Cheap Enough to Say, Phuket I’ll Go – Asian Airline Gets Creative With Its Marketing Message

February 21, 2012 at 3:06 pm

(Source: via Reddit)

Image Courtesy: Imgur.com via Reddit

Infograph: How Airlines Are Using Google +

February 9, 2012 at 7:57 pm

(Source: via Simplyflying.com)

We all know that the commercial aviation industry is among the cutting edge when it comes to advertising and testing new tools to engage their customers.. So, how are the airlines using the hottest new social media tool in the market – Google Plus (G+)? The brilliant folks at Simpliflying.com (on Twitter: @simpliflying) have done a comprehensive analysis and presented the findings in this awesome infopgraph below..

Image Courtesy: Simplyflying.com - Click Image to Learn More.

Image Courtesy: Simplyflying.com - Click Image to Learn More.

FAA Reauthorization Bill finally passed! So here is how it improves your rights as a passenger…

February 2, 2012 at 3:23 pm

(Source: Flyersrights.org)

After what seemed like an eternity –  roughly five years and 23 extensions later – the 112th United States Congress finally got through with the FAA Modernization and Safety Improvement Act of 2012, aka the FAA Re-authorization Bill. Apart from the usual aspects of the $63Billion four-year re-authorization bill, there are a lot of significant inclusions that will affect your travel in the days ahead… in a good way! Thanks to the tireless advocacy by FlyersRights.org, a non-profit that advocates for passenger rights, many of these demands from the passenger community has now found their way into books of law.  The table below shows what the organization was fighting to achieve and what they managed to get. Seriously, if you are an airline passenger this law makes sure you have to be treated like a human being who deserves dignity and respect.

FlyersRights Goal

Bill Provision

Three-Hour Tarmac Rule “Excessive delay” tarmac rule.  DOT Secretary to determine definition of “excessive”
Food and Water Available Food and water ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision)
Medical Treatment Available Medical treatment ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision)
Airline Contingency Plans Airline contingency plans for eachairport where carrier has flights (removes DOT’s minimum annual enplanement restriction)
Airport Contingency Plans For the first time, airport contingency plans required (no such provision in DOT rules)
DOT Consumer Hotline Implementation of a DOT consumer hotline, number published on internet, prominently displayed by carriers on ticket counter signs and ticket e-confirmations
Smoke-Free Environment Smoke-free rules consistently enforced on scheduled and now unscheduled flights, domestic and international
No Child Left Unbuckled Carriers must post on their web sites the maximum child safety seat size for each type aircraft they operate so passengers can determine which seats will work with which aircraft
Carry Musical Instruments On-board Without Additional Charge Instruments that can be safely stowed will now be treated like any other carry-on item
Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection Creation of a DOT advisory committee, comprised of members from air carriers, airport operators, state,  local governments, and non-profit public interest groups with consumer protection experience
Realistic Scheduling to Minimize Delays If aircraft operations exceed an airport’s capability, the FAA and airlines will meet to develop an appropriate schedule reduction.  If no voluntary agreement is reached, the FAA will take unilateral reduction action
Passenger Awareness of Insecticide Use Air carriers will now refer passengers to the DOT web page with a list of countries that may require in-cabin spraying for flights to those countries
Good Information on Delays Added reporting requirement for diversions and cancellations
Consideration for Military Members “Sense of Congress*” that carriers should be flexible and generous with active duty military members.  They seek reduced airfares, elimination of change fees/penalties, ability to purchase, modify or cancel without time restrictions, and the elimination of fees (including baggage fees), ancillary costs, and penalties
Defined Compensation for Lost Luggage Comptroller General to study the issue, including how added baggage fees should improve service

Click here to read more. Thank you USDOT and Flyersrights.org for all your hard work to get this done.

Awesome Infographic from USDOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Showcases the Economic Impact of Aviation

January 4, 2012 at 11:51 am

(Source: FAA)

This nice infograph shows the economic impact of aviation.. What a great way to tell the story!

Image Courtesy: USDOT FAA - Click image to learn more

Flying on Empty – NPR Explores Why Airlines Keep Going Bankrupt

December 16, 2011 at 2:27 pm

(Source: NPR Planet Money)

I was listening to this NPR podcast on the way to work and felt compelled to share with my readers.. Amazing Fact: Pretty much every major full service American airline has filed for Bankruptcy in the past two decades and one of them (U.S. Airways) actually declared bankruptcy twice in three years.  “The industry in aggregate has lost about $60 billion over the 32 years since deregulation, ” says Severin Borenstein, an economist at the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkley. Meh!

