Economy Class & Beyond

Test flights galore – but planes are still grounded…

by

Some test flights have been carried out by Austrian, British Airways, KLM  and Lufthansa to see if the cloud is damaging, with encouraging results, however these tests have been done through gaps which aren't that sensitive to discovery with aircraft instruments. As a result, there are calls to reassess the flight-ban to be lifted (with the ban still in place until … [Read more...]

Breaking : NATS airspace ban extened until Monday 07:00

by

It never rains... It just enjoys pouring.Some more restrictions are clearing, but this isn't looking good.NATS statement below:The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 0700 … [Read more...]

NATS update: More Chaos until Monday – and probably beyond.

by

It seems that things are going from bad to worse, as NATS continue to close UK Airspace, with only limited flights to the Orkneys and Shetlands.Why do I have a feeling this is going to run and run?  The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is currently spread across the UK.  Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions … [Read more...]

Airplane p0rn – British Airways 747 Lineup

by

We may be all stuck on the ground, but it doesn't mean that we can't have some mroe airplane p0rn! This week,  a classic lineup at Heathrow T5 - a row of British Airways 747-400's  parked up waiting to depart for destinations far and wide. More airplane p0rn next week! … [Read more...]

Latest NATS update: Stay at home, UK Airspace closed totally until 19:00

by

NATS has updated its advice and UK airspace is closed now until 19:00 today. This is going to take days to clear.Even Qantas is saying expect a week for this to clear.Fun ahead...The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland shows continued and extensive cover of the UK. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK … [Read more...]

Breaking – uk airspace closed until 07:00 18/4

by

You've guessed it -ATC has dragged out the cancellations until 18/4 07:00More analysis later The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Sunday 18 … [Read more...]

Latest NATS update: More of the same, however you’re going to have to read this time

by

Condensed version  - UK Airspace still restricted to 13:00BST 17/4- Airspace restrictions lifted in Certain parts, but may be locked down at any time- All flights in these zones on a case-by-case basis.- Ash may return by 10:00BST, forcing restrictions to be reintroduced.Fun eh?Full NATS announcement: The volcanic ash cloud continues to affect UK airspace. Following the … [Read more...]

NATS Update: UK Airspace Closed until at least 07:00, 17/4, Scottish/NI open from 19:00 18/4

by

NATS extended its restrictions on UK airspace until at least 0700 BST on Saturday. Restrictions will be lifted in parts of Scottish airspace and Northern Ireland from 1900 BST on Friday. North Atlantic Traffic will also be cleared for operation within the open airspaces.From NATS:The cloud  of volcanic ash continues to move south through the UK and the eruption in … [Read more...]