Today Forbes reports on the debut of a new kind of budget airline, Hong-Kong based Oasis. Billing itself as "the world's first long-haul budget airline", Oasis made it inaugural flight today from Hong Kong to London. And at only 1000 HKD ($128) each way for an economy-class ticket and 6600 HKD ($848) for business-class, Oasis clearly sees low fares as a key selling point.

'Our vision is to give Hong Kong high-quality, low-fare and direct flight services,' said Oasis chairman Raymond Lee ahead of the launch.

But that's not the only way it is differentiating itself from competitors like Virgin or EasyJet. According to Forbes, they also plan to feed the passengers. "Oasis promises full-value service at budget prices -- serving full meals and free drinks during its flights." But it doesn't end there. According to the Oasis Airline Wikipedia page, both better meals and in-flight entertainment will be available for a price.

One unique selling point for Oasis is that it will offer options, at extra charge, allowing passengers to personalise their trip. Seatback entertainment and hot meals will be included in tickets, but passengers can order better food (Gourmet Meal Service) or even cosmetic kits.However, at launch, this was not available on their website. Mention is made, however, of the ability to purchase 'noise cancelling' headsets on board the aircraft.

There is no word, however, on whether snacks on a (Oasis) plane will be accompanied by a screening of Snakes on a Plane, but noise-cancelling headsets or not, I very much doubt it.

tags: snakes on a plane | Air Travel | airfares

Update: