It seems that Scandinavian Airlines is seeking extra capacity, whilst providing capacity core regional networks. To this, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Braathens Regional Airways (BRA) have announced the signing of a long-term wet lease partnership aimed at securing reliable and efficient domestic air connectivity within Sweden. Under the terms of the wet lease … [Read more...]
Emirates switches to Airbus A350 and A330neo
Along with this mornings announcement of Airbus A380 production being wound down, Emirates have confirmed with Airbus replacement aircraft to take their place. The aircraft that have been selected will be Airbus A330neo (A330-900) and Airbus A350 (A350-900). Emirates Airbus A350-900, Rendering Airbus Emirates Airbus A330-900neo, rendering Airbus. The order is … [Read more...]
Airplane Art Special: A visit to the control tower of Heathrow Airport
As part of US National Aviation Day last week, as part of the tour I was on of Heathrow Airport, I was granted a special visit to somewhere you don't go to normally. And that is the control tower at Heathrow Airport American Airlines Boeing 777 being towed with Heathrow Tower in the background - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The structure itself is tall at 87 metres … [Read more...]
Aer Lingus says yes to the higher IAG Bid: What are the stumbling blocks?
There's been a lot of press over Aer Lingus considering a takeover by International Airlines Group - owner of British Airways and Iberia - with the most recent bid valuing the airline at €1.3 billion - and the airline accepting it today (27th January 2015). Aer Lingus Airbus A330 at Chicago O'Hare - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. So Aer Lingus has finally said yes … [Read more...]
ESTA’s – Remeber to renew yours if heading to the USA!
For those of us not in the USA, but in US Visa waiver countries, a US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required to be completed before you travel. The process itself isn't difficult to complete, but does require renewal every two years. Thankfully, if you registered an email address when you registered previously, you'll get a warning email that your ESTA … [Read more...]
Boeing 777 – The 10 Across plane – The configurations, data and some analysis….
Last week I published a post about the Boeing 777 10 across club - those who have ten seats in the back row of economy class of the plane. This week, I'm going to take a deep dive into the data and see what gems we can dig up about these high capacity, high ferrying planes. Firstly, Back to Basics - The Different types of Boeing 777. The Boeing 777 entered service in … [Read more...]
Is going through a shopping portal worth it? Sometimes. Sometimes not…
I'm a semi regular user of Quidco* in my spare time (Head for Points likes TopCashBack... as usual, your mileage may vary on the portal you use) as I like try and save a few pennies on my travel. So when I'm booking tickets to far flung places, a few pennies back in my pocket aren't a bad thing exactly. But sometimes I wonder why I do this. Lets take a case in point with … [Read more...]
The fate of UK Airport Expansion….squandered once again by politics
Where I turn up to work, sometimes the word "decision" is a very dirty word. No one wants to make one in case it offends someone along the way. The same can sadly be said of the fate of Airport Expansion in the UK, and more specifically, the expansion of the South East of England. The options on the table sound simple: Expand Heathrow and pop that extra runway … [Read more...]
UK Immigration: Queues still long
I think we all remember (with a shuder) the waiting time that London Heathrow and other UK ports of entry suffered earlier this year. Well it seem that Heathrow entry is slowly heading towards the magical 45 minutes for those who are non-EU residents. Although some have witnessed longer queues than that. And of course the politicians are arguing. as usual. Queues at … [Read more...]
GhettoIFE presents: Farnborough 2012 Coverage
It's coming up to that time of year where aviation companies, aircraft buyers and anything to do with aviation converges at Farnborough air field for a display, a show off and of course - lots of deals to be signed. It can only be Farnborough 2012. Alas, my press accreditation didn't come through, and as no nice aircraft manufacturer has sponsored me a ticket, I'll be … [Read more...]