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Economy Class & Beyond

Brussels Airlines launches an Air-Train codeshare with Deutsche Bahn

26/02/2026 by Kevincm Leave a Comment

Brussels Airlines and DB launches a Codeshare - Image, Brussels Airlines

We're all for multi-modal shift where appropriate, so there is some good news, with Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn launching a codeshare. The move comes about with DB adding a stop on its Antwerp - Cologne service at Brussels Airport. The first train of this new connection will depart from Cologne on 7th September at 06.11 am. The train will stop at Cologne, … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic rejoins the status boost and match party for BA Club Members

11/02/2026 by Kevincm Leave a Comment

Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 on final approach to London Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond

It appears that the final major player has joined the status match party to attract passengers awayfrom  British Airways. And, in no surprise, Virgin Atlantic is offering a limited-time status boost and match.   Until 23 February 2026, members of The British Airways Club can level up with an enhanced status match: BA Bronze steps up to Flying Club Silver … [Read more...]

Lime bikes and e-scooters are on their way to Birmingham

21/01/2026 by Kevincm Leave a Comment

Lime Bikes and Scooters - Coming to Birmingham - Image, WMCA/Lime

It seems that Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority have secured a new contract for rental bikes and e-scooters in Birmingham, with Lime picking up the contract. The scheme will introduce more than 2000 new bikes and e-scooters to Birmingham and the University of Warwick campus. Lime will take on the management of the official regional hire … [Read more...]

Virgin Trains to get space at Temple Mills, and launch a Eurostar competitor 

30/10/2025 by Kevincm

Virgin Trains Alstom Avelia Stream, Image, Virgin Group

The Office of Road and Rail has concluded its investigations into who should get the spare space at Temple Mills Depot, and thus, a key part of launching a competitor to Eurostar. And it's Virgin Trains Europe.  Virgin Trains Europe competed with Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia to gain access to Temple Mills, with the ORR noting that Virgin Trains’ plans were more … [Read more...]

Eurostar to introduce new trains – The Eurostar Celestia

22/10/2025 by Kevincm

Eurostar Celestia train arriving in London St Pancras. CGI picture. Colours and livery not final. ©ALSTOM SA ©SPEEDINNOV SAS 2025. Advanced & Creative Design | Avelia Horizon™.

Trans-national train operator Eurostar has finally made its play in its fleet upgrade. Introducing “Eurostar Celestia". The Eurostar Celestia introduces a concept that has not been seen for many years in the United Kingdom - double-decker trains. Eurostar has had the order authorised by the SNCF Voyageurs Board of Directors for 30 firm orders of the Alstom Avelia … [Read more...]

Avanti West Coast to use the Settle-Carlisle Line during a winter line blockade

24/09/2025 by Kevincm

Avanti West Coast Ribblehead Viadact Image, Avanti West Coast

At the start of 2026, there are some major works on the West Coast Main Line, with Network Rail replacing a rail bridge over the M6 near Penrith, with the rail line being blocked. However, to keep people moving, Avanti West Coast will be running trains on the Settle to Carlisle Line.  Avanti West Coast Class 805 on the Ribblehead Viaduct- Image, Avanti West … [Read more...]

Chiltern Railways signs for modern rolling stock – enter the Mark 5A

07/08/2025 by Kevincm

a train on the tracks

Chiltern Railways (which operates services out of London Marylebone) has recently announced they are to update its rolling stock, with the introduction of Mark 5A rolling stock on its services. Coming to London and the West Midlands soon - Mark 5A coaches. The trains will be used on the Chiltern Main Line, operating to destinations between London and the West Midlands. … [Read more...]

More Open Access Routes approved on the East Coast Mainline… with a number of denials

02/08/2025 by Kevincm

London Kings Cross Station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond

The UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has been making further decisions about Open Access rail operations - this time on the East Coast Main Line. Some more services to London King's Cross, but capacity is starting to get limited.  The additional approved services are: Grand Central: two additional Wakefield Kirkgate to Bradford Interchange services on weekdays and … [Read more...]

UK Government reclaims the Essex Thameside Franchise – c2c returns to public control

21/07/2025 by Kevincm

c2c Class 720/6 train - Image, c2c

With the UK Government continuing its Great British Railways plans, Essex Thameside operator c2c has returned to public hands. c2c moves into public ownership. Pictured, Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander - Image, UK Department for Transport c2c operates the Essex Thameside services from London Fenchurch Street (and sometimes … [Read more...]

Eurostar to boost London to Amsterdam route to five times a day

10/07/2025 by Kevincm

Eurostar trains at London St Pancras - Image, Economy Class and Beyond

As teased during Eurostar's recent expansion plans, the European train operator is to expand its London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal service to five times a day. The new timetable will go into effect on the 15th December 2025.  Eurostar will operate five direct trains per day in each direction, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience when … [Read more...]

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