One of the sad footnotes to the Space Face is that the big guys are likely to win. With EADS already announcing its Astrium's Division project for a CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) based Space Plane for Space Tourism, it wasn’t long before one of the big 3 US Contractors decided that this was something they wanted into.
Northrop Grumman Corp agreed July 5th and announced July 20th the agreed purchase of the remaining shares it didn’t own. According to news reports the share holding rose from 20% to 100% with (subject to US government approval) final effect from August 2007. Quietly the other players have been evaluating the market. It is well known that Boeing has been cooperating with the Russians in this area for some time. Lockheed Martin is keeping Mum on the subject. I believe that we will see a small further number of these projects seeing the light of day. Who is to say that Textron (owner of Cessna Aircraft) will not be entering the race. Not to mention Bombardier (Owner of Canadair and Learjet). Indeed the latter's Learjet 25 is the basis for a low cost entry by Rocketplane Ltd based in Oklahoma State.
The obvious impact is that competition will drive down the pricing to reasonable levels from the current astronomical $30-$40 million (For Space Adventures trips to the ISS) to $180,000 for a flight on SpaceShip 2 with reservations maxed out for approximately the first 5 years of service. Most of these reservations are backed by 100% prepayment. The first time there is an accident of course people will be heading for the hills, but in the mean time this is the equivalent of the Concorde Travel experience.
I might just sign up
Cheers
Timothy
20 July 2007
Is the EC trying some wizardry to appease Amadeus?
On the eve of the release of the Harry Potter final installment - perhaps we are seeing some signs and clues as to how the EC will define its long awaited changes to the GDS regulations. Up until now we have all assumed that the focus would be on the relaxation of the rules along the lines of the US deregulation of the GDS marketplace. But no - it would appear the bureaucrats in Brussels have other plans in store for us. The final chapter in this saga looks like it is going to have a few interesting plot twists and in the end The GDS/Harry character may not be killed off.
The issue it seems in the somewhat single tasking mode of the EC is that they are responding to some obvious pressure from the Amadeus lobbying efforts. They are now opening the door to the definition of "Parent" carrier. The origins of the "Parent" carrier term come from the 1980s when the battle was initially between the "Have" airlines - i.e. those who owned a part of a GDS vs. the "Have Not" carriers. Since this was clear at the time no one needed to have much definition. All EU based major airlines were all by definition "Parent" carriers by dint of the ownership stakes in either Galileo or Amadeus.
Fast forward to today and with the major airlines in the Galileo group all now non "Parent" carriers and even SAS is not an owner - then in Euro speak the definition is moot.
But I offer two other thoughts for consideration. The definitions of "Control" and "Distribution" should also be on the table for interpretation. Why?
Let’s start with "Distribution" the lines are now clearly drawn differently as we have fragmented distribution. With Amadeus focus now on airline IT it is not hard to see that actually distribution control can be effectively managed through the Airlines' PSS (Passenger Sales and Service aka internal Res Systems). So PSS systems are today doing much of what the GDS did before. If PSS systems were added into the loose definition of GDS in a redefined term of Distribution Platform then Amadeus would fail in my opinion the test of dominant control. Specifically we believe at T2 that the System User agreement should be examined in the same context as the "neutral" GDS agreements.
Now let’s consider the term "Control". The 3 participating owner carriers (and I choose my words carefully hear) are indeed much stronger than they were in the late 1980s and 1990s when the regulations were drawn up. Further the US share of the Transatlantic market has fallen significantly in actual passenger counts. The concentration of control among the 3 is pretty compelling.
However take both terms together - Control AND Distribution - and add ALL system users, CTP (Star Alliance - Common Technology Platform) users, all ALTEA users in the EU together and there is clearly a dominance and concentration of market power the likes of which we have NEVER seen before.
It was our hope that the EC would enact the new legislation for the protection of the consumer and the smaller EC airlines to prevent abuse of the monopolistic power concentration that can occur in situations such as these. Unlike the US market - the EC has the power of judge jury and executioner. They can both write and implement legislation. There is no check of the legislature at this level. Appeal to the judiciary is such a laborious process that it is effectively mute in all but the most high profile of cases. AND it takes many years of significant expense to challenge.
The story is not yet over and there will be many more plot twists. The EC has been known for using some of the Black Arts to conjure up dark forces cloaked in respectability. Let’s hope that
Olivier Onidi doesn’t turn out to be the real Voldermort.
For further reading we recommend going to the EC's Transportation section, Air Transport Portal: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/index_en.htm.%20Specifically look a the comments on "Possible revision of Regulation 2299/89 on a Code of Conduct for computerized reservation systems (CRS)" http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/consultation/2007_04_27_en.htm
Note that the EC uses the older term CRS Computer Reservation System - rather than the more common GDS, Global Distribution System. Perhaps this different wording has an impact on the actual spells used.
OK so I carried the Harry Potter metaphor a bit far but my comments are valid. You have been warned. I have experienced first hand the power of the EC in this regard and how they listen to the "home team" of Amadeus lobbyists.
Other resources I suggest are to go to the BTC's website. http://businesstravelcoalition.com/
Cheers
Timothy
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner - T2Impact Ltd
Global Travel eBusiness
Tel (US) +1 425 836 4770
Mobile (US) +1 425 785 4457
Mobile (International) +44 7770 33 81 75
Fax +1 815 377 1583
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
http://www.t2impact.com/
The issue it seems in the somewhat single tasking mode of the EC is that they are responding to some obvious pressure from the Amadeus lobbying efforts. They are now opening the door to the definition of "Parent" carrier. The origins of the "Parent" carrier term come from the 1980s when the battle was initially between the "Have" airlines - i.e. those who owned a part of a GDS vs. the "Have Not" carriers. Since this was clear at the time no one needed to have much definition. All EU based major airlines were all by definition "Parent" carriers by dint of the ownership stakes in either Galileo or Amadeus.
Fast forward to today and with the major airlines in the Galileo group all now non "Parent" carriers and even SAS is not an owner - then in Euro speak the definition is moot.
But I offer two other thoughts for consideration. The definitions of "Control" and "Distribution" should also be on the table for interpretation. Why?
Let’s start with "Distribution" the lines are now clearly drawn differently as we have fragmented distribution. With Amadeus focus now on airline IT it is not hard to see that actually distribution control can be effectively managed through the Airlines' PSS (Passenger Sales and Service aka internal Res Systems). So PSS systems are today doing much of what the GDS did before. If PSS systems were added into the loose definition of GDS in a redefined term of Distribution Platform then Amadeus would fail in my opinion the test of dominant control. Specifically we believe at T2 that the System User agreement should be examined in the same context as the "neutral" GDS agreements.
Now let’s consider the term "Control". The 3 participating owner carriers (and I choose my words carefully hear) are indeed much stronger than they were in the late 1980s and 1990s when the regulations were drawn up. Further the US share of the Transatlantic market has fallen significantly in actual passenger counts. The concentration of control among the 3 is pretty compelling.
However take both terms together - Control AND Distribution - and add ALL system users, CTP (Star Alliance - Common Technology Platform) users, all ALTEA users in the EU together and there is clearly a dominance and concentration of market power the likes of which we have NEVER seen before.
