BRITISH Airways has launched a New Year seat sale with discounted fares to London, the UK and Ireland as well as 23 destinations in Europe and North America, with departures from both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
World Traveller fares to London start from R6 360, including taxes and surcharges. The equivalent World Traveller Plus fare is R13 964. UK domestic destinations are available from R7 208 in World Traveller and R14 876 in World Traveller Plus.
Prices to Europe begin at R6 521 in World Traveller and R13 339 in World Traveller Plus. European destinations include France, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Rome, Milan, Lisbon, Athens, Madrid and Stockholm.
The North American destinations are New York, Boston, Washington, Toronto, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver. East coast fares start at R8 714, with prices to west coast destinations from R10 644. The equivalent World Traveller Plus fares are R19 986 and R22 090 respectively.
The offer starts immediately and runs until February 12, with outbound travel until June 21. Infant and child discounts are available.
Visit http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flights-holiday-sale/public/en_za to reserve your seat!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
New Dual Nationality Bill clarified
REPORTS that South Africa may follow the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other countries across Africa by forbidding dual citizenship have been confirmed to be false.
An article published late last year in the SundayTimes stated that foreigners who wanted to become South African citizens would have to renounce the citizenship of their country of origin, especially if they came from countries that forbade dual citizenship. But specialist immigration lawyer, Chris Watters, says the new Citizenship Amendment Act has definitely not scrapped dual citizenship. “The muttering around this whole issue has been about two things. If a foreign person wishes to apply for naturalisation as an SA citizen, he or she must satisfy the Minister that:
• he or she is currently a citizen of a country that permits dual citizenship or,
• if he or she is not, must submit proof to the Minister that he or she has renounced the other citizenship.”A draft copy of a Bill, which was tabled before Parliament in late November and can be found on the South African Government Information website, seeks to amend the Act by revising the categories of persons who qualify for citizenship by naturalisation. The conclusion of the amended Act is that only persons who became citizens by naturalisation are affected.
For example, an individual born in the UK, carrying a UK passport and naturalised as a South African citizen (because the UK allows dual nationality) can retain both passports. If, however,an individual was born in Germany (which does not allow dual citizenship), the amendment states that dual nationality is not allowed – according to that country’s own nationality laws. Therefore, dual citizenship is still allowed by SA but only if the nationality to which a person belongs allows it, says Chris.
But how will South African authorities track and document how many citizens hold dual nationality? At present, no figures are available from Home Affairs. “It is possible,” says Chris, “that the ‘problem’ may never be picked up or it could be as simple as the lack of [other countries’] arrival and departure stamps in the SA passport. Another give-away is where the person applies for a new SA passport at an embassy when the department records show the person has been out of the country for a while. When you apply for a new foreign passport locally and you are from a country that prohibits dual nationality, they usually want a letter from Home Affairs confirming you are not an SA citizen.”
Chris also notes that the country laws pertaining to dual nationality are very changeable. “What was law last week may no longer be law this week and it isimperative to check withthe relevant country when applying for citizenship."
An article published late last year in the SundayTimes stated that foreigners who wanted to become South African citizens would have to renounce the citizenship of their country of origin, especially if they came from countries that forbade dual citizenship. But specialist immigration lawyer, Chris Watters, says the new Citizenship Amendment Act has definitely not scrapped dual citizenship. “The muttering around this whole issue has been about two things. If a foreign person wishes to apply for naturalisation as an SA citizen, he or she must satisfy the Minister that:
• he or she is currently a citizen of a country that permits dual citizenship or,
• if he or she is not, must submit proof to the Minister that he or she has renounced the other citizenship.”A draft copy of a Bill, which was tabled before Parliament in late November and can be found on the South African Government Information website, seeks to amend the Act by revising the categories of persons who qualify for citizenship by naturalisation. The conclusion of the amended Act is that only persons who became citizens by naturalisation are affected.
For example, an individual born in the UK, carrying a UK passport and naturalised as a South African citizen (because the UK allows dual nationality) can retain both passports. If, however,an individual was born in Germany (which does not allow dual citizenship), the amendment states that dual nationality is not allowed – according to that country’s own nationality laws. Therefore, dual citizenship is still allowed by SA but only if the nationality to which a person belongs allows it, says Chris.
But how will South African authorities track and document how many citizens hold dual nationality? At present, no figures are available from Home Affairs. “It is possible,” says Chris, “that the ‘problem’ may never be picked up or it could be as simple as the lack of [other countries’] arrival and departure stamps in the SA passport. Another give-away is where the person applies for a new SA passport at an embassy when the department records show the person has been out of the country for a while. When you apply for a new foreign passport locally and you are from a country that prohibits dual nationality, they usually want a letter from Home Affairs confirming you are not an SA citizen.”
