Deskjocky
10th Jan 2007, 06:49
This is a very interesting trend as it points to the fact that they have finally come to terms with the fact that they are a LCC. The cost savings in doing this are negligible given the fact that all the infrastructure will still have to be retained as its now going to be used to sell the food. Suppose you will save a few bucks on the booze but IMHO it not worth the trouble. If they are looking to cut costs then chopping a few percent off the commission they pay travel agents will save them far more. Although that’s a two edged sword- the trade support them because of the generous back end deals that are in place so if they were removed then I think a lot of traffic would swing to the other carriers. Perhaps ol Uncle Vern’s business model is finally catching up with him- coupled to the shortage of crew could spell a rough road ahead?
NATIONWIDE will begin charging economy-class passengers for food and beverages on its domestic routes from January 16.
There will also no longer be special meal requests in economy class in the domestic network.
According to Nationwide, the move does not make it a low-cost carrier as its business model remains different to those of the LCCs. It said in a statement: “Our customers told us that rather than having a limited range of items for consumption on board, they would prefer a wider selection from which to choose but understood full well the cost implications.”
Business-class passengers can still expect a full, free food and beverage service onboard domestic flights.
Free food and beverages will still be served in all classes on the Johannesburg-Livingstone or Johannesburg-London Gatwick routes.
Lucy Siebert
([email protected])
NATIONWIDE will begin charging economy-class passengers for food and beverages on its domestic routes from January 16.
There will also no longer be special meal requests in economy class in the domestic network.
According to Nationwide, the move does not make it a low-cost carrier as its business model remains different to those of the LCCs. It said in a statement: “Our customers told us that rather than having a limited range of items for consumption on board, they would prefer a wider selection from which to choose but understood full well the cost implications.”
Business-class passengers can still expect a full, free food and beverage service onboard domestic flights.
Free food and beverages will still be served in all classes on the Johannesburg-Livingstone or Johannesburg-London Gatwick routes.
Lucy Siebert
([email protected])