowered fares and improved schedules. Analysts believe that, before the agreement, a severe global economic downturn, like the current one, would have brought the end to many airlines. Analysis comes from reports out of London and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Open Skies pact is an agreement between the United States and the European Union that eliminates barriers on airlines flying between the United States and Europe. The agreement opened London Heathrow Airport to all U.S. carriers.
Business- and first-class passengers benefit greatly under the arrangement. Fares have been slashed in half as a result of Open Skies, making the $10,000–$15,000 fares of a few years ago mere memories. However, the economic recession overshadowed the benefits of the agreement.
So, what’s next? Analysts say the next phase will bring more long-term benefits. Phase Two concentrates on liberalizing foreign ownership restrictions, with hopes that the United States will offer reciprocal concessions on foreign ownership of domestic airlines. Europe hopes the new phase will allow European carriers to fly U.S. domestic routes as extensions of foreign service. The Obama administration has not yet expressed an opinion regarding the next phase.
In the meantime, the European Union plans to enter into an Open Skies agreement with Canada. 
British Airways/Iberia merger talks are making little headway, despite recent assurances that an agreement was on the verge of completion. According to recent reports, the number of unresolved issues is more significant than either side will indicate. It seems unlikely that the deal will be finalized before the summer. Sources covering the talks report that approximately 12 factors are still standing in the way — including management positions, location of company headquarters, pension deficits, the share split and financial control of the parent company.
LOT Polish Airlines announced plans to launch service to Belgrade (BEG) in May. The addition is a result of the growing number of business and leisure travelers to the Serbian destination. Bookings, available since mid-February, are extremely popular. LOT will begin flights between Krakow (KRK) and Athens (STH) in the summer. Its service to Lviv (LWO) increases to 10 weekly flights, beginning May 4. To learn more about the airline click here.
InterContinental Hotels Groups will develop 31 new hotels across India in the next few years. The plan adds 7,600 rooms across the country. IHG plans to open InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts. The new properties will join IHG’s 11 existing properties. Target cities include New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. IHG’s presence in India began in 1962.
Iraqi Airways, Iraq’s flagship carrier, made its first flight to Europe in almost 20 years. Amr Abduljabber Ismail, Iraqi transport minister, was among the passengers on board the flight from Baghdad (SDA) to Stockholm via Athens (ATH). The carrier plans to add services to Greece and India. The fleet was originally grounded in 1990 by an international embargo following the Kuwait invasion. Flights to other Arabic countries, including Turkey, resumed after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The first commercial flight between Europe and Iraq took place in January, operated by charter company Nordic Leisure. Air France-KLM has signed an accord with the carrier, paving the way for Iraqi Airways to fly to other European destinations.
Much like each and every one of us at Global Traveler, you travel the globe, snapping photos of memorable people and spectacular places. For the past five years, we have been sharing our favorite photographs with you each month; so, we have decided to open up our Journal page to reader submissions. This is your chance to share your favorite memories from fabulous destinations with your fellow global travelers. If your photo is selected for publication, you’ll receive one of Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company’s Portrait of a Place series publications. The visually stunning photo-books profile the highlights of destinations around the world. Photos, along with a short sentence capturing the mood of the moment, can be uploaded here. This is your chance to see your work published in an upcoming issue.
By: Michael P. Gadomski
Graphic Arts Books © 2008
I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia — about 30 minutes outside of the city by train — so I have been fortunate enough to experience most of its landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’ house and Independence Hall. In the photo book, “Philadelphia: Portrait of a City”, Michael P. Gadomski offers readers glimpses of the city in 100-plus photos.
Gadomski is a professional photographer, specializing in landscape shots. The book is part of a series of similar books published by Graphic Arts Publishing Company. Their Portrait of a Place series includes books on Chicago, Michigan, New England, New Jersey, New York City and Washington D.C.