Chris also notes that the country laws pertaining to dual nationality are very changeable. “What was law last week may no longer be law this week and it isimperative to check withthe relevant country when applying for citizenship."
SADC countries:
• Angola
• Botswana
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Seychelles
• Madagascar (membership currently suspended)
Other countries:
• Brunei
• Chile
• China
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Fiji
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• Turkey
• Venezuela
Source: Henley & Partners, ETNW
Countries that do not allow dual citizenship
Thursday, January 13, 2011
SOUTH Africa may see a new airline operator enter the market
SOUTH Africa may see a new airline operator enter the market early this year. According to the website, velvetsky.co.za, the site is being managed on behalf of a new Durban-based airline, which will start operating early this year (subject to government approval).
The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirms the existence of a new airline. The authority told TNW in a written response: “The SACAA can confirm that it is evaluating an application for an Air Operator Certificate. The evaluation of the application is at an advanced stage and it is envisaged that the process will be concluded within a few weeks.” The SACAA adds that the last key undertaking that still needs to be performed before granting the new airline its licence and operator certificate is the emergency evacuation demonstration.
Kabelo Ledwaba, SACAA manager of communications, further reveals that the applicant, who cannot be named at this stage, will offer scheduled commercial services to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Stuart Cochrane, executive manager Comair, warns, however, that capacity on the golden triangle might already be saturated. “The market, particularly the trunk routes, is already overtraded with too much capacity.” Stuart says the industry has seen numerous entrants come and go with the biggest losers being the consumer, so the most important thing with any start-up airline is that safety standards are maintained and that new entrants are required to put the customers’ money in a trust and do not use forward sales to fund the start-up.
Velvet Sky has registered three websites: www.velvetsky.co.za and www.flyvelvetsky.com and www.velvetsky.com. The websites don’t offer much information except for a link to career opportunities, in which various airline positions are advertised, mostly Durban-based. The career ads point to a March lift-off as cabin crew have been requested to start on March 1.
Popular business network LinkedIn profiles Velvet Sky as an airline start-up in South Africa, launching early 2011 on the golden triangle. LinkedIn further mentions former Nationwide crew in connection with Velvet Sky. Paul Green, a former Nationwide Airlines captain, is said to be taking up the position as Velvet Sky’s DFO. Karen Lane is mentioned as manager of passenger services (Karen used to be manager of airport and customer service at Nationwide Airlines). Lastly, Frederick Bebington is mentioned as Velvet Sky’s safety officer and QA manager since November 2010.
Agents welcoming but wary
TRAVEL agents welcome the news of a new domestic airline in the SA market but say they will be cautious about booking with a new operator.
“It is a very welcome announcement but I hope that it is not going to be another Flitestar or like other failed predecessors,” said one agent who wishes to remain anonymous.
Another agent says she will only consider booking with the new airline once it has been operating for a minimum of six months and even then will remain wary.
Another agent feels a new airline will do the market good by creating more competition. “Our commercial airlines need competition as they keep disappointing our clients. They are very expensive!”
News provided by ETNW
The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirms the existence of a new airline. The authority told TNW in a written response: “The SACAA can confirm that it is evaluating an application for an Air Operator Certificate. The evaluation of the application is at an advanced stage and it is envisaged that the process will be concluded within a few weeks.” The SACAA adds that the last key undertaking that still needs to be performed before granting the new airline its licence and operator certificate is the emergency evacuation demonstration.
Kabelo Ledwaba, SACAA manager of communications, further reveals that the applicant, who cannot be named at this stage, will offer scheduled commercial services to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Stuart Cochrane, executive manager Comair, warns, however, that capacity on the golden triangle might already be saturated. “The market, particularly the trunk routes, is already overtraded with too much capacity.” Stuart says the industry has seen numerous entrants come and go with the biggest losers being the consumer, so the most important thing with any start-up airline is that safety standards are maintained and that new entrants are required to put the customers’ money in a trust and do not use forward sales to fund the start-up.
Velvet Sky has registered three websites: www.velvetsky.co.za and www.flyvelvetsky.com and www.velvetsky.com. The websites don’t offer much information except for a link to career opportunities, in which various airline positions are advertised, mostly Durban-based. The career ads point to a March lift-off as cabin crew have been requested to start on March 1.