It was our hope that the EC would enact the new legislation for the protection of the consumer and the smaller EC airlines to prevent abuse of the monopolistic power concentration that can occur in situations such as these. Unlike the US market - the EC has the power of judge jury and executioner. They can both write and implement legislation. There is no check of the legislature at this level. Appeal to the judiciary is such a laborious process that it is effectively mute in all but the most high profile of cases. AND it takes many years of significant expense to challenge.
The story is not yet over and there will be many more plot twists. The EC has been known for using some of the Black Arts to conjure up dark forces cloaked in respectability. Let’s hope that
Olivier Onidi doesn’t turn out to be the real Voldermort.
For further reading we recommend going to the EC's Transportation section, Air Transport Portal: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/index_en.htm.%20Specifically look a the comments on "Possible revision of Regulation 2299/89 on a Code of Conduct for computerized reservation systems (CRS)" http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/consultation/2007_04_27_en.htm
Note that the EC uses the older term CRS Computer Reservation System - rather than the more common GDS, Global Distribution System. Perhaps this different wording has an impact on the actual spells used.
OK so I carried the Harry Potter metaphor a bit far but my comments are valid. You have been warned. I have experienced first hand the power of the EC in this regard and how they listen to the "home team" of Amadeus lobbyists.
Other resources I suggest are to go to the BTC's website. http://businesstravelcoalition.com/
Cheers
Timothy
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner - T2Impact Ltd
Global Travel eBusiness
Tel (US) +1 425 836 4770
Mobile (US) +1 425 785 4457
Mobile (International) +44 7770 33 81 75
Fax +1 815 377 1583
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
http://www.t2impact.com/
19 July 2007
Southwest jumps onto Paypal bandwagon
So the ball is SLOWLY rolling but definitely there is momentum
We have been advocating the use of non-credit card financial fulfilment for some time. We believe that there are considerable savings in various areas such as cross border payments and reduced credit card fees that can be garnered if the merchant is prepared to "shop" around.
With Visa now experiencing Debit card rates of more than 50% the time is right for the use of alternative solutions such as eBay's Paypal and Google's Checkout services.
Well done WN - any more takers?
cheers
Timothy
We have been advocating the use of non-credit card financial fulfilment for some time. We believe that there are considerable savings in various areas such as cross border payments and reduced credit card fees that can be garnered if the merchant is prepared to "shop" around.
With Visa now experiencing Debit card rates of more than 50% the time is right for the use of alternative solutions such as eBay's Paypal and Google's Checkout services.
Well done WN - any more takers?
cheers
Timothy
18 July 2007
Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport - comment
Having flown into this airport frequently (and its corresponding short runway counterpart in Rio) I can personally attest to the scary nature of the experience. The airport is tiny in comparison to other facilities. Given the significant daily traffic not just on the Rio - Sao Paolo run but also flights from there to many other places the location was a major factor in this tragic accident.
I will also however suggest partial culpability at several doors.
Whatever the actual reason for the accident we can say without a doubt that there is more than one issue at stake here. Due to the nature of the Brazilian market it is unlikely that this will ever come out as part of any official investigation.
1. The airport which sits on a small plateau is surrounded by dense population. This would not be tolerated in many other cities. Some of the housing may not be legal. A slum in Brazil (Favella) is not the same as we might expect, speaking from a Non-Brazilian point of view. Hundreds of thousands of people live in these makeshift cities in both Rio and Sao Paolo.
2. The only way to land is to slam the aircraft down on the runway and full thrust reversers and braking to slow the aircraft down. For a fully loaded A320 this is no small feat. Even 737s (Gol and Varig) and F100s (TAM) (the other jets that use the airport) have a hard time with this. There is little to no margin for error.
2. The pilots who fly the shuttle routes are highly competent and used to the "normal" conditions. This was far from normal having been one of the wettest winters in memory.
3. The runway had been repaved but not re-grooved
4. There had been a court case in which a judge had ruled that the airport was safe under pressure from the official bodies.
5. At least once in the preceding months since the runway re-surfacing had a pilot complained of the danger in the runway condition
6. Infraero - the former military organization charged with the infrastructure of the airports in Brazil and its counterpart ANAC http://www.infraero.gov.br/, http://www.anac.gov.br/ respectively are both politically influenced organizations.
7. TAM has been aggressively growing (as has GOL and others) without much check. The aggressive expansion has occurred at a time when the former national carrier VARIG went into deep decline (now only handling less than 3% of the total traffic) and when the air traffic control system was shown to be severely lacking. (See GOL midair collision).
8. TAM has had a poor record of safety particularly with its F100 aircraft. Even Wikipedia doesn’t log all of the accidents. In addition its hero Rolim Amaro was himself killed in a TAM Helicopter crash.
Enough guilt and blame to go round. Our thoughts and prayers are for the victims and their families. Let’s hope that this is a catalyst to cause reform and better oversight by the authorities. Brazil is a great country. its people are some of the nicest you can hope to meet. Let’s hope for the best for them
Cheers
Timothy
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner - T2Impact Ltd
Global Travel eBusiness
Tel (US) +1 425 836 4770
Mobile (US) +1 425 785 4457
Mobile (International) +44 7770 33 81 75
Fax +1 815 377 1583
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
http://www.t2impact.com/
Our thoughts and prayers go
I will also however suggest partial culpability at several doors.
Whatever the actual reason for the accident we can say without a doubt that there is more than one issue at stake here. Due to the nature of the Brazilian market it is unlikely that this will ever come out as part of any official investigation.
1. The airport which sits on a small plateau is surrounded by dense population. This would not be tolerated in many other cities. Some of the housing may not be legal. A slum in Brazil (Favella) is not the same as we might expect, speaking from a Non-Brazilian point of view. Hundreds of thousands of people live in these makeshift cities in both Rio and Sao Paolo.
2. The only way to land is to slam the aircraft down on the runway and full thrust reversers and braking to slow the aircraft down. For a fully loaded A320 this is no small feat. Even 737s (Gol and Varig) and F100s (TAM) (the other jets that use the airport) have a hard time with this. There is little to no margin for error.
2. The pilots who fly the shuttle routes are highly competent and used to the "normal" conditions. This was far from normal having been one of the wettest winters in memory.
3. The runway had been repaved but not re-grooved
4. There had been a court case in which a judge had ruled that the airport was safe under pressure from the official bodies.
5. At least once in the preceding months since the runway re-surfacing had a pilot complained of the danger in the runway condition
6. Infraero - the former military organization charged with the infrastructure of the airports in Brazil and its counterpart ANAC http://www.infraero.gov.br/, http://www.anac.gov.br/ respectively are both politically influenced organizations.
7. TAM has been aggressively growing (as has GOL and others) without much check. The aggressive expansion has occurred at a time when the former national carrier VARIG went into deep decline (now only handling less than 3% of the total traffic) and when the air traffic control system was shown to be severely lacking. (See GOL midair collision).
8. TAM has had a poor record of safety particularly with its F100 aircraft. Even Wikipedia doesn’t log all of the accidents. In addition its hero Rolim Amaro was himself killed in a TAM Helicopter crash.
Enough guilt and blame to go round. Our thoughts and prayers are for the victims and their families. Let’s hope that this is a catalyst to cause reform and better oversight by the authorities. Brazil is a great country. its people are some of the nicest you can hope to meet. Let’s hope for the best for them
Cheers
Timothy
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner - T2Impact Ltd
Global Travel eBusiness
Tel (US) +1 425 836 4770
Mobile (US) +1 425 785 4457
Mobile (International) +44 7770 33 81 75
Fax +1 815 377 1583
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
http://www.t2impact.com/
Our thoughts and prayers go
13 July 2007
FINALLY a deal on EU-US Data
OK so it was inevitable but its at least good to know that you (and me) can go to Europe after July 31st after an 11th hour agreement between the US and the EC on the handing over of data for US Homeland Security.
