Kohijo Intercontinental Air

Kohijo Intercontinental Air is a major airline company in ViZion. The airline is based in His City, the capital of the State of Astyria, one of the most populous and prosperous regions in ViZion. Kohijo Intercontinental Air has a long history of serving the domestic market, but has struggled to compete with other airlines in the international arena.

History and Rankings

Kohijo Intercontinental Air was founded in 1956, as a joint venture between the Kohijo Group, a conglomerate of businesses in Astyria, and the Intercontinental Corporation, a global aviation company. The airline initially operated flights within Astyria, but soon expanded to other parts of ViZion, such as Central America, South America, Africa, ViZion Island, and Coulter Bay. The airline also launched a few international routes to neighboring countries, such as Jarridia and the Blackhelm Confederacy.

For decades, Kohijo Intercontinental Air has been consistently ranked among the top six airlines in ViZion, based on passenger traffic, revenue, and market share. However, its position has fluctuated between third and sixth place over the years, depending on the economic conditions, consumer preferences, and competitive pressures. Currently, it is the fifth largest legacy carrier in ViZion, behind ViZionair, Imperial Isles Airways, Hishan Air Lines, and West-East Airways. These four airlines have surpassed Kohijo Intercontinental Air in terms of network size, fleet modernization, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Frustratingly for Kohijo management, while it is slightly ahead of African International Airlines in domestic travel, it falls behind even them in international network.

Network and Alliances

One of the main challenges that Kohijo Intercontinental Air faces is its extremely limited international network. The airline focuses mainly on domestic flights within ViZion’s five main continents and two island states, which account for over 95% of its operations. The airline only flies to a handful of international destinations, mostly in nearby countries that have strong ties with ViZion. The airline has not ventured into other regions due to the lack of demand, resources, and partnerships.

Another factor that has hampered the airline’s growth is its lack of membership in any of the major airline alliances, such as Sky Alliance, Blueworld, Global Air Alliance, or Clear Skies Airways. These alliances allow airlines to cooperate and coordinate with each other, offering benefits such as code-sharing, frequent flyer programs, lounge access, and joint marketing. Kohijo Intercontinental Air has remained independent, preferring to operate on its own terms and avoid the fees and regulations that come with joining an alliance. However, this has also limited its ability to expand its network, attract more customers, and leverage economies of scale.

Reputation and Performance

Kohijo Intercontinental Air is known for its good fares, offering affordable and competitive prices for its domestic and regional flights. The airline also has a loyal customer base, especially in Astyria, where it has a strong brand recognition and presence. The airline prides itself on its safety record, having no major accidents or incidents in its recent history.

However, the airline’s reputation has suffered recently, due to its aging fleet, less than stellar hard product, limited global network and worst customer service of its direct competitors. The airline operates a mix of old and new aircraft, some of which are over 40 years old and require frequent maintenance and repairs. The airline’s product, such as seats, entertainment, food, and amenities, is also outdated and inferior to those of other airlines, especially in the premium classes. The airline’s customer service, such as check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and in-flight service, is also rated poorly by passengers, who complain about the lack of professionalism, courtesy, and responsiveness of the staff.

The airline’s performance has also declined in recent years, as it has faced increasing competition from other airlines, both domestic and international. The airline has lost market share, revenue, and profitability, as it has failed to keep up with the changing needs and expectations of the customers. The airline has also faced regulatory and environmental challenges, such as rising fuel costs, taxes, fees, and emissions standards, which have increased its operating expenses and reduced its margins.

Future Plans and Prospects

In an attempt to turn around the situation, the airline has hired a new CEO, Tom Wihelmsen, who was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Eastward Airways before its merger with Western World Airlines to form West-East Airways. Wihelmsen is expected to bring a change in vision and goals for the struggling airline and revamp its image and performance.