Popular business network LinkedIn profiles Velvet Sky as an airline start-up in South Africa, launching early 2011 on the golden triangle. LinkedIn further mentions former Nationwide crew in connection with Velvet Sky. Paul Green, a former Nationwide Airlines captain, is said to be taking up the position as Velvet Sky’s DFO. Karen Lane is mentioned as manager of passenger services (Karen used to be manager of airport and customer service at Nationwide Airlines). Lastly, Frederick Bebington is mentioned as Velvet Sky’s safety officer and QA manager since November 2010.
Agents welcoming but wary
TRAVEL agents welcome the news of a new domestic airline in the SA market but say they will be cautious about booking with a new operator.
“It is a very welcome announcement but I hope that it is not going to be another Flitestar or like other failed predecessors,” said one agent who wishes to remain anonymous.
Another agent says she will only consider booking with the new airline once it has been operating for a minimum of six months and even then will remain wary.
Another agent feels a new airline will do the market good by creating more competition. “Our commercial airlines need competition as they keep disappointing our clients. They are very expensive!”
News provided by ETNW
Brisbane airport operating despite high tide
THE Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) was confident that the airport would remain open throughout last night.
In a statement, BAC said the drainage system had been effective in ensuring the airport was able to continue operating normally and had additional capacity for further water level increases.
BAC said it would continue to monitor water levels on the hour every hour, and water pumps had been deployed across the airfield to be used if necessary.
Both domestic and international terminals were operational with flights expected to land and depart on schedule throughout the day yesterday.
Although aircraft are still able to fly in and out of Brisbane Airport, passengers should contact their airlines direct for further information on changes to flight schedules.
Public transport to and from the airport is available but limited. Airtrain Gold Coast service is still running but only to Yeerongpilly. There is no alternative transport from this point and passengers need to find alternative means of transport to their destination.
All Translink/Airtrain services are offered free from now onwards. There will be another update in regard to Airtrain in this morning. Coachtrans night-time services for Wednesday were cancelled. For further information on public transport options, visit www.translink.com.au
Roads at Brisbane Airport were also expected to remain open throughout the night. Toll roads, including the Gateway Bridge, are also now free and will be until further notice. For roads surrounding the airport precinct that may be impacted by floods, please visit www.131940.qld.gov.au
According to reports from the Brisbane City Council, up to 40 000 properties are expected to be impacted by flooding by Thursday based on the latest flood modelling. More than 2 100 streets across Brisbane will be impacted.
Suburbs expected to experience flooding are Acacia Ridge, Albion, Anstead, Archerfield, Auchenflower, Bellbowrie, Bowen Hills, Brisbane City, Brookfield, Bulimba, Chelmer, Chuwar, Coopers Plains, Coorparoo, Corinda, East Brisbane, Fairfield, Fig Tree Pocket, Fortitude Valley, Graceville, Greenslopes, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Hemmant, Indooroopilly, Jindalee, Kangaroo Point, Karana Downs, Kenmore, Lytton, Milton, Moggill, Murarrie, Moorooka, Mt Ommaney, New Farm, Newstead, Norman Park, Oxley, Paddington, Pinkenba, Rocklea, Sherwood, South Brisbane, Sumner, Taringa, Tennyson, Toowong, West End, Woolloongabba, Windsor, Wacol, Yeronga and Yeerongpilly.
Brisbane City Council advises that the attached streets may have or are expected to be affected by flooding in Brisbane this week.
Council also advises that more streets may be added to this list as Council continues to monitor the situation across the city.
Residents and visitors are warned to stay away from floodwaters and storm water drains following heavy rainfall and take care on wet roads. Floodwaters can be fast moving and contain hidden debris.
News Provided By ETNW
In a statement, BAC said the drainage system had been effective in ensuring the airport was able to continue operating normally and had additional capacity for further water level increases.
BAC said it would continue to monitor water levels on the hour every hour, and water pumps had been deployed across the airfield to be used if necessary.
Both domestic and international terminals were operational with flights expected to land and depart on schedule throughout the day yesterday.
Although aircraft are still able to fly in and out of Brisbane Airport, passengers should contact their airlines direct for further information on changes to flight schedules.
Public transport to and from the airport is available but limited. Airtrain Gold Coast service is still running but only to Yeerongpilly. There is no alternative transport from this point and passengers need to find alternative means of transport to their destination.
All Translink/Airtrain services are offered free from now onwards. There will be another update in regard to Airtrain in this morning. Coachtrans night-time services for Wednesday were cancelled. For further information on public transport options, visit www.translink.com.au
Roads at Brisbane Airport were also expected to remain open throughout the night. Toll roads, including the Gateway Bridge, are also now free and will be until further notice. For roads surrounding the airport precinct that may be impacted by floods, please visit www.131940.qld.gov.au
According to reports from the Brisbane City Council, up to 40 000 properties are expected to be impacted by flooding by Thursday based on the latest flood modelling. More than 2 100 streets across Brisbane will be impacted.
