Kevincm, Author at Economy Class & Beyond

Qatar Airways returns to Gatwick Airport

23/05/2018 by Kevincm

In some trailed news since ITB, Qatar Airways has made a splash and has returned to Gatwick Airport. Qatar Airways Boeing 787 water cannon salute at Gatwick Airport - Image, Qatar Airways The airline will run a double-daily service between Doha and Gatwick, utilising Boeing 787-8 aircraft in the first instance, before switching to a 16 times a week service for the … [Read more...]

SNAPSHOT: Eurostar 9114 London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal

22/05/2018 by Kevincm

Time for another snapshot - this time looking at Eurostar 9114 from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal. As this features international train as opposed to plane, it's a little different from the usual snapshots I run. Pre-departure I arrived at St Pancras International with just over an hour to go before departure. After grabbing snacks, I headed through … [Read more...]

Lufthansa Group to introduce “Light” fares on North American Routes

22/05/2018 by Kevincm

In news that should shock... exactly no-one, Lufthansa Group have confirmed they are to offer "Light" fares from Europe to North America. Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i climbing out of Chicago O'Hare. Expect Light fares to be offered on this route - Image, Economy Class and Beyond As you can expect for a Light fare, it's a Hand Baggage Only Fare. Expect no ticket flexibility … [Read more...]

FlyBe to drop larger Embraer E-195s, focuses on Bombardier Q400

21/05/2018 by Kevincm

FlyBe has been fiddling with its fleet plans, and will be sticking primarily to the Bombardier Q400. This has impact for other aircraft in its fleet... especially the Embraer E-195. Flybe Embraer E-195 at Belfast City Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond With the airline wanting to concentrate on what it calls its "profitable routes only", it seems the Embraer … [Read more...]

Gatwick Express launches its new timetable – changes ahead

21/05/2018 by Kevincm

Gatwick Express changed its timetable on Sunday (along with other services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway - including Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern Railway). Timetable changes are always a challenge If you're travelling - head to … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300 departing Amsterdam Schiphol

20/05/2018 by Kevincm

It's Sunday again so it must be time for some more airplane art. This week, we have a Turkish Airlines Airbus A333-300 preparing to power down the Polderbaan at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as it heads back to Istanbul Atatürk Airport in the evening sun. Turkish Airlines operate a fleet of 37 Airbus A330-300 aircraft - using on a mixture of medium to long haul … [Read more...]

SNAPSHOT: Ryanair 8513 Porto to Birmingham

19/05/2018 by Kevincm

Time for another snapshot - today focusing on Ryanair 8513 between Porto (Portugal) and Birmingham. Pre-Departure Porto Airport - when passed - was relativity quiet. Boarding was from Gate 11 in the Non-Schengen zone at the airport. Whilst it was an airbridge gate - as per usual for Ryanair - boarding was by steps. Departures board Boarding Gate The Plane It's … [Read more...]

TRIP REPORT: Back to Hamburg Airport – Exploring the new at AIX18

18/05/2018 by Kevincm

Examining the new at AIX18 - Back to Hamburg Airport Other airports exist other than Heathrow Did I mention I hate suitcases? Off to Birmingham Airport FlyBe BE7109 Birmingham to Hamburg Into Hamburg The IBIS Budget St Pauli Aircraft Interiors Expo - A look back at the coverage The Crystal Cabin Awards 2018 Back to Hamburg Airport FlyBe BE7110 … [Read more...]

“Smart Luggage” companies BlueSmart and Raden shutter their doors

18/05/2018 by Kevincm

In news that could be filed under "unsurprising", Smart Luggage companies Raden and BlueSmart have decided to shutter their operations. Smart Luggage companies have been under pressure since IATA changed the rules about Lithium Ion Batteries in luggage, and how they are to be handled in the case of smart luggage Both have press resales out. The highlight line … [Read more...]

SIngapore Airlines to fold in SilkAir into its brand, plans re-fit

18/05/2018 by Kevincm

In a move that could be considered surprising - Singapore Airlines is to take its SilkAir subsidiary, and fold it into the main Singapore Airlines brand. SilkAir Boeing 737-800 - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The programme will feature an investment in its cabin as well to transform the fleet, with lie-flat business class seating to be installed, and a full … [Read more...]