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20070713-705251.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
The DoHS is still somewhat in disarray and still have not resolved many of the grand plans they announced but cannot implement post 9/11 but this is a small step.
I have no sympathy for the airlines in this case who are complaining that it will squeeze existing tight profit margins. What do they expect - largesse?
Now we have this deal in place all is at peace between the US and its transatlantic counterparts. So now perhaps we can get on with the business of a full and true open skies and a free market across the pond
Cheers
Timothy
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20070713-705251.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
The DoHS is still somewhat in disarray and still have not resolved many of the grand plans they announced but cannot implement post 9/11 but this is a small step.
I have no sympathy for the airlines in this case who are complaining that it will squeeze existing tight profit margins. What do they expect - largesse?
Now we have this deal in place all is at peace between the US and its transatlantic counterparts. So now perhaps we can get on with the business of a full and true open skies and a free market across the pond
Cheers
Timothy
Statement of Authenticity - Blog Policy for this site
Every once is a while it is important to understand the perspective and authority of the source. So for the benefit of the loyal readers out there (and even if you are only an occasional reader) - I would like to layout our policy for this blog.
We promise to write only accurate information
We promise to try and separate information from opinion
We promise to try and cite accurately the source material if there is a reference.
That's it.
I am the chief writer for this blog but we do have occasional guest writers. So the opinions expressed are those of T2Impact not of anyone else unless specifically so stated. If we screw up we take full responsibility for it. And if this happens we will print a retraction or correction.
If you ever want to comment - please feel free. If you wish to contact me you can reach me on skype - timothyo or via email: timothyo@t2impact.com
Thanks for reading
Cheers
Timothy O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner
T2Impact Ltd
+1 302 351 6119
We promise to write only accurate information
We promise to try and separate information from opinion
We promise to try and cite accurately the source material if there is a reference.
That's it.
I am the chief writer for this blog but we do have occasional guest writers. So the opinions expressed are those of T2Impact not of anyone else unless specifically so stated. If we screw up we take full responsibility for it. And if this happens we will print a retraction or correction.
If you ever want to comment - please feel free. If you wish to contact me you can reach me on skype - timothyo or via email: timothyo@t2impact.com
Thanks for reading
Cheers
Timothy O'Neil-Dunne
Managing Partner
T2Impact Ltd
+1 302 351 6119
12 July 2007
Fragmentation - The importance of Tribal Context
One of the more interesting by-products of the Web Life Style has been the fragmentation of the user communities.
Traditionally we have ascribed physical characteristics when we describe people and users. Definitions by:
Race,
Sexual Preference,
Creed
Gender
Economic Profile
etc etc
Traditional media then tried to ascribe people by their media usage characteristics. What DMA you live in, what daypart you belong in etc etc. Even today we see that the long held view of metrics on the web of page views (heck remember when we measured in hits!!!) has been abandoned by none other than Nielsen.
But this traditional characterization no longer applies. Humans have a wonderful habit of constantly evolving. The rate of change has done nothing but accelerate.
Many people can easily scoff at Social Networking as either a flash in the pan or at worst a fad. However we believe that there has been a fundamental shift in thinking and more importantly in behavior that affects consumption and in particular travel.
The characteristics of the users needs a label. Heck we love labels. But in trying to discover a term that correctly defines what we see - we have had to resort to creating our own. We call this new behavior "Tribal Context"
Tribal because the user communities are coming together in a more fluid set of relationships without pattern, these are tribes rather than hard groups They change constantly. Context is much more important because it is no longer mono-cultural - rather the context is dynamic at all levels: Time, Location, Mood, Whim, etc etc. Capturing this constantly evolving elements has created massive challenges for the advertising and marketing chaps attempting to reach these consumers. Past Behavior is no longer any proxy for current or future behavior.
So no matter what side of the game you are on - a user. consumer, supplier, content source indeed any stakeholder, understanding Tribal Context is essential.
Good luck - I am off to pull my hair out to understand how to make it work for our business and our clients...
Cheers
timothy
Traditionally we have ascribed physical characteristics when we describe people and users. Definitions by:
Race,
Sexual Preference,
Creed
Gender
Economic Profile
etc etc
Traditional media then tried to ascribe people by their media usage characteristics. What DMA you live in, what daypart you belong in etc etc. Even today we see that the long held view of metrics on the web of page views (heck remember when we measured in hits!!!) has been abandoned by none other than Nielsen.
But this traditional characterization no longer applies. Humans have a wonderful habit of constantly evolving. The rate of change has done nothing but accelerate.
Many people can easily scoff at Social Networking as either a flash in the pan or at worst a fad. However we believe that there has been a fundamental shift in thinking and more importantly in behavior that affects consumption and in particular travel.
The characteristics of the users needs a label. Heck we love labels. But in trying to discover a term that correctly defines what we see - we have had to resort to creating our own. We call this new behavior "Tribal Context"
Tribal because the user communities are coming together in a more fluid set of relationships without pattern, these are tribes rather than hard groups They change constantly. Context is much more important because it is no longer mono-cultural - rather the context is dynamic at all levels: Time, Location, Mood, Whim, etc etc. Capturing this constantly evolving elements has created massive challenges for the advertising and marketing chaps attempting to reach these consumers. Past Behavior is no longer any proxy for current or future behavior.
So no matter what side of the game you are on - a user. consumer, supplier, content source indeed any stakeholder, understanding Tribal Context is essential.
Good luck - I am off to pull my hair out to understand how to make it work for our business and our clients...
Cheers
timothy
11 July 2007
I was REALLY hoping the iPhoney would be a solution
Usable device.
Sadly it tries to be jack of all trade and master of none.
Everything it does it does OK. Some better than others. Everything together makes for a complicated result that will not necessarily provide for a better experience overall.
While I am not a Luddite - I am somewhat peturbed by sheer number of times I am asked (make that told) to learn a new UI/UE. iPhone is probably the worst so far.
OK so I am not a Mac head (I own one) there are 4 iPods in my house. However having worked with the device for a full day - almost full time - I have to concur with Tom Yager's analysis at Infoworld. http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/07/10/28TCiphone_1.html
I was REALLY hoping to reduce my number of devices. But this doesnt quite cut it. Even though I am already an AT&T user. Thanks I will stick to my Blackberry (8700) and the seperate Sony W810 phone. It has superior call quality and is a great MP3 player. I cant wait to get my hands on the W900 series which should do the trick.
Using a single 4GB chip I get as much music as the base iPhone. All for an extra $37. So at this point I am going to pass on the iPhone. They are cute but not that usable
Cheers
Timothy
Sadly it tries to be jack of all trade and master of none.
Everything it does it does OK. Some better than others. Everything together makes for a complicated result that will not necessarily provide for a better experience overall.
While I am not a Luddite - I am somewhat peturbed by sheer number of times I am asked (make that told) to learn a new UI/UE. iPhone is probably the worst so far.