Admittedly, as I flipped through the pages of the book, it was the first time even I, a metro area local, had seen some of the city landmarks. There was a nice blend of well-known and hidden city treasures. I also enjoyed that the photographer ventured outside the city limits and included some shots from neighboring counties. All in all, the photographer did a fairly good job capturing Philadelphia. Popular, quintessential Philadelphia photographs included skyline images, the illuminated Boathouse Row, South Street, the National Constitution Center, the art museum, Independence Hall, Bookbinders and the Academy of Music.
I was puzzled by a few of the photographs in the book, including a foggy, dark and somewhat blurry picture of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. I find it hard to believe this was the best available photograph of the bridge. Some landscape shots did not necessarily capture the spirit of the city for me, but, as that is Gadomski’s specialty, they brought the author’s aesthetic to the book. I was not entirely impressed with some of the image quality.
What’s missing? Well, Philadelphians are all about their sports, so I would say the author was remiss in leaving out photographs of Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field or of the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Flyers. Philadelphia’s zoo was America’s first zoo, yet I didn’t come across any images. How about Pat’s and Geno’s — two rival cheese steak places, located on opposite corners. The bright lights of Geno’s and the long lines at each place scream Philadelphia.
Cities, and their defining characteristics, are left open to individual interpretation. Gadomski’s vision is accurately portrayed in this book and the history of Philadelphia and its beauty come through on most pages. Photography buffs will enjoy the 111 pages of images. All in all, a decent book highlighting a historic city.
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
Asiana Airlines invites passengers to enjoy springtime in Asia with its Spring Business Class Promotion. Through May 31, round-trip business-class tickets are available at reduced rates from Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO) and Seattle (SEA) to Incheon (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG) or Manila (MNL). Visit the Web site. Two round-trip business-class tickets on Asiana Airlines are available in Global Traveler’s online auction. The current bid is just below $2,000 — well below the sale fares. Bid now by clicking here. Check out the GT’s review of Asiana’s business class.
American Airlines’ AAdvantage members can earn up to 50,000 miles for travel to the United Kingdom this spring. Travel by June 30, from anywhere in the United States to the United Kingdom, in first- or business-class and earn 50,000 bonus miles. Select economy fares are eligible for 25,000 bonus miles. The offer is only available for round-trip travel. Register on the Web site, using promotion code UK505. For more on American Airlines, click here.
Brendan Vacations has teamed up with British Airways to offer $99 companion fares to European destinations. The offer applies to all new bookings made with Brendan’s Guided and River Cruise Vacations and is valid from any British Airways U.S. gateway to select European gateways. Travel must be booked during the month of April; the offer is valid only for travel between June 1 and Aug. 31. Call 818 428 6000 or visit the Web site.
Royal Hideaway Playacar, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is offering complimentary rounds of golf. Through April 30, guests staying five nights receive two rounds of golf and one free night, while guests staying seven nights receive four rounds of golf and one free night. The offer also includes round-trip transportation to the golf course, snacks and beverages at the golf course and a golf cart. Book online or call 800 999 9182. Vacationers who are not in the mood for golf can take advantage of the Fourth Night Free offer, also available through April 30. Royal Hideaway Playacar vacations are all-inclusive. Click here for more on Riviera Maya.
Four packages from Air Tahiti Nui Vacations make family travel to Tahiti affordable. The Tahiti Family Vacation package includes five-night accommodations, round-trip air from Los Angeles (LAX), transfers and daily adult breakfasts. The Tahiti and Moorea Family Fun package includes five-night accommodations (two in Tahiti, three in Moorea), ferry transfer, airfare, transfers and daily adult breakfasts. The Bora Bora Family Getaway includes five-night accommodations, airfare, transfers and daily breakfasts for four. The Bora Bora Affordable Family Luxury Vacation includes five-night accommodations, airfare transfers and daily adult breakfasts. Children, ages 2–11, fly free, stay free and eat free with each of these special packages (kids do not eat free in the Bora Bora Family Getaway package). Book by May 15; valid for travel through May 31, July 10–17, or Nov. 1–Dec. 10. Call 877 824 4846 or visit the Web site. Read more about Tahiti here.
