Economy Class & Beyond

China Southern to get 10 more Airbus A330’s

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It seems that the tensions over European Union's Emission-Trading System are easing, with news that China Southern Airlines is to get 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Long haul orders seem to have been logged jammed with arguments over the ETS, with significant orders put on hold if they were being brought for use in China. China Southern says that the aircraft … [Read more...]

Airbus completes the first flying A350 frame

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For those who like shiny new planes and are now at a loss now the 787 has finally rolled out, lets turn our attention to the Airbus A350XWB. Airbus has completed the first frame of its new A350XWB that will be certified to fly as part of the test campaign. Images - Airbus SAS The frame - MSN001 exited the assembly line in Toulouse, and has been through work … [Read more...]

Fastjet eyes the remains of 1Time

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It seems Fastjet is eyeing up 1Time carefully, and is in negotiations to buy the carrier. 1Time was forced to suspend flights in November when it ran into serious cashflow problems. However, Fastjet sees this as an easy entry into South African aviation market. The plan would be for Fastjet to pay a nominal fee to acquire the airline and reach a settlement with 1time's … [Read more...]

Planes with Sharklets? Check!

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Oh this would please Doctor Evil so much - it also pleases me too. Most of us who have boarded a modern short haul plane (and quite a few long haul planes), can't help but see on the end of the wing, a wingtip device - be it a: Winglet (as seen on Boeing 747-400's, Airbus A330/A340's), Wingtip Fences (Airbus A320 family, Airbus A380), Blended Winglets  (Boeing … [Read more...]

British Airways introduces gate-to-gate IFE

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It seems the march of Gate-to-Gate In-Flight Entertainment continues, with British Airways now allowing use of its IFE systems through all phases of the flight - take off, cruise and landing. BA has worked with the CAA, trialling the modified IFE product, and checking safety of using such a product. This will allow BA to deliver the entertainment product beyond the 20 … [Read more...]

Sinapore intrested in selling its stake in Virgin Atlantic – Delta lining up as a possible suitor

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It seems that Singapore Airlines is talking to others over the share of Virgin Atlantic it owns. The share - 49% of Virgin Atlantic is the part up for sale - for which Singapore Airlines paid $600 million in 1999. The other 51% of the airline is owned by the Virgin Group. Singapore Airlines also state that thethe discussions may or may not result in a transaction, and … [Read more...]

Reminder: BMI to BA Status Match and other BMI to BA bits

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A little - but important reminder for those of you who are BMI Gold/Silver and have yet to match to British Airways Executive Club. Time is now running out with the status match closing on the 31st December 2012, and if you haven't matched over yet - now is the time to do it. It does take a little while to do - so the sooner you do it, the sooner the status is in your … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – EasyJet Airbus A319

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art. This week, it's an EasyJet Airbus A319 resting at a clear night at Birmingham Airport, ready for its next turn back to Belfast International Airport. The image is clickable if you want to see a larger version – and yes you can keep them for your desktops! More airplane art next week! … [Read more...]