OK so I am not a Mac head (I own one) there are 4 iPods in my house. However having worked with the device for a full day - almost full time - I have to concur with Tom Yager's analysis at Infoworld. http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/07/10/28TCiphone_1.html
I was REALLY hoping to reduce my number of devices. But this doesnt quite cut it. Even though I am already an AT&T user. Thanks I will stick to my Blackberry (8700) and the seperate Sony W810 phone. It has superior call quality and is a great MP3 player. I cant wait to get my hands on the W900 series which should do the trick.
Using a single 4GB chip I get as much music as the base iPhone. All for an extra $37. So at this point I am going to pass on the iPhone. They are cute but not that usable
Cheers
Timothy
Bidets and Airplanes make a good mix?
I have restrained myself from writing this entry for over 6 months since I first heard that Boeing had put Bidet's on the options list for the 787. Originally I understood it was just for the BBJ version of the aircraft. But no lesser authority than the WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118411594813562792-search.html?KEYWORDS=bidet&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month
has confirmed that yes this has in fact been ADOPTED by the two Japanese airlines ANA (launch customer) and JAL. It only remains for Virgin (pardon the pun) to adopt this for it to become a standard accoutrement of all operators.
So all manner of concepts spring to mind. So here are just a few potential PA announcements for you to consider:
1. Use in Turbulence - "Please return to your seat and refrain from using the Bidet while the Seatbelt sign is illuminated"
2. Prior to Landing - "Please return your Tray Tables and Seatbacks to their full and upright positions and refrain from leaving the Bidet on during landing
3. After Boarding before take off - " This aircraft is equipped with escape path Bidets please read the pamphlet in your seat back and familiarize your self with this feature.
4. The return of the gender specific announcement - "Male passengers are requested to kindly remove their shoes before using the Bidet and your accurate aim is highly appreciated
we have a series of illustrations to go with this but as this may be viewed by sensitive folks we will refrain from publishing them
Cheers
Timothy
has confirmed that yes this has in fact been ADOPTED by the two Japanese airlines ANA (launch customer) and JAL. It only remains for Virgin (pardon the pun) to adopt this for it to become a standard accoutrement of all operators.
So all manner of concepts spring to mind. So here are just a few potential PA announcements for you to consider:
1. Use in Turbulence - "Please return to your seat and refrain from using the Bidet while the Seatbelt sign is illuminated"
2. Prior to Landing - "Please return your Tray Tables and Seatbacks to their full and upright positions and refrain from leaving the Bidet on during landing
3. After Boarding before take off - " This aircraft is equipped with escape path Bidets please read the pamphlet in your seat back and familiarize your self with this feature.
4. The return of the gender specific announcement - "Male passengers are requested to kindly remove their shoes before using the Bidet and your accurate aim is highly appreciated
we have a series of illustrations to go with this but as this may be viewed by sensitive folks we will refrain from publishing them
Cheers
Timothy
Mr O'leary - you do have a point. EC logic failure
While the ever ebullient Mr O'Leary can hardly be described as the most diplomatic of folks, he certainly does have a point over the EC's recent ruling on the moribund EI/FR merger.
The EC has been considerably adroit at avoiding a formal confrontation on the aid issues to "sick" European airlines. Particularly Alitalia and Olympic (whatever it’s called this week). But it goes back further to Sabena, Air France TAP and others. To disallow the valid merger between the two certainly goes totally against the grain of the EC's stated and legislated policies.
As this is a family blog I will not repeat some of the more colorful statements of Mr O’Leary on the subject but you have to admit there is a significant logic disconnect going on here.
I believe the merger was a non-starter due to the Irish Government's blocking shareholding and the Union's opposition. But in the next down turn, this is a dangerous precedent of the EC reacting to member state pressure. However when you are judge, jury and executioner (as is the EC's rights in law) then I guess you can do whatever the heck you like.
Personally I think the Commission has done itself a huge disservice and should be publically flogged.
Cheers
Timothy
The EC has been considerably adroit at avoiding a formal confrontation on the aid issues to "sick" European airlines. Particularly Alitalia and Olympic (whatever it’s called this week). But it goes back further to Sabena, Air France TAP and others. To disallow the valid merger between the two certainly goes totally against the grain of the EC's stated and legislated policies.
As this is a family blog I will not repeat some of the more colorful statements of Mr O’Leary on the subject but you have to admit there is a significant logic disconnect going on here.
I believe the merger was a non-starter due to the Irish Government's blocking shareholding and the Union's opposition. But in the next down turn, this is a dangerous precedent of the EC reacting to member state pressure. However when you are judge, jury and executioner (as is the EC's rights in law) then I guess you can do whatever the heck you like.
Personally I think the Commission has done itself a huge disservice and should be publically flogged.
Cheers
Timothy
Will Worldspan exit with a whimper?
The powers that be in the USA have given their tentative approval to Worldspan's "merger" into Galileo. Still subject to the EC approval process which is under review this is likely to drag on for at least another 4 months.
Significant challenges remain - like how do you explain the value without merging the 2 platforms. Sorry guys I just dont buy your logic at the moment. However I am open to hearing a good story.
So the once great Worldspan will likely fade into the sunset rather than go out with a bang.
Cheers
Timothy
Significant challenges remain - like how do you explain the value without merging the 2 platforms. Sorry guys I just dont buy your logic at the moment. However I am open to hearing a good story.
So the once great Worldspan will likely fade into the sunset rather than go out with a bang.
Cheers
Timothy
09 July 2007
You never had it so good - Just ask Delta
There are probably a lot of people out there who have signed up for Delta's weekly email fares notifications. Well at least twice in the last month - they have sent out a spectacular email with... no special airfares.
So one can conclude that either those nice people in the ATLHQ are getting lazy or life is just too good for words. I am actually in the latter camp. For the last year (I keep a log of all the emails I get from each carrier) i have actually had only 5 specials from my home town.
Here is the exact text from their email of today...
Below are your Weekly Fare Specials. All fares require a Saturday departure and return travel on either Monday or Tuesday. Take advantage of these exclusive online offers listed below and earn miles with Delta.
Looks like we're not running any special fares for you this week but maybe you will see a great deal for your family or friends. Take a look and let them know.
Looks like things are good at the moment for the airlines – we all know how miserable it is for the passengers (yes even I had to spend the night on the floor in ATL) ..... But will it last.
Cheers
Timothy
So one can conclude that either those nice people in the ATLHQ are getting lazy or life is just too good for words. I am actually in the latter camp. For the last year (I keep a log of all the emails I get from each carrier) i have actually had only 5 specials from my home town.
Here is the exact text from their email of today...
Below are your Weekly Fare Specials. All fares require a Saturday departure and return travel on either Monday or Tuesday. Take advantage of these exclusive online offers listed below and earn miles with Delta.
Looks like we're not running any special fares for you this week but maybe you will see a great deal for your family or friends. Take a look and let them know.
Looks like things are good at the moment for the airlines – we all know how miserable it is for the passengers (yes even I had to spend the night on the floor in ATL) ..... But will it last.
Cheers
Timothy
07 July 2007
UI/UE debate on WIWIH
Max Starkov and co are running a Hospitality website called WIWIH. http://www.wiwih.com/
Fairly typical of different hotel discussion groups. However one debate caught my eye - UI.
