From the beginning of this month, Czech Airlines (ČSA) launches a web-based service that allows its travellers to plan a complete foreign trip – including air travel and hotel accommodation – online.
This dynamic package, a combination of air travel on ČSA flights and hotel reservations, also offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy special savings. Shortly, ČSA plans to expand the program to include the option of booking additional services online – such as airport shuttles, car rentals, etc.
Starting in October, travellers have been able to book and pay for both flight tickets and hotel reservations online through the ČSA website. They have been able to choose from a database of more than 60,000 hotels, which represent availability in the majority of the destinations serviced by the airline; however, the new service is only available for destinations to which the airline is able to offer the e-ticket option. This currently represents approximately 70% of the ČSA network which includes connections to 120 destinations in 45 countries worldwide. „During our October test operations, the service was met with a particularly strong, unanticipated demand,“ commented Jan Kaše, Executive Director, Marketing and Segment Management Section.
[GADS_NEWS]When booking tickets, hotels (and, in the future also other services) online, travellers are able to save both money and, most importantly, time. With only five simple steps, the customers can book air tickets and hotels, and additional services, and have the e-ticket and the hotel vouchers sent directly to their email address.
Private customers can pay for these services with a credit card and our corporate customers have the additional option of being billed for these services. The system is also tied in with ČSA’s OK Plus frequent-flyer program. Travellers using the service are able to earn miles not only for their flights but also for their hotel stays – and, in the future, also for the purchase of additional services.
„This program is an ideal tool, especially for corporate customers, who can use the new service to schedule business trips for both their employees and executives,“ said Jan Kaše pointing out the convenience of the dynamic package system for business travellers. „This service basically brings the travel agent onto their desktops,“ he continued.
By combining different types of services, including air travel, accommodation and also ground transportation at the destination or insurance, customers are able to use the ČSA website to fully plan packages on their own. This dynamic package program is provided by ČSA Airtours, an entity which is insured against insolvency with the Česká Pojišťovna insurance company and the policy covers all packages booked by travellers through this ČSA web-based service.
Czech Airlines (ČSA) – the largest national carrier of the new EU member countries according to the number of passengers carried. In 2005, the airline carried a record of more than 5 million passengers. Since 2001, it has been a member of SkyTeam, one of the leading global airline alliances. ČSA currently offers connections to 120 destinations in 45 countries worldwide. The fleet contains 50 aircraft – ATR 42’s/72’s, Boeing 737’s and Airbus A310/A320/A321’s.
For the last three years, ČSA has been selected as the “Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe – 2004, 2005 and 2006”. This title is awarded annually by the Official Airline Guide (OAG) and is based on the votes of frequent business travellers.
In January 2006, Czech Airlines also won the “Best Airline in Eastern Europe” Award (the Annual GT Tested Awards) for a second year running. ČSA was also on the shortlist of the eight best world airlines in 2005.
CONTACT: Czech Airlines, Ruzyně Airport, PRAGUE 6, tel.: 220 11 6220, www.ČSA.cz
