Events in the sky mirror those on the ground. Areas of real economic growth and stability – Brazil, Asia and Germany – are the place to look for new air routes, too.
By this token, the fact that the UK won’t see a huge raft of new direct flights next year isn’t a glowing reflection of our economy. But those on the horizon – to Mexico and Vietnam – should make a real difference.
And don’t forget to look at indirect routes to find some of the best new connectivity – and bargains – for 2012.
TOP NEW ROUTES
VIETNAM
Vietnam Airlines will operate twice-weekly flights from Gatwick to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from December 9. This first direct service from the UK will reduce the journey time by up to seven hours.
Le Thanh Dzung, general manager of Vietnam Airlines, says: “The UK is already in the top 10 markets for Vietnam, so there is enormous potential for growth and for the trade to push exciting, high-value holidays to this region.”,/p>This route will also provide quicker connections to 23 further destinations including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Buy it: There are discounted rates for agents from £205 excluding taxes and fuel surcharge.
vna.uk@vietnamairlines.com
020 3263 2062
MEXICO
Virgin Atlantic starts direct flights to Cancun on June 12 next year, while Air France recently announced three flights a week to this Mexican resort. British Airways increased its flights from two to three a week earlier this year.
Buy it: This December a return flight to Cancun via Paris starts from £711 on Air France.
airfrance.co.uk
SEYCHELLES
These Indian Ocean islands have struggled with a lack of airlift in recent years, but this month Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines both launch services, adding to a recent increase in flights from Emirates. Meanwhile, Air Seychelles is still considering reinstating a direct flight from the UK. On the ground, Raffles Praslin Hotel opened earlier in the year and a new Kempinski will open in Mahé in early 2012.
Buy it: A return flight via Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways costs £794.
etihadairways.com
JAPAN
If your client insists on checking out the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, All Nippon Airlines will start flying on January 12 from Frankfurt to Haneda, Tokyo.
Yoshimi Ogura, marketing executive, ANA says: “This is the world’s first B787 long-haul route and there are great connecting flights from local British cities.”
Buy it: A return flight from Birmingham to Haneda return, via Frankfurt costs from £865.
ana.co.jp
BRAZIL
KLM has just started three flights a week to Rio de Janeiro from Amsterdam, and Lufthansa has followed suit with five non-stop flights from Frankfurt. This boosts the options to Brazil’s party city and home to the world’s biggest carnival as the city prepares in the run up to the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
Buy it: A return flight from Heathrow to Rio via Frankfurt on Lufthansa costs £835.
lufthansaexperts.com
SOUTH KOREA
Korean Air will expand services from the UK to Seoul with an extra three flights a week from April 29 next year, while Asiana Airlines has just launched a daily service between Heathrow and Incheon airport.
Buy it: Flights from London start from £915 in early December with Asiana Airlines.
flyasiana.com
GERMANY
Lufthansa is launching daily flights from Birmingham and Manchester to the capital Berlin when the city’s new airport opens next year. The Berlin-Brandenburg Willy Brandt airport is named after the former German chancellor and Nobel Peace Prize winner. It will open in early June and provide a whole host of new opportunities for UK connectivity.
Buy it: One way Lufthansa flights from Heathrow to Berlin are currently £39 including taxes.
lufthansaexperts.com
