Emirates present discounts for its customers

Emirates is offering First and Business Class customers in Kenya a 50 per cent discount when they buy a second ticket for a limited time.

The 'companion fare' offer is offered to Business Class passengers travelling from Nairobi to any point on Emirates' network of above 100 destinations; and to First Class customers travelling straight to Dubai.

Both passengers must travel together for the whole journey and be confirmed on the similar booking.

Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates Regional Manager for East Africa said: "At Emirates, we are always on the lookout for chances to reward our loyal customers and these particular companion fares actually do represent incredible value for money."

"Whether customers are travelling on business or for leisure, this offer will allow them to experience Emirates' world-renowned premium cabins for less," said Ahmad.

"What's more, they will still obtain all the extras that build our First and Business class such an outstanding proposition, as well as our chauffeur-drive service to the airport; devoted priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and access to our executive airport lounges. Their Skywards account will also be credited with the full amount of miles," he added.

Emirates is one of the biggest international air carriers within Kenya, operating 14 flights each week from Nairobi to Dubai.

Ethiopian Airlines set to unite Star Alliance in a Year

Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) approved the application of Ethiopian Airlines to unite the Star Alliance members Carrier group.

Star Alliance CEO, Jaan Albrechet said the CEB is pleased to greeting Ethiopian Airlines to join the Star Alliance network.

"Ethiopia’s wide intra-African network will give more choice for our travelers and fetch the Star Alliance benefits to new markets", he said.

He said in the prospect the Star Alliance will have three main hubs in Africa - Addis Ababa, Cairo and Johannesburg- that permits for an ideal access to the continent from the North, Centre-East or South.

The Ethiopian airlines CEO, Girma Wake on his part said Ethiopian is glad and honored to be invited to link the big family of airlines.

He said Ethiopian’s elongated experience in the African market, coupled with its planned hub of Addis Ababa, and the just created Lome hub, will permit Star Alliance members to access a lot of new markets in Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines will turn into the third member of Star Alliance in African, following EGYPTAIR and South African Airways.

Alitalia boosts free luggage allowance

Alitalia has introduced a more liberal luggage allowance on flights worldwide to take it into line with its partners, Delta and Air France/KLM.

The maximum hand-luggage allowance has risen from five kilos to eight kilos and the checked-in baggage allowance has risen from 20 to 23 kilos.

Economy passengers are limited to one free piece of checked in luggage; premium economy passengers are permitted two pieces weighing up to 23kg each on long-haul flights. Business class passengers on international and intercontinental flights are permitted up to three check-in bags, weighing a maximum of 23kgs each.