The topic is: WIWIH Poll - Do you think that One-Screen/Flash booking engines (e.g. iStay-iHotelier) are better than the traditional step-by-step booking engines (e.g. Expedia's, Marriott's, SynXis')? I have a passionate belief that the end of the life cycle of the current explicit User Experience is in sight. Whether of course it is adopted remains to be seen. Sadly the whole advent of Mashups and Web2.0 technologies (if you can call them that) has actually done a dis-service to the market by prolonging the lifespan of the current metaphors. IE you can get away with continuing with the same old clunky back ends because there is a few bolt on extras and some nice lipstick for the old pigs. Check out the debate. (Sorry you have to sign up)
http://www.wiwih.com/topic/36000539.html
I do hope that people are listening/reading - because this is something that is the pachyderm on the table. We do need new engines and the current UI/UE metaphor is going to go away. Of course I don’t have to pay for this - but doesn’t mean I am not going to push for it.
Cheers
Timothy
Fairly typical of different hotel discussion groups. However one debate caught my eye - UI.
The topic is: WIWIH Poll - Do you think that One-Screen/Flash booking engines (e.g. iStay-iHotelier) are better than the traditional step-by-step booking engines (e.g. Expedia's, Marriott's, SynXis')? I have a passionate belief that the end of the life cycle of the current explicit User Experience is in sight. Whether of course it is adopted remains to be seen. Sadly the whole advent of Mashups and Web2.0 technologies (if you can call them that) has actually done a dis-service to the market by prolonging the lifespan of the current metaphors. IE you can get away with continuing with the same old clunky back ends because there is a few bolt on extras and some nice lipstick for the old pigs. Check out the debate. (Sorry you have to sign up)
http://www.wiwih.com/topic/36000539.html
I do hope that people are listening/reading - because this is something that is the pachyderm on the table. We do need new engines and the current UI/UE metaphor is going to go away. Of course I don’t have to pay for this - but doesn’t mean I am not going to push for it.
Cheers
Timothy
02 July 2007
Tear Down the Wall: IATA Block Exemption is cancelled
The EC in its infinite wisdom has chosen not to renew the Block Exemption it gave last year to the IATA Passenger Tariff Conference.
For once this is a good thing as it slowly breaks down the barriers to normal behavior by the airlines. For many years the IATA carriers (now numbering approx 250) have benefitted from operating under supra national rules. In the years before GATT and with certain strange legal mechanisms that actively worked against global trade this was understandable. With GATT and better legal frameworks for international trade, these protections are not nearly as relevant. Perhaps the biggest most telling argument is that there is now a significantly larger non-IATA component to air travel - at least regionally within each Traffic Conference. The second component of this is the alliances which means a single ticket and carrier listing even if the metal is from another airline. According to the EC now less than 5% of travel within EU (defined as EC to non-EC countries) is interlined. This therefore negates the need for the exemption.
We are encouraged by this move to make the airline world more competitive. Perhaps now IATA can go back to being an association of talkers.
For once this is a good thing as it slowly breaks down the barriers to normal behavior by the airlines. For many years the IATA carriers (now numbering approx 250) have benefitted from operating under supra national rules. In the years before GATT and with certain strange legal mechanisms that actively worked against global trade this was understandable. With GATT and better legal frameworks for international trade, these protections are not nearly as relevant. Perhaps the biggest most telling argument is that there is now a significantly larger non-IATA component to air travel - at least regionally within each Traffic Conference. The second component of this is the alliances which means a single ticket and carrier listing even if the metal is from another airline. According to the EC now less than 5% of travel within EU (defined as EC to non-EC countries) is interlined. This therefore negates the need for the exemption.
We are encouraged by this move to make the airline world more competitive. Perhaps now IATA can go back to being an association of talkers.
01 July 2007
Man of the (half) Year 2007
Now we have 6 months under our belts - we would like to nominate the person who we believe exemplifies the best there is in the Aviation, Travel and Tourism sectors. Our nominee from a large field of possible candidates rose head and shoulders above everyone.
Gerald Grinstein deserves the title.
Successfully piloting Delta into, through and now out of Chapter 11 he managed to turn the oil tanker around without creating too much disturbance and disruption amongst the key stakeholders - Customers, Staff and the financial community.
Specifically he tried much harder than his counterparts at UAL and NWA to preserve the base before finally stepping into Chapter 11 when there was no real option but to do it. He is to be commended for trying not to destroy too much of the shareholders equity.
He managed to fend off the unwitting advances of AWA/US Airways which despite looking good on paper would have been a complete disaster. At the same time he also managed to hold off TPG's advances.
While in Chapter 11 his team reformed the airline from the inside out. Not only shedding costs but also changing business practices and processes for better customer experience at a lower cost. While the pillow removal may have galvanized a lot of attention underneath DL really did change the way it did business and has emerged much more competitive.
Finally from a personal integrity point of view while he fellow CEOs were gouging themselves in stock and cash incentives (for doing their job) Jerry took home a modest $300K for his efforts.
Time will be the ultimate judge of his legacy at Delta. As the article in the WSJ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118307487060552233-search.html?KEYWORDS=United+Airlines+UAL&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month on UAL's progress shows that it can stall pretty quickly DL has a long road ahead. We believe that UAL and NWA remain pretty sick and have many issues to contend with. DL itself has some significant customer service issues (as my forced overnight in the ATL airport last week attests). Lets hope they keep getting it right.
His long service at both Western and Delta should be recognized. We believe he is a solid example to which many of us should aspire.
To Jerry - we salute you
Gerald Grinstein deserves the title.
Successfully piloting Delta into, through and now out of Chapter 11 he managed to turn the oil tanker around without creating too much disturbance and disruption amongst the key stakeholders - Customers, Staff and the financial community.
Specifically he tried much harder than his counterparts at UAL and NWA to preserve the base before finally stepping into Chapter 11 when there was no real option but to do it. He is to be commended for trying not to destroy too much of the shareholders equity.
He managed to fend off the unwitting advances of AWA/US Airways which despite looking good on paper would have been a complete disaster. At the same time he also managed to hold off TPG's advances.
While in Chapter 11 his team reformed the airline from the inside out. Not only shedding costs but also changing business practices and processes for better customer experience at a lower cost. While the pillow removal may have galvanized a lot of attention underneath DL really did change the way it did business and has emerged much more competitive.
Finally from a personal integrity point of view while he fellow CEOs were gouging themselves in stock and cash incentives (for doing their job) Jerry took home a modest $300K for his efforts.
Time will be the ultimate judge of his legacy at Delta. As the article in the WSJ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118307487060552233-search.html?KEYWORDS=United+Airlines+UAL&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month on UAL's progress shows that it can stall pretty quickly DL has a long road ahead. We believe that UAL and NWA remain pretty sick and have many issues to contend with. DL itself has some significant customer service issues (as my forced overnight in the ATL airport last week attests). Lets hope they keep getting it right.
His long service at both Western and Delta should be recognized. We believe he is a solid example to which many of us should aspire.
To Jerry - we salute you
30 June 2007
TravelClick 2006 Stats show wide variance in Hotel Yield by Channel
Sorry folks i have had this one to write for some time now. Finally getting round to it.
The TravelClick 2006 stats show a huge discrepancy between bookings made via GDS backed web sites and those via GDS/Travel Agencies. For 2006 the number is 41%. This variance has existed for some time. For example in 2004 the ADR difference was a similar 26%. In order to understand the difference you have to consider the source. We consider the TravelClick numbers to be skewed due to the source of the tracking and the lack of broad reach of the numbers. Its based on GDS based sales. Thus there is always a higher skew of bookings from Travel Agents as is clear. Since this occurs the comparison is fair but it is like comparing apples from the same tree rather than between trees or even different varieties.