Wihelmsen has announced a series of initiatives and strategies to improve the airline’s situation, such as:

• Renewing and upgrading the fleet, by retiring the old and inefficient aircraft and acquiring new and more fuel-efficient ones such as Ocline Airlines newest products.
• Enhancing and standardizing the product, by introducing new and improved seats, entertainment, food, and amenities, across all classes and routes, to offer a consistent and high-quality experience to the customers. The airline will also overhaul its hard product, with all new economy and a strong focus on its premium product. The airline will shift over 50% of the airplanes footprint to its all-new Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class Suites. The latter of which will replace its dilapidated first class seats, and will be strictly on its larger aircraft for long-distance flights.
• Improving and training the customer service, by hiring more and better qualified staff, providing them with regular and rigorous training, and rewarding them for their performance and feedback.
• Expanding and diversifying the network, by launching new and more frequent flights to existing and new destinations, both domestic and international, especially in the high-demand and high-potential markets, such as Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
• Joining and collaborating with an alliance, by seeking and securing a membership in one of the major airline alliances to benefit from the cooperation and coordination with other airlines, and to offer more options and advantages to the customers.
• Re-imagining and modernizing the airport lounges, by renovating and upgrading the existing lounges and opening new ones in key locations, to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for the customers, with access to various facilities and services, such as Wi-Fi, showers, snacks, drinks, and entertainment.
• Revamping and renaming the mileage program, by changing the name from InterMiles to Kohijo Rewards, and introducing new and attractive features and benefits, such as easier earning and redeeming of miles, more partner airlines and hotels, more tiers and statuses, and more perks and privileges, such as upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access.

Wihelmsen hopes that these measures will help the airline to regain its competitive edge, increase its customer satisfaction, and restore its financial health. He also hopes that the airline will be able to achieve its vision of becoming the leading airline in ViZion and beyond.

Kohijo Lounge

Kohijo Lounge is the name of the airport lounge operated by Kohijo Intercontinental Air, the fifth largest legacy carrier in ViZion. The lounge is available for the airline’s premium and elite passengers, as well as other eligible travelers, who can enjoy a range of facilities and services before their flight.

Locations and Access

Kohijo Lounge is found in the airline’s many hubs as well as several larger non-hub airports. The lounge is usually located near the airline’s gates, or in a central area of the terminal. The lounge is open from two hours before the first departure until the last departure of the day.

Access to the lounge is granted to the following passengers:

• First Class and Business Class passengers on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, or on any flight operated by a partner airline, with one companion each.
• Gold Star elite members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, Kohijo Rewards, on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, or on any flight operated by a partner airline, with one companion each.
• Lounge members who have purchased an annual membership for $399, on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, or on any flight operated by a partner airline, with two companions each.
• Other passengers who have purchased a day pass for $69, on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, or on any flight operated by a partner airline, with no companions.

Facilities and Services

Kohijo Lounge is considered dated and limited on offerings, compared to other airline lounges. However, it does provide generous seating options and an open buffet offering snacks, beverages, and lighter-fare meals. The lounge also has a bar that is open for alcoholic drinks, but at a cost. The lounge has the following facilities and services:

• A variety of seating areas, such as sofas, armchairs, tables, and booths, with power outlets and USB ports available at some seats.
• A buffet area, with a selection of hot and cold snacks, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, fruits, and nuts, as well as a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee. The buffet is replenished throughout the day, and changes according to the time of the day and the season.
• A bar area, with a selection of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, available for purchase. The bar also serves some complimentary snacks, such as chips, pretzels, and nuts.
• A business center, with a few desktop computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the lounge.
• A reading area, with a few newspapers and magazines, both local and international, as well as some books and travel guides.
• A TV area, with a few flat-screen TVs, showing news, sports, and entertainment channels.
• A restroom area, with a few toilets and sinks, as well as some basic toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, and towels. The lounge does not have any showers or spa facilities.