Suburbs expected to experience flooding are Acacia Ridge, Albion, Anstead, Archerfield, Auchenflower, Bellbowrie, Bowen Hills, Brisbane City, Brookfield, Bulimba, Chelmer, Chuwar, Coopers Plains, Coorparoo, Corinda, East Brisbane, Fairfield, Fig Tree Pocket, Fortitude Valley, Graceville, Greenslopes, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Hemmant, Indooroopilly, Jindalee, Kangaroo Point, Karana Downs, Kenmore, Lytton, Milton, Moggill, Murarrie, Moorooka, Mt Ommaney, New Farm, Newstead, Norman Park, Oxley, Paddington, Pinkenba, Rocklea, Sherwood, South Brisbane, Sumner, Taringa, Tennyson, Toowong, West End, Woolloongabba, Windsor, Wacol, Yeronga and Yeerongpilly.
Brisbane City Council advises that the attached streets may have or are expected to be affected by flooding in Brisbane this week.
Council also advises that more streets may be added to this list as Council continues to monitor the situation across the city.
Residents and visitors are warned to stay away from floodwaters and storm water drains following heavy rainfall and take care on wet roads. Floodwaters can be fast moving and contain hidden debris.
Travel chaos looms for Cathay Pacific
CATHAY Pacific Airways said today that the threat of disruptive action by the Flight Attendants Union (FAU) was “disappointing”, and that the union needed to explain to the public why they were threatening Chinese New Year holiday plans.
News Provided by ETNW
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
In order to cut costs on Business travel - Visibility
In past recessions, when the economy was in a recovery cycle, many companies slashed their travel expenses, and may have lived to regret it, as they possibly cut to deep!
Client Relationships building and wooing new customers is the reason we travel. Certainly when times are tough, it is even more of a reason to reassure clients. So what to do?
This is when you make certain that you turn up the dial with clever and strategic travel management. That is if and how your business manages it today.
The idea: is to justify the value of each of your business trips. Make each trip as visible as possible. The reason for this is that increased visibility drives cost reduction. If your company still has not adopted the fundamentals of travel management—consolidation—now is the time to start.
Consolidating travel through a corporate travel management company (TMC) creates visibility into what travelers book and how wisely they spend company money. It also creates an environment of accountability and responsibility. Choosing the right TMC however is vital. The back office systems they have on offer can either make or break the tender. No longer is the pricing the main issue. Importantly, you need to be able to have clarity on their systems, with a data integrity stipulation.
I still find it mind-boggling when Medium and Large Corporate Companies, allow travelers to book travel through "thinkImgettingagooddeal.com," even if that site belongs to a low-cost carrier. Competition is what keeps fares and rates low, not supplier goodwill.
No airline or hotel is always the cheapest, or the best value, on every trip. Understand, that if you book through "supplier.com," you don't even see the competition. Also, companies that don't mandate one travel management company can't even offer negotiated discounts to their customer. If travelers book where they choose, instead of through a designated TMC, companies won't get complete reports. They can get part of the picture from expense reports, but only TMC reports provide insight into such procurement behavior such as as advance purchases, ticket changes or travel policy compliance.
To sum it up.... Traveler choice + Cyberspace reservations = Poorly Managed Travel spend
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Brisbane warned of flood threat
EVACUATIONS are currently underway in Brisbane following a threat of flooding.
This latest threat follows already massive destruction caused by flooding in large parts of the north east of the country.
Flash floods hit the town of Toowoomba killing at least eight people and it is feared that heavy rain may cause rivers in the Brisbane area to rise by 16 metres.
Officials urged residents downstream of Toowoomba, particularly in the low-lying western suburbs of Brisbane, to evacuate their homes as Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology predicted that more rain would fall across the region today.
Meanwhile, Qantas ceo, Alan Joyce issued a statement saying that the airline has evacuated all of its employees in Brisbane city. Qantaslink offices have also been evacuated.
Brisbane Airport continues to remain open and Qantas is sending additional operational, customer care and ramp staff to provide support. At this stage, services continue as normal, with the exception of services to Rockhampton Airport which remains closed. In recognition of the exceptional circumstances, the airline has issued a fare waiver for all flights into and out of Brisbane up to and including January 13.
Qantas is working with the Queensland and Federal Governments, and Emergency Services, to provide any assistance required, and so far the airline has provided additional services, transport of freight, and provision of flights for priority passengers from towns being evacuated.
The airline has also committed to provide flights and additional services to affected areas once the waters have subsided. This will include providing transport for SES volunteers from interstate.
