British Airways, Virgin Atlantic now charging half of KQ fares

Passenger numbers have fallen dramatically, especially in business class, their main money-spinner.

The Association of European Airlines reported a 9.3 per cent fall in passenger numbers in November compared with the previous year, and warned this month would be worse.

British Airways’ profits in the first half of the year were down 92 per cent to $81 million.

The company has seen business class travel down 10 per cent month on month for three months.

A spokeswoman for the Association of British Travel Agents said customers should take advantage of the price war as charges will go up later in the year.

She said: “There are some irresistible bargains for travel in the turn of the year campaigns. We know that the prices offered over the next few weeks may not be matched later on in the year, so, if you see a good deal, snap it up. Oil prices are low now, and so could be reflected in airfares, but they are very volatile and may well go up.”

Meanwhile, Fly540 Kenya has announced the introduction of daily direct flights between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro from January 9, with a one-way fare of $99 plus taxes. Passengers on the route will travel in 48-seater ATR 42-320 turbo prop aircraft.

The launch of the Kilimanjaro service is the latest step in the development of Fly540 as a Pan African airline. In 2008 Fly540 added Entebbe and Zanzibar to the growing list of destinations in neighbouring countries.

The daily services to Kilimanjaro will depart from Unit 1 of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 10.15 am and will arrive at Kilimanjaro at 11.00 am.

The return flight from Kilimanjaro will depart at 1.45 pm to reach Nairobi at 2.30 pm.

Jackie Arkle-Okutoi, Fly540 sales and marketing manager for East Africa, said, “Kilimanjaro will be our first destination in mainland Tanzania and will be followed by others during 2009.

We are already setting up our own offices in Dar es Salaam and should occupy them early in the year in readiness to start our Dar es Salaam route.”