This left me shaking my head in disbelief! Aren’t we the country full of smart MBA grads from top business schools like Harvard, Yale, et al. running some of these businesses? Anyways, if you got a couple of extra minutes, do check out Severin Borenstein’s detailed paper that goes into great details explaining how the airline business is not for the weakest of heart.

On a related note, Boston Globe had an interesting article back in November 2011 that is somewhat optimistic about the future of aviation. Worth a read while you are still suspended in disbelief after reading/listening to the above NPR material.

Job Alert: Management and Program Analyst @ USDOT’s Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC

December 13, 2011 at 3:13 pm

(Source:  Young Prof. in Transportation)

Position: Management and Program Analyst
Announcement Number: AWA-APP-12-MT19408-23534
Opening Date: Dec 07, 2011
Close Date: Dec 28, 2011
Series: 343
 
Business Component: Associate Administrator for Airports, Airport Planning and Programming, Airport Financial Assistance, Airport Improvement Program
Duty Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia
Total Number of Openings: 1
Salary Range: $74,780 – $141,735
Additional Salary Info: The salary above includes a 24.22% locality payment for the Washington metro area.
Grade(s): FV-I / FV-J
Job Status: Full Time
Appointment Duration: Permanent
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) – U.S. Citizens: A fixed relocation payment of $10,000 will be paid to new hires to Federal service and student trainees; and a fixed relocation payment of $25,000 will be paid to employees with status.
Who May Apply:
U.S. Citizens
We are not accepting applications from non-U.S. citizens.
How We Will Evaluate You:
Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s).All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated.
Key Requirements:
U.S. Citizen
The Next Generation of Flight is Underway – and you can be part of it! We need you and your fresh ideas to shape the air transportation system of tomorrow, and the way America flies. Come be a part of the new generation in aviation, an industry that is absolutely critical to this nation’s economy and security.The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is a fundamental transformation of our nation’s airspace system. It uses 21st century technologies to meet future demands, avoid gridlock in the sky and on the runways, further improve safety, and protect the environment. For more information on NextGen, watch this brief introduction: Giving the World New Ways to Fly
Job Duties:
The incumbent will perform a wide variety of national level funds oversight and analytical duties associated with all aspects of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) budget process. This includes providing guidance, oversight, and tracking of funds obligations, to ensure compliance with AIP statutory requirements, program authorizations and appropriation. The AIP annual budget generally exceeds $3 billion annually. The incumbent will perform financial planning; reviews and necessary calculations of annual legislative authorization and appropriation proposals. Incumbent will serve as a national subject matter expert in developing and maintaining guidance on financial management and funds control responsibilities for the AIP. Provides budget and legislative related advice and guidance to management, staff, regional office personnel along with the general public. Prepares written responses to public and Congressional inquiries on the implementation of the AIP.
Minimum Qualifications:
All applicants must demonstrate one-year of SPECIALIZED experience equivalent to the next lower grade. For the FV-I level, applicants must have one year at the FV-H or FG/GS-12 level in the federal service. SPECIALIZED experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform duties of the position and that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled. (eg. performs wide variety to determine and analyze airport captital improvement) For the FV-J level, applicants must have one year at the FV-I or FG/GS-13 level in the federal service. SPECIALIZED experience is experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform duties of the position and that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organzation (eg. subject matter expert and provides leadership analyzing airport capital improvement plan).
Other Job Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)
  1. Ability to analyze and convey financial and technical information to a variety of audiences in meetings, presentations, or briefings.
  2. Skill in the application of fiscal management techniques and processes.
  3. Knowledge of applicable statutes, regulations, and directives controlling the AIP and familiarity with other related programs, e.g., Passenger Facility Charge, National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, Facilities & Equipment, etc.
  4. Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (including MS Excel and MS Word) and reporting system (including the Systems of Airports (SOAR), DELPHI (financial management system), or a standard database system (eg. MS. Access or Oracle Discoverer).
IMPORTANT: Ensure that your work experience supports your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) answers. Your answers and associated work experience will be evaluated further to validate whether the answers that you selected are appropriate. Answers may be adjusted as appropriate.
Benefits:
FAA offers an excellent comprehensive benefits programs. To learn more about the federal government benefits, please click here.
More Information About This Job:
  • We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
  • Travel may be required.
  • Position may be subject to a background investigation.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.

As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Direct deposit of pay is required.

