n institute gives heape 1999 odyssey award
British Airways Holidays managing director Roger Heape has won the coveted Institute of Travel and Tourism Odyssey Award for 1999. The award, which is decided by a vote from the ITTboard, is given to those judged to have made anoutstanding contribution to the industry. Heape’s work in promoting environmental issues and fighting taxes on the industry are thought to have influenced the ITT board. He will be presented with the award by Airtours UKLG chief executivePeter Rothwell next month.
n government rejects ba shanghai appeal
TheGovernment has rejected an appeal from British Airways against the decision to give Virgin Atlantic the licence to operate Shanghai flights (Travel Weekly February 10). Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the Civil Aviation Authority was right to choose Virgin because it would enhance competition. Virgin will launch twice-weekly Heathrow services onSaturdays and Mondays from May 22.
n ab airlines cuts back on berlin services
ABAirlines is halvingfrequency on its Gatwick-Berlin route to a dailyoperation from the end of March. Commercial director Robert Hardless said the drop in capacity will allow the airline to monitor losses on the route moreefficiently. ABAirlines is also enhancing itscodeshare partnership with Debonair. The pair are to start joint daily services on the Luton-Nice service from June 1. AB Airlines and Debonair already share Gatwick flights to Nice.