Economy Class & Beyond

The joy of bussing… at Heathrow (or the hell of Gate T5-A10)

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Good morning from Terminal 5, where I'm pondering what designer built this wonderful place... because there are certainly never enough gates at Terminal 5. Why? I'm at everyone's non-favourite gate at Terminal 5 - A10.  For the uninitiated, T5-A10 is the bussing gate at Terminal 5A - for when an airline runs out of gates. And it's a miserable place to be. And … [Read more...]

It’s 1:05ish in the morning. You’ll *never* guess where I am… 

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Bonus points to regular Economy Class and Beyond Readers... And locals of Birmingham. Of course - it's Digbeth Coach Station. Yes - I'm on a coach even though I'm too old for the 1:10 coach in the morning. Although this time... I have my passport. Big difference. More later.... Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond - Your no-nonsense guide to network news, … [Read more...]

Qatar Airways fiddle with Doha-London route – drops A319 shuttle

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Qatar Airways is fiddling around with its timetable and equipment deployment between Doha and London Heathrow. Qatar Airways A330 landing at London Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. There are some critical changes occuring, the two big ones being: The Airbus A319 Business Class only shuttle service between Doha to Heathrow is being withdrawn, and being replaced … [Read more...]

Malaysia Airlines downgrades its Paris route to a Boeing 777

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Malaysia Airlines is hurting - lets make no bones about it. It's changing routes around (with severe cuts in Asia), and is now looking at its route map further afield, with its Kuala Lumpur to Paris Charles De Gaulle route taking a cut. Currently, the route is operated by an Airbus A380. This will be downgraded from the 4th August 2015 to a Boeing 777-200ER. Malaysia … [Read more...]

The Davis Commission suggests a 3rd Runway at Heathrow

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Well, as if not many of us could guess the result, the Davis Commission has released its report today (Warning: Heavy Reading) on the need of a new runway in the South East of England, which recommended a 3rd runway should be built at London Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport at Takeoff, Image - Economy Class and Beyond So you think that's it - get the diggers in … [Read more...]

Plaza Premium adds a new lounge at Singapore

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Plaza Premium appear to be popping up more lounges around the world - with the launch of a lounge in Singapore Changi Airport.   Now, Singapore Changi Airport is one heck of an airport - lets make no bones about that, so a lounge may seem suplurious. But there are times where you need to take a break away from the masses to get on with some work in peace or relax - and … [Read more...]

Vietnam Airlines becomes the 2nd Airbus A350 operator

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Vietnam Airlines have taken delivery of their first Airbus A350 aircraft - and in turn, become the launch operator of the aircraft for Asia.   Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350 - Images, Airbus. The first A350 for Vietnam Airlines is leased from AerCap, and will form the first of the cadre of 14 Airbus A350-900s that will operate for the airline. The airline has … [Read more...]

Goodbye Heathrow Terminal 1

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Today marks another important day in Heathrow history - with Terminal 1 closing after opening in 1968. Heathrow Terminal 1 in 2008 - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The last flight will be operated by British Airways, operating BA970 with a flight to Hanover as the last flight out of the terminal. British Airways is the last operator in the terminal, with all … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Iberia Airbus A340-600

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art. This week, lining up on the runway for take off at Madrid Barajas Airport is an Iberia Airbus A340-600 on a sunny spring morning. The Airbus A340-600 - sometimes know as the long plane is the longest version of the Airbus A340 family. Iberia operates a fleet of 17 Airbus A340-600 fleets, operating on their … [Read more...]