Economy Class & Beyond

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...]

Etihad introduces Gold Elite

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Following on from Emirates, Etihad Airways have introduced their own top level programme - Gold Elite. To get Gold Elite you'll need to fly in 12 months: 125,000 tier miles or 60 tier segments For flying that many miles, you'll get the following benefits: - 75% bonus miles (up from 50% of the current Gold tier), - Access to the Etihad's Diamond first class check-in desks … [Read more...]

So where are passengers booking seats on a plane? BA tells you…

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So you're heading aboard a BA 747. And apart from 1A/1K, you know you're turning right and heading to the back of the plane. Which seat did you pick? Which one was there a hot fight over? British Airways seems to have the answers in this latest bit of fluff PR.... Window pips aisle in popularity (BA receives six per cent more bookings for window seats than aisle) Twin … [Read more...]

American Airlines to commence ERJ-175 service in August

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American is commence with Embarer ERJ-175's from 1st August 2013. The route list is far and wide, operating from American's Chicago Hub. The following services will switch - note that not all rotations will be operated with ERJ-175's and maybe operated with other equipment. As usual, check when you book, and don't make the mistake of booking a flight just for a specific … [Read more...]

LionAir crash at Bali – All survived

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LionAir Flight JT904 from Bandung to Denpasar (Bali/Indonesia) today landed short of the runway at Denpasar, ending up in the ocean about short of runway 09. All passengers and crew survived the impact, however there are at least seven passengers who were with head wounds and broken bones, whilst most passengers only had with wet clothes and bruises. 101 passengers and 7 … [Read more...]