This latest threat follows already massive destruction caused by flooding in large parts of the north east of the country.
Flash floods hit the town of Toowoomba killing at least eight people and it is feared that heavy rain may cause rivers in the Brisbane area to rise by 16 metres.
Officials urged residents downstream of Toowoomba, particularly in the low-lying western suburbs of Brisbane, to evacuate their homes as Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology predicted that more rain would fall across the region today.
Meanwhile, Qantas ceo, Alan Joyce issued a statement saying that the airline has evacuated all of its employees in Brisbane city. Qantaslink offices have also been evacuated.
Brisbane Airport continues to remain open and Qantas is sending additional operational, customer care and ramp staff to provide support. At this stage, services continue as normal, with the exception of services to Rockhampton Airport which remains closed. In recognition of the exceptional circumstances, the airline has issued a fare waiver for all flights into and out of Brisbane up to and including January 13.
Qantas is working with the Queensland and Federal Governments, and Emergency Services, to provide any assistance required, and so far the airline has provided additional services, transport of freight, and provision of flights for priority passengers from towns being evacuated.
The airline has also committed to provide flights and additional services to affected areas once the waters have subsided. This will include providing transport for SES volunteers from interstate.
New Destinations for AF / KL
STARTING March 27, Air France will operate a new route connecting its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub to Billund, Denmark, with three daily flights.
This new service strengthens Air France KLM Group's presence in the region, where KLM already operates an Amsterdam-Billund service.
Also, starting March 27, KLM will launch a double-daily service to Aalborg (AAL) in Denmark. Aalborg is KLM’s third Danish destination, besides Billund and Copenhagen, and it is the first airline to offer a direct service between Aalborg and Amsterdam. Connections on KLM flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town are favourable.
Air France and KLM will now serve three destinations in Denmark: Copenhagen, Billund and Aalborg.
This new service strengthens Air France KLM Group's presence in the region, where KLM already operates an Amsterdam-Billund service.
Also, starting March 27, KLM will launch a double-daily service to Aalborg (AAL) in Denmark. Aalborg is KLM’s third Danish destination, besides Billund and Copenhagen, and it is the first airline to offer a direct service between Aalborg and Amsterdam. Connections on KLM flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town are favourable.
Air France and KLM will now serve three destinations in Denmark: Copenhagen, Billund and Aalborg.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hotel Review - Protea Hotel Hilton
A misty morning arrival at the Protea Hotel Hilton was enough to ensure that I had selected a perfect spot to stay for our Midlands Meander. Not only was this hotel in an extremely easy location to find, it is close to the main highway. A perfect spot to begin a jaunt on the Midlands Meander.
Only 12 kilometers from the historic City of Pietermaritzburg, this Hotel has managed to maintain is country charm, which is a welcome relief from the Hustle and Bustle of the corporate world. With my my corporate clients in mind, it served as the perfect "out of town" location to welcome a weary Business Traveller.
Welcoming guests since 1936, The Hilton has just recently been revamped and renovated. They have cleverly managed to retain it's original charm, with many of the old pieces on show much to my delight. Of Particular interest to me was the enormous and seemingly "Ancient" Leather bound Newspapers in the Pub. Perfect reading when relaxing with a good Port!
The view from our Ground floor bedroom, was onto the Tudor Terrace, which surrounded the swimming pool. A tranquil and relaxing view from our beautifully decorated and very comfortable bedroom of ample size. A Bonus was that our bathroom accommodated both a shower and a separate bath. I am not a fan of those tacky shower curtains hanging over my bath.
One thing to take note of... Don't expect to get a quick easy take out in Hilton! It is a ghost town in the evening, and there really is not much in the way of take outs. After Stuffing ourselves full the whole day on the Meander, we decided to just grab a take out in Hilton for dinner. Bad Idea!
With it's location being so close to Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the hotel is a perfect spot for the quick Exco get away, or company conference.
Offering 5 separate conference venues, it is able to cater for up to 250 delegates at a time.
The Staff were extremely friendly, and very helpful!
This Hotel comes highly recommended for those utilising a Business Travel Budget for accommodation.
ROOM AMENITIES
- Baby cot-on rqst
- Cable TV/Satellite
- Colour TV
- Coffee/tea making fac
- Hairdryer
- Iron-on rqst
- Ironing board-on rqst
- Mirrors
- Newspaper-daily,free
- Safety box
Accommodation type:
Hotels Maximum capacity: 76
Price: Per Person Sharing From around R500 for a Superior King and from around R800 for a single - room only!
Bearing in mind that these prices are subject to the best Rate of the Day, you may well find you get it at a lower price if booking in advance.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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