  1. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all external announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this external announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include work history that describes how you meet the answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate.
  2. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements will be further evaluated on the KSA listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or priority grouping and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Failure to meet minimum qualification requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant.
  3. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Plan. Additional information about core compensation is available at www.faa.gov.
  4. FAA organizations may offer service credit towards the accrual of annual leave to certain newly appointed or reappointed employees. In order to receive consideration for such a benefit, applicants’ prior non-Federal service or active duty uniformed service must directly relate to the duties of the position to which appointed. Granting service credit is at the sole discretion of the hiring organization, and granting such benefit is not an entitlement nor guaranteed to any newly hired employee.
  5. Applicants must apply on-line (https://jobs.faa.gov). Applicants must have a status of “Submitted” by 11:59 PM CST on the closing date for it to be accepted. Applications submitted via email or fax WILL NOT be considered.
  6. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.
  7. This position is also being announced as Vacancy Announcement No. AWA-APP-12-MT19408-23539 as Current or Former Federal Employees & EVHO. Please review both vacancy announcements to determine if you are eligible to apply.
This is a bargaining unit position.
Required Documents:
You must submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form) as requested by the Human Resource Office. Veterans Preference will only be considered based on what is supported. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, the Human Resource office may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
Forms:
For more information on this job:Call the Human Resource Services Division at 202-267-8012 or email to 9-AWA-AHR-200-VACANCYINQUIRY@FAA.GOV.
Servicing HR office:
Federal Aviation Administration
Human Resource Services Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 523
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: 202 267-8012
Fax Number: 202 267-7032

Paid Next to Nothing – Did you know that some airport workers are paid illegally low wages

November 23, 2011 at 3:17 pm

(Source: Huffington Post)

Whoa.. I did not know that some of the airport workers are making a living ONLY out of tips. How terrible – work at one of the swankiest places in town (airports) with people milling around dressed up in their high fashion.  But how many of us know that the person pushing folks around in a wheel chair may not even have the money to buy a sandwich.  Too bad these guys are stuck in a catch 22 situation, not able to tell their passengers that they work for tips due to some stupid federal law hence left out with nothing but a thank you for the service offered.  Something has to change… Either the laws or the rules imposed by the airlines that pay hefty bonuses to their CEOs and leave these folks hanging.  Read the story on Huffingtonpost.

Job Alert: Division Chief, Air Navigation and Surveillance (RVT-71) – USDOT’s Volpe Center @ Cambridge, MA

November 22, 2011 at 12:02 pm

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration seeks a senior Engineer or Operations Research Analyst to serve as the Division Chief of the Air Navigation and Surveillance Division (RVT-71) of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation.
As Chief of the Air Navigation and Surveillance Division, you will be responsible for developing, planning, and overseeing the performance of all the work of the Division’s portfolio of projects, and supervision Division staff.  The Air Navigation and Surveillance Division is responsible for advancement of systems and procedures to improve the safety, security, and effectiveness of navigation and surveillance systems for traffic management.  The Division performs analyses and conducts tests to determine technical feasibility, operational applicability, and cost effectiveness of improved and new sensors and systems; applies new technologies, develops and assesses their impact on programs for upgrading the safety and capacity of existing aviation and other transportation systems; and conducts development and evaluation of new vehicle systems.  Division staff have expertise in a variety of technical areas, including navigation and surveillance system electronics installed on the ground, in vehicles and in space; radiowave propagation; advanced computing and signal processing; systems architecture, operations and management; and stakeholder outreach and education.
In this role, you will develop the Division’s portfolio of work, and ensure the expansion of the Division work to meet high priority transportation needs; manage programs and projects in accordance with Volpe Center policies and procedures and best industry practices; and, establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, industry experts, management, peers, employees, contractors, and other public/private sector interest groups and stakeholders.
To succeed, you must have experience developing, administering, managing, and/or leading the development of communication, navigation, and surveillance aviation systems and operational procedures to improve the capacity, safety and security of civil air traffic operations. You must also have experience managing resources and leading multi-disciplinary technical team(s). You must possess strong management, planning, and communication skills, and be able to work as part of a collaborative management team.  This announcement is being announced as an inter-disciplinary position – Supervisory General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst GS-0801-1515 – so, applicants with either educational background may be considered. Travel is required.
The announcement is posted to the Public and to Merit Promotion eligible applicants on www.usajobs.opm.gov.  Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.
Application deadline:  Monday, December 5, 2011
Public Announcement:   Division Chief RVT-71 (Public) – RITA.VOLPE-2012-0012
Merit Promotion Announcement:   Division Chief RVT-71 (Merit Promotion) – RITA.VOLPE-2012-0011
Informational briefing: Wednesday, November 23, 12:30 -1 p.m., Volpe Center, Cambridge, MA (Volpe Conference Room 1-6-25; conference call no. 1-877-336-1839/access code 6481986).  Mike Geyer, Acting Center of Innovation Director for Air Traffic Systems and Operations will describe the job and answer any questions employees may have.  Elizabeth León from Human Resources will answer questions about the application process.
If you or someone you know has the experience and proven results, I encourage you or them to apply.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.  Please contact Elizabeth León at elizabeth.leon@dot.gov  or 617-494-2214 if you have any questions.

