Located only 15 km away from Dubai International Airport, this new resort will be constructed on a long white sandy beach and is designed mainly for leisure travelers who seek a relaxing experience.

220 well equipped guest rooms and suites, all with sea views and balconies, provide comfort and wellbeing for holiday seekers and families.

An all day dining restaurant, an Indian specialty restaurant as well as an outdoor pool restaurant and a Fun Pub with activities will serve culinary delights a la Mövenpick.

“For a hotel chain that started out life in the restaurant business, it is not surprising that there is an emphasis on the innovative culinary arts. MH&R takes considerable pride in the quality of their cuisine, and the imagination in its presentation” states Andreas Mattmüller, Senior Vice President Middle East of MH&R.

The hotel, which is under final development and planning and is expected to open at the end of 2006, will furthermore offer a ballroom of 600 m2, several meeting rooms, sports and recreational facilities, a car parking as well as a number of shops.

“Expansion into the UAE is also a key element of our strategy. Last year, MH&R took over the management of an operating hotel in Bur Dubai, and a flagship property, the Mövenpick Pearl Hotel Dubai is in the planning stages. The Ajman beach resort is the ideal addition to our business hotels in the region and we are delighted to have been entrusted in the development and management of this new exciting hotel” added A. Mattmüller.

"Fuel costs have reached historical highs," said John Tague, executive vice president - Marketing, Sales and Revenue. "Through a disciplined process, United has made remarkable progress in reducing its overall cost structure. Now we are being equally disciplined and responsive in making every reasonable effort to mitigate today's challenging fuel environment."

The fuel surcharge applies to fares in First, Business, Unrestricted and some discounted Economy classes, as published, for travel in the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands and Canada. The increase also applies to all negotiated fares where the surcharge exists, for example, Cruise and Corporate fixed fares. United is also adding the $15 fuel surcharge on negotiated fares that do not currently have the surcharge, such as Wholesale and Meeting fares.

During the ceremony, Valery Okulov declared: "The prospect of joining one of the world's three leading airline alliances opens up new development opportunities for Aeroflot. As we speak, our airline is initiating the process which will enable it to meet SkyTeam's requirements in terms of service quality and organization. We are proud and happy to be laying the groundwork for our membership in the best of the alliances."

Speaking on behalf of the SkyTeam airlines - Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, Jean-Cyril Spinetta responded, "Two years ago, we indicated that we were prepared to open discussions to prepare for Aeroflot's membership in the alliance. That time has now come, in view of all that Aeroflot has done to implement standards of excellence. For my part, I am convinced that the negotiations we are undertaking will be crowned with success."

Aeroflot has achieved a great deal in terms of quality of service. The Russian carrier's organization has been reviewed in the light of international standards. It has forged ties with several major international carriers. In July 2002, Air France and Aeroflot concluded a bilateral agreement to code-share flights between Paris and Moscow. This agreement will be extended to flights between Moscow and Nice next July (subject to government approval). Furthermore, Aeroflot and SkyTeam member CSA Czech Airlines offer customers code-shared flights between Prague and Moscow. Eventually, other similar agreements will be signed with SkyTeam members on other routes via the alliance's hubs and Moscow-Sheremetyevo.

Aeroflot will be offering SkyTeam customers a modernized fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, updated Russian planes and a wide-ranging network in Russia and its neighbouring countries. Aeroflot passengers, in turn, will have access to the 500 SkyTeam destinations throughout the world. All these new destinations will be served by flights out of Moscow. They will also benefit from harmonized frequent flyer programmes, access to SkyTeam lounges, and much more.

Moscow-based Open Joint Stock Company Aeroflot-Russian Airlines (RTS: AFLT) was established in 1923. Nowadays it is the biggest international and domestic air carrier in Russia. The Russian State owns 51% of Aeroflot. It flies passengers and cargo to 88 destinations in 42 countries accounting for 39% of international and 11% of domestic Russia's air travel. In 2003, Aeroflot carried 5.8 million passengers, posting a net profit of 4.0 billion rubles (in accordance with the Russian Accounting Standard: 1 euro = 34.8 rubles). Aeroflot has the most numerous in Russia (92 aircraft) fleet of Airbus, Boeing and modernized Russian built aircraft. By the year 2007 Aeroflot plans to build its own terminal in Sheremetyevo airport.

24.05.2026
Continental Airlines Wins OAG Airline of the Year Award 2004
Continental Airlines was named OAG Airline of the Year 2004 at a ceremony at The Park Lane Hotel, London.

It is the first US based carrier to win the title since the awards were established 22 years ago. Continental, whose London hub is Gatwick, also won the Best Business Class category and was voted Best Airline based in North America in the OAG awards, and was shortlisted in three other categories. OAG is an independent global content management company, specialising in travel and transport.

The awards, based on votes polled by a worldwide audience of business travellers, attracted an array of senior figures from the aviation industry.

UK flag carrier, British Airways took home two prestigious awards: Best Airline Based in Western Europe and Best Trans-Atlantic Airline.

OAG also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Lord Marshall, Chairman of British Airways. Eddie Bell, Chairman of OAG, praised Lord Marshall’s great contribution to the airline industry over the last 20 years saying:

“He has done a spectacular job, in difficult circumstances, for the airline industry.”

The Outstanding Service Award, presented to airline or airport staff who have acted above and beyond the call of duty, was awarded to bmi stewardesses Karen Cornelius, Sally Cast and Ellen Davies, whose quick thinking and cool heads saved a passenger who suffered a massive heart attack on board a flight from Chicago to London.

Using bmi’s special diagnostic equipment, the stewardesses linked up via satellite with doctors on the casualty unit of an Arizona hospital and literally helped save passenger Stephen Clarke’s life.

Eddie Bell, commenting on the OAG Awards said: “Congratulations to Continental Airlines on winning the OAG Airline of the Year Awards. Continental has consistently improved the quality of its service and this fact has been duly recognised by its customers.

“Dubai International Airport won Best Airport in a closely contested category and deserves congratulations for narrowly pipping Singapore Chiangi, who have held the title for eight consecutive years. The winner of our Best Marketing Campaign award, United Airlines, was a witty and worthy victor, whose adverts made me laugh.

“We are especially delighted, this year, to present an OAG Lifetime Achievement Award to Lord Marshall from BA. His long standing service and valuable contribution to the industry has been magnificent, guiding BA through some turbulent times.”

The Asia Pacific region fared very well, with Singapore Airlines taking home four awards including Best International First Class and Best Economy/Coach Class. Cathay Pacific Airways won Best Trans-Pacific Airline, and Australian based Virgin Blue won best Low Cost/No Frills Airline, beating incumbent title holder Southwest Airlines as well as easyJet and Ryanair.

CSA Czech Airlines won Best Airline based in Central/Eastern Europe for the first time.

A brand new category was introduced for 2004, Best Marketing Campaign, which was won by United Airlines for their “We Are United UK” campaign.