Formally they are issuing a caution that this discrepancy is unsustainable. DUH!!!! The web is about transparency. The next gen hotel systems currently being designed (such as 2nd Travel and Pegasus GuestClick) will remove much of the need for a discrepancy.
Here is the full PR release but you can get it off the TravelClick website
Cheers
PR Release Follows:
Press Releases
Worldwide Electronic Hotel Revenue Up 19.3 Percent in Q4 2006
TravelCLICK's eMonitor Reports Annual Growth for Room Nights at 8.4 Percent, ADR at 7.4 Percent
PRNewswireCHICAGO
CHICAGO, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- TravelCLICK's quarterly eMonitor results indicate continued robust health for the hotel industry based on electronic distribution performance for the fourth quarter of 2006. The data shows that worldwide electronic hotel revenue from the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites increased 19.3 percent over the fourth quarter of 2005. The number of electronic room nights booked for the fourth quarter increased 7.7 percent over the same time last year, while the Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased by 10.8 percent. The average length of stay for the fourth quarter 2006 was 2.06 nights, nearly the same as last year.
eMonitor results are compiled from TravelCLICK's comprehensive proprietary database, which is the exclusive source of hotel industry electronic distribution data from the Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan GDS. The database of electronic distribution performance provides a comprehensive foundation for data analysis and trend forecasting that is used by the global hospitality industry in the development of integrated distribution strategy.
Observations for the market based on this latest data include:
-- Hotel bookings through the GDS continue steady sustainable growth on a
large base of more than 50MM.
-- In 2006, ADR for room nights booked through travel agents was
41 percent higher than ADR booked through consumer Internet.
-- In nearly every segment and top destination market, ADR continues its
strong year-over-year growth.
"Within the GDS, there is a sustainable trend of much higher ADR business opportunity when compared to other online distribution channels," said John Hach, Vice President of eMarketing Products at TravelCLICK. "The ADR variance of 41 percent provides compelling evidence regarding the need for hoteliers to reach travel agents during their primary point of customer interaction."
Travel Agent Component
Travel agent bookings represented 79.3 percent of total room nights. The travel agent component of GDS bookings had an 11.5 percent increase in ADR and an 18.5 percent increase in revenue versus the fourth quarter of 2005. Travel agents also continued to be a key source of higher rate business for hotels. The average rate for room nights booked through travel agents for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 43.6 percent higher than the average rate for room nights booked via the Internet for the same period last year.
Year-to-date for 2006, travel agent hotel room nights via the GDS were up 6.3 percent, driving an 8.4 percent growth in ADR from the same period in 2005.
Internet Component
Internet room nights, sourced from consumer online transactions on third-party websites powered by the GDS and Online Distribution Database (ODD), showed a gain of 13.6 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. ADR was up 9.2 percent for Internet bookings; revenue was up 24.1 percent compared to the same period last year.
Fourth Quarter 2006
Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Total GDS and ODD Hotel eCommerce 31,786,682 7.7% $149.52 10.8%
Travel Agent Component 25,200,589 6.3% $159.56 11.5%
Consumer Internet Component 6,586,093 13.6% $111.08 9.2%
Year-to-Date 2006
Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Total GDS and ODD Hotel eCommerce 131,127,784 8.4% $142.83 7.4%
Travel Agent Component 103,468,230 6.3% $152.17 8.4%
Consumer Internet Component 27,659,554 17.2% $107.89 5.5%
GDS Performance by Market Segment
Results for the fourth quarter of 2006 by market segment are shown below for GDS bookings only. All market segments showed increases in both room nights and ADR compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.
Fourth Quarter 2006
Market Segment Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Luxury 927,508 13.6% $363.66 12.4%
Upscale 9,887,664 4.2% $191.08 11.1%
Mid-Scale 11,160,152 6.1% $121.67 11.9%
Economy 2,135,983 6.9% $81.51 8.9%
Year-to-Date 2006
Market Segment Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Luxury 3,636,512 12.2% $345.94 8.6%
Upscale 40,244,398 2.4% $181.79 8.6%
Mid-Scale 46,615,608 5.2% $117.94 8.9%
Economy 9,453,732 7.8% $81.46 7.9%
Top Destination Markets
The top 10 worldwide destination markets in room nights for GDS and ODD-powered third-party websites, in order, were:
Fourth Quarter 2006
Top Destination Markets Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
New York 1,481,273 6.3% $299.00 10.2%
London 1,471,575 27.7% $213.04 12.5%
Los Angeles 1,015,225 4.2% $149.49 9.5%
San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose 941,533 7.7% $154.34 9.0%
Washington/Baltimore 870,787 -1.0% $177.92 7.6%
Chicago 804,459 6.5% $164.28 11.7%
Dallas 558,285 0.4% $119.26 10.1%
Atlanta 495,656 -1.7% $122.27 6.7%
Boston 465,155 3.3% $168.68 8.4%
Houston 437,893 4.0% $124.37 7.4%
To receive a free listing of fourth quarter results by top 50 cities worldwide in electronic bookings, please email emonitor@travelclick.net. GDS hotel booking summaries by individual local market also are available at http://www.travelclick.net/.
Sign up to receive TravelCLICK news by email or through RSS distribution at http://travelclick.mediaroom.com/.
About TravelCLICK
TravelCLICK (http://www.travelclick.net/) is the leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions that drive long-term profitability. TravelCLICK helps hotels maximize asset ROI by combining innovative market analysis and proven industry best practices with advanced technology to develop and implement high-return strategies. The company offers a full set of solutions including reservations and distribution management, market intelligence-based decision support, and marketing services. Serving the hospitality industry since 1996 and headquartered in the Chicago area, TravelCLICK has more than 12,000 customers in 140 countries.
SOURCE: TravelCLICK
The TravelClick 2006 stats show a huge discrepancy between bookings made via GDS backed web sites and those via GDS/Travel Agencies. For 2006 the number is 41%. This variance has existed for some time. For example in 2004 the ADR difference was a similar 26%. In order to understand the difference you have to consider the source. We consider the TravelClick numbers to be skewed due to the source of the tracking and the lack of broad reach of the numbers. Its based on GDS based sales. Thus there is always a higher skew of bookings from Travel Agents as is clear. Since this occurs the comparison is fair but it is like comparing apples from the same tree rather than between trees or even different varieties.
Formally they are issuing a caution that this discrepancy is unsustainable. DUH!!!! The web is about transparency. The next gen hotel systems currently being designed (such as 2nd Travel and Pegasus GuestClick) will remove much of the need for a discrepancy.
Here is the full PR release but you can get it off the TravelClick website
Cheers
PR Release Follows:
Press Releases
Worldwide Electronic Hotel Revenue Up 19.3 Percent in Q4 2006
TravelCLICK's eMonitor Reports Annual Growth for Room Nights at 8.4 Percent, ADR at 7.4 Percent
PRNewswireCHICAGO
CHICAGO, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- TravelCLICK's quarterly eMonitor results indicate continued robust health for the hotel industry based on electronic distribution performance for the fourth quarter of 2006. The data shows that worldwide electronic hotel revenue from the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and key Internet sites increased 19.3 percent over the fourth quarter of 2005. The number of electronic room nights booked for the fourth quarter increased 7.7 percent over the same time last year, while the Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased by 10.8 percent. The average length of stay for the fourth quarter 2006 was 2.06 nights, nearly the same as last year.
eMonitor results are compiled from TravelCLICK's comprehensive proprietary database, which is the exclusive source of hotel industry electronic distribution data from the Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan GDS. The database of electronic distribution performance provides a comprehensive foundation for data analysis and trend forecasting that is used by the global hospitality industry in the development of integrated distribution strategy.
