Over the last 10 years, the traditional flag carriers have faced stiff competition from many new cost-conscious airlines. This has led to a dramatic reduction in the profitability of the major international airlines.
In an attempt to combat the growing low cost airline revolution, the major airlines have tried to strengthen their companies by a programme of mergers and acquisitions. Some of these large airlines have completely dropped their short haul services, the best example recently being the sale and merger of British Airways' low cost subsidiary BA Connect to Flybe.
Fortunately for them the long haul market is not as susceptible to cut throat price competition, because the major cost for all airlines on flights over 2000 miles is the fuel, which can represent up to 95% of the cost of the flight. We are likely to see a continued effort to establish good reputation for service and facilities in the long haul market place.
Air France has become a very large airline after merging with KLM, with a huge combined flight network of around 250 worldwide destinations. AirFrance flies from 9 UK airports to France and their onward scheduled flights to Europe and the rest of the world depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. more...
British Airways, the UK's largest scheduled airline, is a long haul favourite, with a massive choice of flights especially from London Heathrow, but many also depart from London Gatwick and Manchester. Good deals often appear around March and October. BA remains a very professional airline and is popular with business travellers. more...
Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. They currently have a fleet of over 100 wide bodied aircraft, with a firm order for 45 A380s, the biggest passenger aircraft in the world. Their route network, with their main hub in Dubai, is expanding by over 20% each year. Flying from 5 UK airports they offer some good value airfares to the southern hemisphere more...
Manchester based First Choice offers many very comfortable long haul charter flights to Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Florida and Mexico, from many UK airports. On their long haul flights there are spacious 33 inch legroom seats in Economy class. The main UK airport hubs are Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester. more...
Dutch airline KLM flies from 16 UK airports to their Schiphol Amsterdam hub, where passengers can transfer onto their competitively priced long haul flights. A recent development is their new improved airline meal service. more...
World class Asian airline Singapore Airlines are highly regarded for their innovation and standards of service. They offer long haul flights between 5 continents, with a fleet of 90 aircraft. A popular option is choosing a flight with a stopover. more...
Trendy airline Virgin Atlantic fly to around 30 long haul holiday destinations. For the best choice of flights look at London Heathrow and Gatwick, but some also depart from Manchester. New routes are regularly advertised and worth watching out for, also expect new aircraft and a good number of luxury options. more...
Other airlines serving the UK:
See our unbiased guide to European no-frills airlines.
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