Pacific fares still "highly competitive"

Pacific fares still "highly competitive"
By admin


Airfares between Australia and the US remain “highly competitive”, according to United Airlines, as the carrier admitted that its new economy product will allow it to compete more effectively across the Pacific.

Australia and New Zealand director of sales, Alison Espley, pictured, said she was “satisfied” with its performance so far this year with bookings for the next few months “reasonably strong”.

“Especially for leisure traffic, the US still represents terrific value and airfares are highly competitive which is encouraging travellers,” she said in an emailed response to Travel Today. “And the 2013 ski season has started well.”

Espley said agents are responding well to its booking promotion which is offering 10 places on a fam trip to Colorado, California and Wyoming.

United this week revealed it will replace its ageing 747 jumbos on the route with 777 aircraft next April  in a move that will reduce capacity but also provide improved onboard product, particularly for economy passengers.

Espley claimed United already offers a competitive premium product and the addition of seat back entertainment in every seat will raise the bar in economy.

“Economy passengers have previously had access to mainscreen programming on the Boeing 747,” she said. “Now we can offer a thoroughly competitive economy cabin including an individual entertainment system in each seat and access to seat power.

“We are thrilled that we can offer our customers a competitive economy class cabin on the trans-Pacific route.”

Espley added that the reduction in capacity – the 777 has 269 seats against 374 on the 747 – will provide long term viability for a route which United has served for 27 years.

“We’ve proven ourselves to be extremely loyal to the Australian market which is a very important part of our global network,” she said. “Whilst there are times when demand is strong, it is still a seasonal market on which we have added additional capacity when demand justified.

“We believe the 777 is the right aircraft for our customers and the right aircraft to ensure United’s long term success in this market.”

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