Observations for the market based on this latest data include:
-- Hotel bookings through the GDS continue steady sustainable growth on a
large base of more than 50MM.
-- In 2006, ADR for room nights booked through travel agents was
41 percent higher than ADR booked through consumer Internet.
-- In nearly every segment and top destination market, ADR continues its
strong year-over-year growth.
"Within the GDS, there is a sustainable trend of much higher ADR business opportunity when compared to other online distribution channels," said John Hach, Vice President of eMarketing Products at TravelCLICK. "The ADR variance of 41 percent provides compelling evidence regarding the need for hoteliers to reach travel agents during their primary point of customer interaction."
Travel Agent Component
Travel agent bookings represented 79.3 percent of total room nights. The travel agent component of GDS bookings had an 11.5 percent increase in ADR and an 18.5 percent increase in revenue versus the fourth quarter of 2005. Travel agents also continued to be a key source of higher rate business for hotels. The average rate for room nights booked through travel agents for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 43.6 percent higher than the average rate for room nights booked via the Internet for the same period last year.
Year-to-date for 2006, travel agent hotel room nights via the GDS were up 6.3 percent, driving an 8.4 percent growth in ADR from the same period in 2005.
Internet Component
Internet room nights, sourced from consumer online transactions on third-party websites powered by the GDS and Online Distribution Database (ODD), showed a gain of 13.6 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. ADR was up 9.2 percent for Internet bookings; revenue was up 24.1 percent compared to the same period last year.
Fourth Quarter 2006
Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Total GDS and ODD Hotel eCommerce 31,786,682 7.7% $149.52 10.8%
Travel Agent Component 25,200,589 6.3% $159.56 11.5%
Consumer Internet Component 6,586,093 13.6% $111.08 9.2%
Year-to-Date 2006
Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Total GDS and ODD Hotel eCommerce 131,127,784 8.4% $142.83 7.4%
Travel Agent Component 103,468,230 6.3% $152.17 8.4%
Consumer Internet Component 27,659,554 17.2% $107.89 5.5%
GDS Performance by Market Segment
Results for the fourth quarter of 2006 by market segment are shown below for GDS bookings only. All market segments showed increases in both room nights and ADR compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.
Fourth Quarter 2006
Market Segment Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Luxury 927,508 13.6% $363.66 12.4%
Upscale 9,887,664 4.2% $191.08 11.1%
Mid-Scale 11,160,152 6.1% $121.67 11.9%
Economy 2,135,983 6.9% $81.51 8.9%
Year-to-Date 2006
Market Segment Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
Luxury 3,636,512 12.2% $345.94 8.6%
Upscale 40,244,398 2.4% $181.79 8.6%
Mid-Scale 46,615,608 5.2% $117.94 8.9%
Economy 9,453,732 7.8% $81.46 7.9%
Top Destination Markets
The top 10 worldwide destination markets in room nights for GDS and ODD-powered third-party websites, in order, were:
Fourth Quarter 2006
Top Destination Markets Room Nights %Change ADR %Change
New York 1,481,273 6.3% $299.00 10.2%
London 1,471,575 27.7% $213.04 12.5%
Los Angeles 1,015,225 4.2% $149.49 9.5%
San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose 941,533 7.7% $154.34 9.0%
Washington/Baltimore 870,787 -1.0% $177.92 7.6%
Chicago 804,459 6.5% $164.28 11.7%
Dallas 558,285 0.4% $119.26 10.1%
Atlanta 495,656 -1.7% $122.27 6.7%
Boston 465,155 3.3% $168.68 8.4%
Houston 437,893 4.0% $124.37 7.4%
To receive a free listing of fourth quarter results by top 50 cities worldwide in electronic bookings, please email emonitor@travelclick.net. GDS hotel booking summaries by individual local market also are available at http://www.travelclick.net/.
Sign up to receive TravelCLICK news by email or through RSS distribution at http://travelclick.mediaroom.com/.
About TravelCLICK
TravelCLICK (http://www.travelclick.net/) is the leading provider of hotel business process management (BPM) solutions that drive long-term profitability. TravelCLICK helps hotels maximize asset ROI by combining innovative market analysis and proven industry best practices with advanced technology to develop and implement high-return strategies. The company offers a full set of solutions including reservations and distribution management, market intelligence-based decision support, and marketing services. Serving the hospitality industry since 1996 and headquartered in the Chicago area, TravelCLICK has more than 12,000 customers in 140 countries.
SOURCE: TravelCLICK
Insane TSA proposal for Biometrics run by the airlines
Those wonderful mad cap keystone cops (aka the Dept of Homeland Security) are at it again. This time they are demanding that the Airlines install and manage the biometrics System.
This one will definitely run for a while. Given the current fiasco over passports – the TSA/DHS boffins have no clue about people processing. I think this stems from the last time they had to seriously think about it IE Ellis Island.
A brief aside here. I go through Security on average 2x a week. I can assure you the TSA is behind almost any other service in the world.
So considering all things that the airline have to deal with today for security – it is understandable why the TSA would like to shift the responsibility of the biometric tracking to the airlines for handling. But the TSA wants its cake and eat it. They wont share the results nor will they provide an instant alert scheme for the airlines.
Here is the full article. You be the judge – but one thing is for sure – this issue will not be going away.
Despite protests, DHS biometric data plan moving forward (06/07/2007)
VANCOUVER -- The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security is sticking to its proposal to require airlines to collect fingerprints at check-in from departing travelers on international flights, in spite of vehement protests from U.S. carriers that the mandate would be costly and time-consuming and create longer check-in lines, and should instead be handled by the Transportation Security Administration.
Michael Jackson, the DHS' deputy secretary, attending the International Air Transport Association's Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit here June 5, said the department still plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the requirement soon.
"It's the only model that we can figure out that will work," he said, while insisting it would not create long check-in lines.
"People's dwell time at a check-in point is vastly longer than the one or two seconds it will take to simply put your finger on a fingerprint reader," he said. "I think it's going to be easy, iteratively, over time, to integrate this into the business model that the aviation industry has for doing its work, which is to make it easy for passengers to come through an airport and not have a burdensome delay."
Jackson, who wants the process in place by 2008, did make one concession: he said the DHS is willing to provide airlines with fingerprint readers for use at the check-in counters, and help them connect it to their passport card readers. He also said the department is willing to let airlines move the process to self-service check-in kiosks equipped with fingerprint readers and passport readers.
The proposed requirement stems from a DHS effort to beef up a 3-year-old pilot program called US-VISIT, which collects biometric data from foreign visitors.
Under that program, inbound visitors at U.S. airports and other points of entry are digitally photographed and fingerprinted at special kiosks. The resulting data are later matched against DHS' own database to verify international travelers' identity. Digital fingerprints are also collected when the traveler exits the U.S.
However, travelers are asked to provide the data on a volunteer basis.
