London City Airport is an odd little beast. Based in the Albert Docks in the East End of London, it has grown its operation multiple times over since its operations commenced in 1987. It seems the airport wants larger aircraft to operate there, with the airport filing an application with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to allow the Airbus A320neo to operate to and from the … [Read more...]

Northern Trains has been busy in the background, as it edges forward to a fleet renewal programme. Northern Trains CAF Class 195 Civity at Manchester Piccadilly - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The renewal programme could over up to 450 new trains. In the mix to offer new trains - with the first part of the ‘Invitation to Negotiate’ step in the procurement process are … [Read more...]

If you can plan your rail travels in advance, you might want to get on the latest government’s annual rail sale. You'll be able to purchase advance train tickets for half price between 14 to 20 January 2025 for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025. This will be for selected advance and off-peak fares. Most rail operators are taking part in this offer in the … [Read more...]

If your travels involve travelling to or through the United Kingdom, you will need to plan one extra step ahead. The country has extended the rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme. Now Live for non-EU visitors - Image, https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app The UK ETA is very much like … [Read more...]

For those of us who use Adobe Photography products, it's time to get your planning hats on, as the company is planning to jack up its prices. Price rises ahoy - Image, Adobe.  Adobe is putting up the prices "to better reflect the value that the apps deliver". It seems the move is to push people onto annual plans, rather than monthly plans. For Photography and Imaging … [Read more...]

It seems KLM is again pushing hard to be the regional airline that connects the UK to Amsterdam, and the world with them planning to launch a service to Exeter in the South West of England. It is the first time Exeter Airport has served Amsterdam in almost five years, and it is also a first for KLM from the Devon airport as it seeks to expand its UK regional … [Read more...]

IAG's "low-cost long haul" carrier LEVEL has taken a big step forward - with the airline obtaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The LEVEL brand initially started operating flights under Iberia (and for a period Openskies). It's been seven years since LEVEL Started flying and it seems that the brand wants to develop its Barcelona network, whilst being more … [Read more...]

We've come to the end of the week, and an end of a month. So, it must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Of wheels and ice skating - Centenary Square, with the Library of Birmingham and Symphony Hall reside Trip Report: There and Back Again Onto week 2 of my recent Chicago Trip, where we look at the inbound flight, as well as the hotels. Next week is … [Read more...]

In a bit of unwanted news, ATR Aircraft has chosen to halt the development of the ATR742-600S. The ATR42-600S – Rendering, ATR Aircraft.  The move comes after a market review, along with continuing and lingering issues with the supply chain. The ATR42-600S would have enabled STOL operations (Short Take-Off and Landings) of with runways from 800 metres or more, with … [Read more...]

Time for another Snapshot, this time focusing on a "new to me" property - the Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites in Rosemont, near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. I’m sure you know how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I have two major travel writing styles: Trip Reports—These are full, deep-dive reports … [Read more...]