Dominating of the Skies, Tweet by Tweet – Airlines and Twitter: An infographic

July 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm

(Source: via  Gadling.com)

Some interesting observations:

  • According to authors , Southwest drops to second place this month as industry giant Delta (21,000) mentions, leaps into first place. It’s interesting to note that this data is based on tweets and opinions in a category of interest, not number of followers.
  •  @SouthwestAir still wins that battle, with 1,142,579 followers vs. 206,201 for the main @Delta Twitter.

In-Flight Commerce – What will $5 buy you on a flight?

May 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm

(Source:  Houston Chronicle)

I came across this piece by Houston Chronicle’s contributor, Amanda L. Grossman and felt compelled to share with you all.  Quite a bit of research has gone into answer this simple question – How much can you buy with $5 inside a plane? Below is a snap shot of Mr. Grossman’s analysis from her blog – Frugal Confessions – A Guide to Thrifty Living.

The chart below is based on flying economy class on a domestic flight (typically including Hawaii and Caribbean). My research shows that most airlines (excluding Southwest) offer an array of expensive and ‘inexpensive’ food offerings (remember you are thousands of feet in the air), and that American Airlines and Continental/United offer more expensive options than others. Wine and cocktails are most expensive on Delta, American Airlines, and Continental, while AirTran even charges for water, milk and premium juices (these are offered as complimentary on other airlines).

Airline Cost of Snacks or Meals Cost of Non-Complimentary Beverages
Delta $2.00-$8.50 $5.00 Beer, $7.00 wine/cocktails
American Airlines $3.29-$10.00 $6.00 Beer, $7.00 wine/cocktails
Southwest No food offered for purchase $3.00 energy drinks, $5.00 beer, liquor and wine
Continental/United $2.99-$9.49 $6.00-$9.00
AirTran (recently acquired by Southwest) $1.00-$6.00 $2.00 water, milk, premium juices, $5.00, $6.00 wine/cocktails
jetBlue $6.00 $6.00 cocktails

In order to compare the airline pricing further, I decided to see which airline would give me the most value for my $5 (please note that the products listed below are only offered on certain flights and at certain times of the day). What I found is that I certainly will not get full from any of the airline’s menus if I only want to spend $5. Also, for $5 there are very few healthy snack options (other than nuts, cheese, and dried fruit).

Airline Food $5 Will Buy
Delta 1 package of M&Ms ($2.00) or Bentley’s Popcorn ($2.00) and Pringles ($3.00), a Breakfast on the Fly ($3.50 for a granola bar and yogurt for Caribbean and Latin American flights only) or a kids PB&J Plate ($4.50)
American Airlines 1 chocolate chip cookie ($3.29), Lay’s potato crisps ($3.29), a cheese and cracker tray ($4.49), a fruit and nut blend ($4.49), Fisher’s nuts ($4.00) or trail mix ($4.00)
Continental/United 6 oz. can of Blue Diamond almonds $4.99, 2.6 oz. can of Pringles ($2.99), 4 oz. box of strawberry twizzlers ($2.99) or two-bite cinnamon rolls ($2.99)
Airtran Sky Bites(SM) offers a la carte items, which range from $1 to $4, or combo packages ranging from $4 to $6 in price. A la carte selections include Kraft Foods snacks, such as Oreo Cakesters, Chips Ahoy! cookies, Nilla Wafers, Cheese Nips crackers” (could not find menu and pricing)

Click here to read the rest

Note: Barring transatlantic-flights, my two top favorite American airlines are Virgin America and Southwest.  That said, I hate flying the American carriers during the transatlantic flights.  Many European, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers are far better in their service and connectivity than the American carriers, some of them are well known for their appalling service (the worst I have experienced is United, which got me stranded in Dubai for almost 24hrs).  What are your favorite domestic & international carriers?