Future Plans and Prospects

As part of the airline’s new vision and goals, the lounge is expected to undergo a major renovation and upgrade in the near future, to improve its image and quality. The lounge will feature:

• A modern and stylish design, with a mix of colors, textures, and materials, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• A larger and more comfortable seating area, with a variety of options, such as recliners, loungers, pods, and cabanas, with power outlets and USB ports available at every seat. The lounge will also have all new seats, with ergonomic and adjustable features, to provide maximum comfort and support.
• A better and more diverse buffet area, with a selection of hot and cold dishes, such as pasta, pizza, burgers, sushi, salads, soups, desserts, and ice cream, as well as a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and smoothies. The buffet will also feature some local and regional specialties, as well as some vegetarian and vegan options.
• A free and unlimited bar area, with a selection of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, as well as some premium drinks, such as champagne, whiskey, and gin. The bar will also serve some gourmet snacks, such as cheese, charcuterie, olives, and chocolates.
• A larger and more equipped business center, with more desktop computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines, as well as free Wi-Fi access throughout the lounge. The business center will also have some meeting rooms and conference facilities, available for booking.
• A larger and more varied reading area, with more newspapers and magazines, both local and international, as well as more books and travel guides. The reading area will also have some e-readers and tablets, available for borrowing.
• A larger and more entertaining TV area, with more flat-screen TVs, showing news, sports, and entertainment channels, as well as some movie and gaming consoles, available for playing.
• A larger and more luxurious restroom area, with more toilets and sinks, as well as some showers and spa facilities, such as jacuzzis, saunas, and massage chairs. The restroom area will also have some deluxe toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and perfume.
• A sit-down restaurant area, with a selection of fine dining dishes, prepared by a professional chef, and served by a courteous staff. The restaurant area will also have a wine cellar, with a variety of wines from different regions and vintages.
• An observation deck area, with a panoramic view of the airport and the runway, where passengers can watch the planes take off and land, and enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine. The observation deck area will also have some binoculars and telescopes, available for use.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service, as well as access to the airport lounge and the fast track security lane.
• A personal assistant who will escort the passenger from the airport to the aircraft and vice versa, and assist with any requests or needs during the flight.

Some locations plan to move to a better, larger location in the terminals, to allow for these changes. The new locations will be more convenient and accessible for the passengers, and will have more space and capacity for the lounge.

The lounge renovation and upgrade process is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and will be available for the passengers to enjoy from 2025 onwards.

Classes of Service

Kohijo Intercontinental Air offers four classes of service on its flights: Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Each class has different features and benefits, depending on the aircraft type, route, and fare.

Economy Class

Economy Class is the basic and cheapest class of service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air. Economy Class passengers enjoy:

• A cramped and uncomfortable seat with a pitch of 28 to 30 inches and a width of 16 to 17 inches, depending on the aircraft type.
• No personal inflight entertainment system, only a shared overhead screen with a limited selection of movies and TV shows. Headphones are available for purchase.
• A paid meal and beverage service, with a choice of one main course and a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase. Only on long-haul flights, a complimentary meal and beverage service is provided.
• A free checked baggage allowance of one piece up to 20 kg (44 lbs) and a free carry-on baggage allowance of one piece up to 7 kg (15 lbs) plus one personal item.

Premium Economy

Premium Economy is a slightly better than Economy Class, offering a little more comfort and convenience for a higher fare. Premium Economy passengers enjoy:

• A slightly wider and more spacious seat with a pitch of 34 to 36 inches and a width of 18 to 19 inches, depending on the aircraft type.
• A personal inflight entertainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen monitor, offering a basic selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Headphones are available for purchase.
• A paid meal and beverage service, with a choice of two main courses and a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks, served on plastic and paper. Only on long-haul flights, a complimentary meal and beverage service is provided.
• A free checked baggage allowance of one piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs) and a free carry-on baggage allowance of one piece up to 7 kg (15 lbs) plus one personal item.
• A small pillow and blanket for long-haul flights.

