Developments in the Airline Industry L.O: to know the main changes in the airline industry, and how this has impacted upon travel and tourism. ALL must know the key changes; MOST will be able to give examples of these changes; SOME should be able to explain how this has impacted upon the industry.

Technological Developments Technology has changed the airline industry. Technology has changed the airline industry. FASTER JOURNEY TIMES – the introduction of the jet engine in the 1950s cut long-haul journeys (London to New York reduced from 17 hours to 8 hours). FASTER JOURNEY TIMES – the introduction of the jet engine in the 1950s cut long-haul journeys (London to New York reduced from 17 hours to 8 hours). In 1976 Concorde started commercial flights, travelling from London to NY in just over 3 hours. BUSINESS TRAVELLERS COULD FLY TO NY & BACK IN ONE DAY!

Larger Aircraft (the size of planes grew dramatically) 1960s-Boeing 707- seating s-Boeing 707- seating – the 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ – seating 450 – allowed mass tourism at a good price – the 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ – seating 450 – allowed mass tourism at a good price – Airbus A380 – a double deck plane – can carry between passengers. Customers include Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and Qantas. – Some even have shops and play areas on board – Airbus A380 – a double deck plane – can carry between passengers. Customers include Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and Qantas. – Some even have shops and play areas on board.

Changes to flight products and services Airlines need to cater for both business and leisure travellers – many ‘full service’ airlines now offer 4 classes of service Airlines need to cater for both business and leisure travellers – many ‘full service’ airlines now offer 4 classes of service First First Business Business Premium economy Premium economy Economy Economy

How are the classes different? Other than economy the leg room and seat width are bigger. Other than economy the leg room and seat width are bigger. First and business class cabins on many long haul airlines have sleeper seats – they lean back to make a bed. First and business class cabins on many long haul airlines have sleeper seats – they lean back to make a bed.

Passengers in first and business class cabins are likely to be given superior quality meals, drinks, toiletries, newspapers and gifts. Passengers in first and business class cabins are likely to be given superior quality meals, drinks, toiletries, newspapers and gifts. Customers paying the higher fares will have greater flexibility to change their flights – this is beneficial to business travellers who may need to change flights at late notice. Customers paying the higher fares will have greater flexibility to change their flights – this is beneficial to business travellers who may need to change flights at late notice.

Entertainment Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment on seat-back screens. Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment on seat-back screens. Movies Movies Games Games Audio channels Audio channels

Different Airlines, Different flights Full service airlines – Full service airlines – Provide customers with a choice of cabin class, seat, in-flight catering included in price of ticket, in-flight entertainment, and they ‘through- check’ transfer passengers and their luggage so they don’t have to check in again at their transfer airport.

Budget Airlines – e.g. Ryanair and easyJet These are relatively new, and tend to fly only short-haul routes (less than 5 hours). Ticket prices are on the whole cheap, sometimes £1 + taxes. They are cheaper because they – Charge extra for in-flight food and entertainment Charge extra for in-flight food and entertainment Charge for any baggage that goes in the aircraft hold Charge for any baggage that goes in the aircraft hold Seats are not always allocated, so first people get the best seats Seats are not always allocated, so first people get the best seats The airports they use may not be very central The airports they use may not be very central They are unlikely to accept responsibility for passengers missing transfer flights, because of delays They are unlikely to accept responsibility for passengers missing transfer flights, because of delays

Charter flights These are normally used by Tour Operators who sell the seats as part of their all-inclusive holidays. Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways are examples of charter airlines owned by tour operators.

Growth in Airports Airports have grown to meet the demands of air travel. London Heathrow has the most international passengers in the world – in 2008 it opened its fifth terminal. London Heathrow has the most international passengers in the world – in 2008 it opened its fifth terminal. There are plans to build a 3 rd runway too. Atlanta Airport in USA is the busiest airport in the world. Atlanta Airport in USA is the busiest airport in the world.

Improving Customer Care To improve the customers experience and reduce time spent queuing customers can often check in remotely – by phone or internet. There are also self-service machines in airports. Major Airports such as Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle provide excellent facilities such as children’s play areas, restaurants, lounges and showers to give the tourist the best travelling experience.