Economy Class & Beyond

The perfect Passenger Experience? Arriving at London City Airport

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I've talked about why I enjoy going through London City Airport a few times - but to demonstrate the point, I arrived into the airport yesterday. Here was the timeline from getting off the plane to getting on the Docklands Light Railway: Minute Zero: Doors open, and out of the plane Minutes One Through Three: Walk to the border Minute Four: Pass the UK Border … [Read more...]

Protests at Heathrow expansion forces a runway closure

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The Plane Stupid group today caused chaos at London Heathrow Airport when 13 of their protesters breached a security fence, and chained themselves together on  a runway - in a protest against Heathrow Expansion. The incursion occurred at 03:30BST with a runway closed for 3 and a half hours for them to be cleared.  The affected runway reo-pend to traffic at 06:20BST. By … [Read more...]

Air China to launch Beijing to Newark service

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Air China is being busy with its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, as it prepares to launch a Beijing to Newark NJ service in the winter timetable. Air China Boeing 777-300ER in Star Alliance 15th Anniversary paintwork - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The new route commences on the 26th October, with a four times a week service commencing. It will operate as below: CA819 DEPART PEK … [Read more...]

Hamad International Airport – It needs a passenger experience makeover.

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Good morning? Yes, it is morning I suppose from Hamad International Airport. Or as I'm calling it - "Hot Mess International". I'm sorry Hamad International Airport - Your cute bear lamp cannot save you from a hot mess of an airport. I'm sure you're aware of the mess I had of transit through here last time. Well, this time - I've had more fun this morning (and I'm … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Air China Boeing 777-300ER

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some airplane art. Being towed around Frankfurt Airport on a very sunny  summer (and hot) day is an Air China Boeing 777-300ER as it is readied for its return leg to China. Air China operate a fleet of twenty Boeing 777-300ERs in their  fleet, supplemented by ten  Boeing 777-200ERs - forming part of the backbone of the long … [Read more...]

Ryanair to sell its stake in Aer Lingus to IAG

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The ballad of the sale of Aer Lingus continues, with Ryanair to sell its stake to International Airlines Group. Ryanair currently hold  29.8% of its competitor Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus Airbus A330 taxing at Chicago O'Hare, Image - Economy Class and Beyond The action by Ryanair will allow International Airlines Group (owner of British Airways, Iberia and Vueling) to … [Read more...]

UK FCO advises “All but essential travel” in Tunisia after Sousse attack

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For those of you hoping to head off to Tunisia for a break, you'd best be on the telephone to your tour operator. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its advice for Tunisia - and it's not good with them stating "The Foreign and Commonwealth Office now advise against all but essential travel to Tunisia" A quick look at the map provided indicates it is not a … [Read more...]

Swiss reveals more about its new Boeing 777-300ERs

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Swiss International Airlines have released a few more details of their upcoming Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Swiss will have a fleet of seven Boeing 777-300ERs (with an additional three to follow), which they will deploy to Asia, South America and the west coast of the USA as they replace older Airbus A340s. Swiss Boeing 777 In-flight, Rendering Swiss International … [Read more...]

SNAPSHOT: The Oryx Rotunda, Doha

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Time for another quick snapshot where I look at one of the hotels I stayed at this trip - this time in Doha. Full Disclosure: This transit hotel was provided by Qatar Airways as part of my cash-paid ticket.   After navigating through the pain of Hamad International Airport in Doha, it was time experience one of their hotels. I had been booked into the Oryx … [Read more...]