Consequently, the DHS said, while the US-VISIT biometric technology "works," there has been a "low traveler-compliance" rate. It believes integrating the process into check-in would boost the rate.
This one will definitely run for a while. Given the current fiasco over passports – the TSA/DHS boffins have no clue about people processing. I think this stems from the last time they had to seriously think about it IE Ellis Island.
A brief aside here. I go through Security on average 2x a week. I can assure you the TSA is behind almost any other service in the world.
So considering all things that the airline have to deal with today for security – it is understandable why the TSA would like to shift the responsibility of the biometric tracking to the airlines for handling. But the TSA wants its cake and eat it. They wont share the results nor will they provide an instant alert scheme for the airlines.
Here is the full article. You be the judge – but one thing is for sure – this issue will not be going away.
Despite protests, DHS biometric data plan moving forward (06/07/2007)
VANCOUVER -- The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security is sticking to its proposal to require airlines to collect fingerprints at check-in from departing travelers on international flights, in spite of vehement protests from U.S. carriers that the mandate would be costly and time-consuming and create longer check-in lines, and should instead be handled by the Transportation Security Administration.
Michael Jackson, the DHS' deputy secretary, attending the International Air Transport Association's Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit here June 5, said the department still plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the requirement soon.
"It's the only model that we can figure out that will work," he said, while insisting it would not create long check-in lines.
"People's dwell time at a check-in point is vastly longer than the one or two seconds it will take to simply put your finger on a fingerprint reader," he said. "I think it's going to be easy, iteratively, over time, to integrate this into the business model that the aviation industry has for doing its work, which is to make it easy for passengers to come through an airport and not have a burdensome delay."
Jackson, who wants the process in place by 2008, did make one concession: he said the DHS is willing to provide airlines with fingerprint readers for use at the check-in counters, and help them connect it to their passport card readers. He also said the department is willing to let airlines move the process to self-service check-in kiosks equipped with fingerprint readers and passport readers.
The proposed requirement stems from a DHS effort to beef up a 3-year-old pilot program called US-VISIT, which collects biometric data from foreign visitors.
Under that program, inbound visitors at U.S. airports and other points of entry are digitally photographed and fingerprinted at special kiosks. The resulting data are later matched against DHS' own database to verify international travelers' identity. Digital fingerprints are also collected when the traveler exits the U.S.
However, travelers are asked to provide the data on a volunteer basis.
Consequently, the DHS said, while the US-VISIT biometric technology "works," there has been a "low traveler-compliance" rate. It believes integrating the process into check-in would boost the rate.
29 June 2007
Shock Horror, LHR Owner admits its "Old and Dirty"
In a by line from the Gaurdian Newspaper of today - 29 Jun 2007
Ferrovial, the Spanish construction group that owns BAA, claims the Civil Aviation Authority is not doing enough to incentivise it to invest in Heathrow Airport.
Those of you who follow some of our personal trials and tribulations of travel through the world's busiest international gateway, know full well what we think of LHR. It is a disgrace. Check out this clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwB4G7XxyRI
Attempting to deflect the mounting customer and user criticsm the new owner of LHR operator BAA is trying to push the blame onto the HM Government. Sorry - but no dice here. BAA you have milked this cash cow for way too long. Now you have to pay the price.
There is a great article in this month's ATW on the subject: http://www.atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=1959
Having an Airport Operators License doesnt mean you can rape the customers.
Perhaps Mr O'Leary will get a little credit for his battle with Aer Rianta (operator of Dublin's airport).
Cheers
Timothy
Ferrovial, the Spanish construction group that owns BAA, claims the Civil Aviation Authority is not doing enough to incentivise it to invest in Heathrow Airport.
Those of you who follow some of our personal trials and tribulations of travel through the world's busiest international gateway, know full well what we think of LHR. It is a disgrace. Check out this clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwB4G7XxyRI
Attempting to deflect the mounting customer and user criticsm the new owner of LHR operator BAA is trying to push the blame onto the HM Government. Sorry - but no dice here. BAA you have milked this cash cow for way too long. Now you have to pay the price.
There is a great article in this month's ATW on the subject: http://www.atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=1959
Having an Airport Operators License doesnt mean you can rape the customers.
Perhaps Mr O'Leary will get a little credit for his battle with Aer Rianta (operator of Dublin's airport).
Cheers
Timothy
NWA - First to cross the barrier wi9th Paypal
Not that we are against the credit card companies in any way - but we have been a long believer that the next major cost battle in airline distribution cost reduction would come in credit card fees. With Google Checkout our dark horse bet - we believe that the airlines stand to gain significant bottom line benefits in enabling non-credit card financial fulfilment from such players as Paypal and Google.
NWA finally becomes the first airline (by our understanding) to announce such a deal. It is even offering bonus worldperks miles to anyone who uses the service.
The leverage that this gains as well as the additional customers it enables is a win win for the airline. We are particularly encouraged about the impact in non-traditional (and therefore emerging) financial markets such as across Asia Africa and Latin America.
Pay attention boys and girls - this is a big shift
NWA finally becomes the first airline (by our understanding) to announce such a deal. It is even offering bonus worldperks miles to anyone who uses the service.
The leverage that this gains as well as the additional customers it enables is a win win for the airline. We are particularly encouraged about the impact in non-traditional (and therefore emerging) financial markets such as across Asia Africa and Latin America.
Pay attention boys and girls - this is a big shift
Now is the summer of our discontent...
Well our worst nightmare has actually come to pass. This summer - the US domestic air transportation system (if you can call it that) will grind to a halt or at least a series of significant outages.
I can attest to this personally. During the past week (W/C June 25 2007) I have been to the airport everyday. Each time I have been there the flights that i was involved in - picking people up, dropping them off or flying was at least 2 hours late. On Thursday a delay of 3 hours bumped me in Atlanta. But it gets better. There were no more hotel rooms available. To get to someone to actually talk too takes hours. All of the airlines have been similarly affected and while some handle it better than others it is clear that the massive cutbacks in staff are now beginning to bite. They are just unprepared for even minor problems. The system is SO fragile that it breaks at the slightest provocation.
I have seen families waiting for 24hours plus. People in Wheelchairs abandoned. Groups displaced and split up.
It is unpleasant and will only get worse during the summer.
I do believe (changing my position) that a passengers' Bill of Rights is now a must. I strongly urge the US to adopt the European model. But govern this and tie it to the role of the TSA so that there is a clear shared sense of responsibility with Government and Private Enterprise.
I can attest to this personally. During the past week (W/C June 25 2007) I have been to the airport everyday. Each time I have been there the flights that i was involved in - picking people up, dropping them off or flying was at least 2 hours late. On Thursday a delay of 3 hours bumped me in Atlanta. But it gets better. There were no more hotel rooms available. To get to someone to actually talk too takes hours. All of the airlines have been similarly affected and while some handle it better than others it is clear that the massive cutbacks in staff are now beginning to bite. They are just unprepared for even minor problems. The system is SO fragile that it breaks at the slightest provocation.
I have seen families waiting for 24hours plus. People in Wheelchairs abandoned. Groups displaced and split up.
It is unpleasant and will only get worse during the summer.
I do believe (changing my position) that a passengers' Bill of Rights is now a must. I strongly urge the US to adopt the European model. But govern this and tie it to the role of the TSA so that there is a clear shared sense of responsibility with Government and Private Enterprise.
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