Business Class

Business Class is the highest class of service on most of Kohijo Intercontinental Air’s flights, offering a decent level of comfort and service for a premium fare. Business Class passengers enjoy:

• A reclining seat with a pitch of 50 to 52 inches and a width of 20 to 21 inches, depending on the aircraft type, featuring a personal reading light, a power outlet, and a USB port.
• A personal inflight entertainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen monitor, offering a moderate selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games, as well as headphones and an amenity kit with basic toiletries.
• A regular meal and beverage service, with a choice of three main courses and a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks, served on china and glassware, with a pre-departure drink and a snack bar available throughout the flight.
• A free checked baggage allowance of two pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each and a free carry-on baggage allowance of one piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs) each plus one personal item.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service, as well as access to the airport lounge and the fast track security lane.

First Class

First Class is the most exclusive and luxurious class of service on select Kohijo Intercontinental Air’s flights, offering a private and personalized experience for a very high fare. First Class passengers enjoy:

• A spacious and comfortable seat with a pitch of 70 inches and a width of 22 inches, featuring a personal reading light, a power outlet, a USB port, and a massage function.
• A personal inflight entertainment system with a 15-inch touchscreen monitor, offering a good selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games, as well as headphones and an amenity kit with deluxe toiletries.
• A standard meal and beverage service, with a choice of four main courses and a range of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks, served on china and glassware, with a pre-departure drink and a snack bar available throughout the flight.
• A free checked baggage allowance of three pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each and a free carry-on baggage allowance of one piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs) each plus one personal item.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service, as well as access to the airport lounge and the fast track security lane.

InterMiles

InterMiles is the name of the current mileage program of Kohijo Intercontinental Air. The program allows passengers to earn and redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. The program also has three elite status levels, which offer different benefits and privileges to the members.

Elite Status Levels

The three elite status levels of InterMiles are:

Bronze Star

The lowest level of elite status, which requires 25,000 miles or 30 segments in a calendar year. Bronze Star members enjoy:

• A 25% bonus on base miles earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of one extra piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs) on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority waitlist and standby service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A 10% discount on lounge access fees on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.

Silver Star

The middle level of elite status, which requires 50,000 miles or 60 segments in a calendar year. Silver Star members enjoy:

• A 50% bonus on base miles earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of two extra pieces up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free lounge access for the member and one companion on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.

Gold Star

The highest level of elite status, which requires 100,000 miles or 120 segments in a calendar year. Gold Star members enjoy:

• A 100% bonus on base miles earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of three extra pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free lounge access for the member and two companions on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A guaranteed seat on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, even if it is sold out, as long as the reservation is made at least 24 hours before departure.

Kohijo Rewards

Kohijo Rewards is the name of the new mileage program of Kohijo Intercontinental Air, which will replace InterMiles from 2025 onwards. The program is designed to offer more flexibility, simplicity, and value to the passengers, who can earn and redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. The program also has four elite status levels, which offer different benefits and privileges to the members.

Elite Status Levels

The four elite status levels of Kohijo Rewards are:

Blue

The basic level of elite status, which requires no minimum points or segments in a calendar year. Blue members enjoy:

• A 5% bonus on base points earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of one piece up to 20 kg (44 lbs) on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A 5% discount on lounge access fees on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.

Silver

The first level of elite status, which requires 20,000 points or 25 segments in a calendar year. Silver members enjoy:

• A 10% bonus on base points earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of one piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs) on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority waitlist and standby service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A 10% discount on lounge access fees on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.

Gold

The second level of elite status, which requires 40,000 points or 50 segments in a calendar year. Gold members enjoy:

• A 15% bonus on base points earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of two pieces up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A 20% discount on lounge access fees on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free upgrade to the next class of service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights, subject to availability.

Platinum

The highest level of elite status, which requires 80,000 points or 100 segments in a calendar year. Platinum members enjoy:

• A 20% bonus on base points earned on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free checked baggage allowance of three pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery service on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A free lounge access for the member and two companions on Kohijo Intercontinental Air flights and partner flights.
• A guaranteed seat on any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight, even if it is sold out, as long as the reservation is made at least 24 hours before departure.
• A free change or cancellation of any Kohijo Intercontinental Air flight or partner flight, without any fees or penalties.