One way Europe to Asia

Finding one way long haul flights at competitive prices can be a chore- in fact, the lack of such fares often enhances significantly the value of Avios which can be used to book one ways when needed. Getting from Europe to Asia in Business class, in August, with no return attached is proving interesting. Currently Cathay Pacific is looking for £795 from Stockholm to Kuala Lumpur. Not too bad, but the route is long, going via both Doha and Hong Kong- but it will pick up 320 tier points which may come in handy. If you are willing to drop down to Economy, a one way from Berlin to KL can be found for £359 with Qatar airways, this should come with 80 tier points.

Malaysia Airlines A380s- Can they be made to pay their way

Travellers want low fares, exceptional service and bucket loads of frequent flyer miles. Unfortunately the reality is that airlines have to pay their way at some stage. The alternative of course, is loss making state owned carriers burning through huge amounts of cash that could be spent more wisely. (Perhaps on some more nurses or teachers, rather than on Dom Perignon 2004 for first class passengers.

However, lets forget reality, and see if we can come up with a plan to keep Malaysia Airlines A380s in the air, and flying between KL and London (and maybe even Paris)

Unfortunately, in general, the number of journeys made between cities decreases with the distance between them, and the loading and unloading time of A380s mean they are not planes for short hops. Malaysia need to look to compete on well used city pairs with over 5 hours of flying time.

First opportunity: Look to exploit 5th freedom rights to compete on the key world aviation routes. Could the two landing slots at Heathrow be used for a flight from KL that then goes on to a key US city rather than two flights from KL? How about Paris. There is potential the other way, to Los Angeles or San Francisco perhaps via Japan

Second Opportunity: Explore a tie up and code share with a Gulf carrier. The connections available from Emirates, Qatar or Etihad could mke it  possible generate enough traffic to the middle east.

Third Opportunity: Stop flying with empty premium cabins.

Three easy steps to ensure this happens:
1. Increase reward flight availability. Substantially. Why not offer 4 seats in First and 10 in Business Some revenue is better than none.
2. Offer full miles and tier points (or qualifying miles) for upgrades purchased at the airport or via the auction option. This will increase the offers from the auction and increase the uptake of instant upgrades.
3. Actively sell instant upgrades in Business Class Lounges prior to the flight. For example if you have a Sapphire one world member flying economy in the business lounge, identify who it is and try to sell them an upgrade- don't be pushy, just make sure they know the option is available if they would like to upgrade.

Would any of these be enough to save the A380s in Malaysia's fleet. Perhaps not. But it would be great if they could keep them!

Qatar Airways 2 for 1 Business Class sale

Qatar airways has launched another round of their 2 for 1 Business Class flights from a number of European destinations to destinations including KL, Bangkok and Melbourne. Two Business Class return tickets from London to Kuala Lumpur are being advertised at £3,270. (This is £1,635 each, but you have to travel together.) This flight will earn you 560 BA tier points per passenger. So if this fits in with your travel plans it could be a good option. It can be booked until 17th May for travel up to 15th December.