Economy Class & Beyond

Boeing moves closer to launching the 777X

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The Boeing 777 is one of the most successful selling commercial long haul airliners out there with it's 777-200/200ER/200LR and its 777-300/300ER models. Well it seems Boeing is preparing to release to market a new plane - the 777X, with the manufacturer now authorised to offer the 777X to airlines and leasing companies. This is the last step before a formal launch … [Read more...]

Lufthansa strike threat ebbs away

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It seems the threat of another Lufthansa strike is ebbing away as the airline has managed to agree a deal with the German trade union "Verdi" Employees of Lufthansa Technik and Lufthasa Cargo will get a 4.7% rise, whilst those employed under Lufthansa AG will get a 3.0% rise. The deal struck will run for 26 months, and will exculde layoffs. It will be voted on by Verdi … [Read more...]

Commerical 787 services recommences, Airlines firm up restarts of flights

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Ethiopian Airlines flight ET801 became the first commercial flight operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to take to the air since the grounding of fleet on the 16th January, operating between Addis Ababa and Nairobi - a 2 hour flight. From there, there has been a spate of annoucements, Boeing PR trips, and confirmations when airlines intend to fly the 787 again. Here's a … [Read more...]

FAA issues an airworthiness directive for the 787

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It seems the groundings of the 787 fleet is beginning to lift after the US Federal Aviation Administration cleared the class for flight with a formal air worthiness directive with the replacement of the battery systems. Japan's regulators have followed the FAA, allowing All Nippon Airlines and Japan Airlines to release aircraft to testing after replacement systems are … [Read more...]

IAG to add 18 Airbus A350-1000’s to its British Airways fleet

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IAG (International Airlines Group) is to place an order with Airbus for 18 A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 18 more aircraft. The order is part of IAG's long-haul aircraft fleet renewal and modernisation strategy (which saw a big 787 order earlier this year). In addition, the order has secured commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for Iberia … [Read more...]

Lufthansa strike begins to bite

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The strike action that has been threatening Lufthansa for the past few days has hot today, with ground handlers walking out. Staff at Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg are walking out due to talks over pay and job security. Lufthansa say this strike is uncalled for as dates for further talks had been agreed. A total of 32 flights will operate today, as opposed to the … [Read more...]

787 Watch: FAA approves 787 battery changes

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The Federal Aviation Administration has approved today Boeing's design for modifications to the 787 battery system. The changes that have been proposed are designed to address risks at: The battery cell level The battery level The aircraft level This is a step closer, returning the 787 fleet to flight. Next week, airline operators will have instructions from … [Read more...]

Virgin Australia to add an option to its FF programme. A PrePay Visa Card…

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Virgin Australia is trying something new with its Velocity Frequent Flyer programme - by adding a new side to it called "Global Wallet" Virgin Velocity Cards will be issued with a Prepaid Visa function - when activated, allowing members to: Load money onto their card and store it in multiple foreign currencies as well as Australian dollars Make Purchases where the Visa … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic to introduce gate to gate IFE

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Virgin Atlantic is to join the number of airlines who have gate to gate In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) onboard. Currently, the IFE is switched on 25 minutes into flight, and switched off about 40 minutes before the end of a flight (as well as the safety demo). On certain services, this will become a Gate-To-Gate service after the In-Flight Safety Video/Safety Briefing is … [Read more...]