One less merger, one great ban and some more flights

As the state of the economy continues to look downwards across Europe and the globe, a potential merger between two small airlines has bitten the dust.

Not the Clickair and Vueling, this fallen merger was that proposed by Thomas Cook’s Condor and the German carrier Air Berlin. The application has been withdrawn thanks to the change in “economic famework conditions” since the contract was completed. That’s how fast the economy changes are taking hold.

Year to date, airport operator BAA have seen a drop of 0.6% on passengers through their airports on last year. BAA operate airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. Yet, strangely enough, an increase in long haul flights. Given the financial climate and fuel costs this is still a pretty good result. Though I feel the drop in domestic travel may be due to the amount of canceled routes and out-of-business regional airlines.

At the mention of smaller, regional airlines, a bit of good news. Bmibaby (every time I still want to say “awwww”) have announced some more winter routes from Cardiff airport. The carrier will bring it’s European winter destinations to 13 with the services to Bacelona. Does this mean that winter holidays are recession proof? That those who can afford numerous holidays a yeah don’t know the meaning of the word or simply that hope is still being held out that recovery can happen and oil will drop? I’m still hopeful something can be done if only certain politicians can be realistic and realise that wasting food isn’t the issue, Gordon.

Another slice from the “Good News” pile: as hinted at in a previous post, the European Parliament has now banned airlines from advertising fares that do not include optional taxes and charges. I know it’s been banned in the UK before (causing Ryanair to shut their website down for a few days as they couldn’t meet the deadline) but now the ruling is Continent-wide, making it a bit tougher for passengers to get screwed over by hidden costs. Sorry, Mr O’Leary but that is what you were doing. So no more “Fly for the price of a newspaper” deals that turn out to be “fly the cost of a £199 pound newspaper.”

Another slice? Ok: a committee of MPs has called for a cut in the cost of visas for tourists traveling to Britain. At the moment, if you’re an overseas visitor heading for our sunny (they are sometimes!) shores you’d also be heading for an average charge of £207 in visas, taxes and government charges. With calls to see these charges cut gaining support from numerous touring companies and MPs, it’s looking good.