Low-cost carriers’ alliance

It may yet arrive in Europe with Norwegian making noises (see Bjorn Kjos and alliances).  A group of Far East airlines have created the U-FLY Alliance the world’s first low cost carrier (LCC) coalition.  It could be a game-changer, but we will have to see. It is not the same as A4E (see in this issue) which is a lobby group.

Formally announced last week the consortium currently comprises four LCCs, and says more are lined up for the future.

Formed by Hong Kong’s HK Express, Kunming’s Lucky Air, Urumqi Air and Chongqing’s West Air, the U-FLY Alliance offers a choice of 85 destinations with 168 city pair options in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With the launch of the first LCC alliance in the world, we are entering into a new era of travel that speaks to what travellers really want: flexible and affordable routes that are also safe and secure,” said Andrew Cowen, CEO of U-FLY Alliance (and HK Express) and once of Go/BA. “Thanks to the cooperation from the innovative low-fare airlines, we are able to connect travellers from Asia and Greater China to an ever-increasing network of cities.”

As part of the U-FLY Alliance roll-out, enhanced reservations and airport procedures to facilitate streamlined transfers across airlines are planned.  www.uflyalliance.com

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