Economy Class & Beyond

SAS edges back from the brink – all bar 1 union agree to changes

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An update on the state of SAS, with some good news, and some not so good news. The airline has now agreed changes with seven out of the eight unions representing employees in regards to wages cuts, working schedule changes and pensions. Only the cabin crew union of Denmark has yet to reach agreement with management. The airline needs to get agreement from all eight … [Read more...]

SAS on the brink – Still operating for now, watch for cancellations

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It seems talks with Unions and SAS Management have continued overnight, with talks going beyond the deadline of yesterday. As you're all aware, SAS is trying to reorganise again, and needs buy-in from the unions to make the deep cuts it needs to survive, and there are parts of SAS that are preparing for shutdown - the most worrying example from Bloomberg should scare most … [Read more...]

A letter from Diamond Club

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I hate the post some days. Be it bills or letters about the lack of stability in my real world job (oh yes, than you Andrew Lansley MP for South Cambridgeshire, Ex Secretary of State for Health and  for adding a layer of uncertainty to my post so I might not make it past 1st April 2013 in my current job). Sometimes it brings joy in the form of membership kits, but … [Read more...]

European Commision formally objects to Ryanair’s takeover of Aer Lingus.

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In news that will make you go "oh really?", the European Commission has formally objected to Ryanair taking over Aer Lingus, and has lodged concerns over competition. Currently, a total of 40 routes are shared like for like by Aer Lingus and Ryanair - and are the only operators on that route (a good example is my local route to Dublin from Birmingham where Ryanair and Aer … [Read more...]

Boeing delivers its first 787 to LOT

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As Boeing 787s are making their way out to airlines at a reasonable rate, the first European Airlines to receive one has now been delivered to LOT Polish Airlines. LOT Polish Airlines 787 - Image: The Boeing Company. LOT are pretty excited about the 787, with Marcin Pirog, chief executive officer of LOT stating: "This is a historic moment for LOT" "I am convinced … [Read more...]

SAS in trouble: Wideroe for sale…

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It was well reported yesterday that SAS's future is bleak  with 6,000 jobs for the cut and a SEK3 Billion (or ~US$444 Million) costs savings plan. More details have emerged with the Norwegian regional airline - Wideroe now on the sale block too, along with SAS Ground Handling. SAS's CEO Rickard Gustafson says “We are facing a very serious situation. That is … [Read more...]

An intresting Alitalia offer

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Yes, I did promise a piece on Alitalia... and here it is They seem to have a reasonable offer on, called "MultiBonus", involving actual flying with up to 50% more miles per flight. Fly from 4 to 7 flight segments: you get 15% more miles Fly from 8 to 19 flight segments: you get 30% more miles Fly over 20 flight segments: you get 50% more miles. Offer runs until … [Read more...]

IAG takes a very hard look at Vueling – considering takeover

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For International Airlines Group, it's been a rather good year getting control of British Midland Airways in the United Kingdom. However, in Spain things have been a bit more fraught. The setting up of Iberia Express has caused a lot of friction between the management and the pilots and cabin crew. Well it looks like the management are looking for a way out - and its … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic to offer “Mile Booster”

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I don't write too often about Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, as to be honest its not an exciting programme. However, with the announcement today, it maybe a bit more interesting. Mile Booster is a simple enough product: Pay Virgin Atlantic more money Get 2x or 3x base mileage extra Also get 1000 points for each use. Miles Booster starts at £0.015 each mile, with a … [Read more...]

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