Thailand feels fuel surcharges pinch

BANGKOK: -- Some ticketing agents in Thailand are taking the national carrier to task for high increases in fuel surcharges for a number of routes compared to its competitors.

The move by Thai Airways International (THAI), according to ticketing agents and tour operators, is taking a toll on travel decisions.

One inbound destination management company boss asked why other airlines could implement lower fuel surcharges and wondered why THAI would further upset passenger growth which had already been shaken by a slowdown, particularly on longhaul routes.

The inbound operator resolved to work with other carriers, citing lower air fares and fuel surcharges, newer aircraft and better service.

-- TTG Asia 2008-08-01

More Hong Kong airlines to raise fuel surcharge

HONG KONG: Despite stabilising oil prices in recent weeks, Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has permitted a further 44 airlines to raise fuel surcharges by as much as HK$924 (US$118) on longhaul routes.

The move came after nine airlines, including Cathay pacific, Singapore Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Jetstar, were given approval a few days earlier to ramp up fuel surcharges from August 1 to September 30.

Carriers given the green light to raise fuel surcharges to the maximum longhaul level in the latest round include Air Canada, Air China, Air France, British Airways, China Airlines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways and United Airlines.

Hong Kong has raised fuel surcharges 10 times since introducing the levy in December 2006, but CAD insists local levels still lag international averages about 50.4 per cent on shorthaul flights and 63.4 per cent for longhaul routes.

In the latest round, passengers will have to stump out 30 per cent more over the previous maximum longhaul levy and another 35 per cent for shorthaul flights, with the maximum surcharge now standing at $231.

-- TTG Asia 2008-07-31

Thailand feels fuel surcharges pinch

BANGKOK: -- Some ticketing agents in Thailand are taking the national carrier to task for high increases in fuel surcharges for a number of routes compared to its competitors.

The move by Thai Airways International (THAI), according to ticketing agents and tour operators, is taking a toll on travel decisions.

One inbound destination management company boss asked why other airlines could implement lower fuel surcharges and wondered why THAI would further upset passenger growth which had already been shaken by a slowdown, particularly on longhaul routes.

The inbound operator resolved to work with other carriers, citing lower air fares and fuel surcharges, newer aircraft and better service.

-- TTG Asia 2008-08-01

TG have put their prices up by an exhorbitant amount. It's just profiteering.