Economy Class & Beyond

The Return of Monarch Airlines?

by

On Saturday evening, something.. happened, with the new owners of Monarch breaking cover, with plans to launch a new airline. Looking at the post on the platform formally known as Twitter, it seems the ownership has transferred following the exit of previous owners. Monarch Airlines Limited and Monarch Holidays Limited were yesterday passed into new ownership … [Read more...]

Air Japan outlines initial operations and passenger experience features

by

ANA Holidingsnew airline - Air Japan - has outlined its initial operating plans. Lets us dive in. The first confirmed route the airline will operate will be between Tokyo Narita and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Services will start on February 9, 2024. The flights will operate from Narita Terminal 1, allowing connection from other ANA-operated services. Initially, the … [Read more...]

UK Civil Aviation Authority takes enforcement action against Wizz Air, opens the path to claims

by

All is not good between the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Wizz Air (Wizz Air Holdings Plc), with the CAA taking enforcement action following concerns over high volumes of complaints about the airline not paying passengers what they are owed. The regulator has been in contact with Wizz Air for several months after complaints by passengers that their rights had not … [Read more...]

Iberia joins the British Airways/Qatar Airways Joint Venture

by

 Iberia is going to join the British Airways/Qatar Airways Joint Venture operation (or the Qatar Joint Business Agreement). The move commences in July, with a route being born out of this - an Iberia Operated flight to be operated between Madrid Barajas International Airpot and Hamad International Airport, flying daily. The new flight is due to commence on the … [Read more...]

Norwegian Air Shuttle to acquire Widerøe 

by

It seems that Norwegian Air Shuttle is back on the acquisition path after a hard few years, with plans to acquire Widerøe. Norwegian has entered into an agreement with WF Holding AS to acquire Widerøe, the major regional carrier in Norway. Widerøe will continue to exist as a separate company with its own brand, organisation and headquarters in … [Read more...]

Lufthansa Group to take a 41% share of ITA Airways

by

Well it seems the dance has been done, and ITA Airways has a new partner - with Lufthansa Group opening its wallet to take a share in the airline. Deutsche Lufthansa AG reached an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministero dell’Economia e delle Finanze, MEF) to acquire a minority stake in the Italian national carrier ITA Airways … [Read more...]

ANA unveils its low-cost longhaul operation – AirJapan

by

A new low-cost long-haul airline has been unveiled - with AirJapan joining the fray, by ANA. Air Japan will seemingly the Boeing 787-8 for this project with the cabin configured with a single cabin layout. The airline is working with a brand concept of "Fly Thoughtful". Let us see how that trickles down to the product. The cabin will be configured with 324 … [Read more...]

Airlines coordinate action over Dutch Goverment caps at Schiphol Airport

by

When airlines join forces, it's never good news normally. In this case, KLM Group, Delta Air Lines, Corendon, easyJet and TUI are joining forces to take summary proceedings against the Dutch government. Fewer movements make airlines unhappy - Image, Economy Class and Beyond  The airlines are challenging the government’s decision to significantly cut flight movements at … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic formally joins SkyTeam

by

Well, it has taken long enough, but Virgin Atlantic has finally joined the SkyTeam alliance. Congratulations! It's an alliance membership! The move makes Virgin Atlantic the first UK airline with SkyTeam membership, opening up the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester airports. For passengers, Virgin Atlantic … [Read more...]