Economy Class & Beyond

Qantas abandons its first batch of 787-9’s – retains future options

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It seems making a loss for Qantas has really hit the airline hard. With CEO Alan Joyce forgoing his bonus and pay rise, and making a net loss of of A$244m ($256m; £161m) for the year ending 30 June, Qantas will be forgoing its first 35 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The move for cancelling the order is to reduce spending, with the impact of  high fuel prices, previous industrial … [Read more...]

LAN gets in the queue to receive its first 787

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Well it seems someone else is going to get a 787 before Air India and United Airlines. LAN Airlines (Part of the LATAM Group)  will be the 4th carrier to receive a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with a delivery date of 30th August. This will also make LAN  the South American launch carrier of the 787. The aircraft (Registration CC-BBA) was completed in July and will be … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic to commence UK Domestic services between London and Manchester

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It seems that Virgin Atlantic is preparing to build a short-haul network for feeder traffic after failing to buy BMI with the announcement today that it will commence flying between London Heathrow and Manchester (two of the hubs that Virgin Atlantic operate from). The slots to operate London to Manchester will be from Virgin Atlantic's current allocation of slots - a total … [Read more...]

Pssst! Wanna buy an airport? BAA puts Stansted Airport on the market

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Well this has been coming for quite some time with BAA battling tooth and nail to hang onto Stansted Airport. BAA has fought appeal and after appeal (and lost them all) from a decision in 2009 that BAA needed to sell the two of its London airports to promote competition, and has finally put STN on the sales block. BAA was originally told to sell off Stansted, Gatwick and … [Read more...]

Hong Kong Airlines abandons A380’s/787’s – switches to a regional focus

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Hong Kong Airlines is pulling back some of its grand plans to expand, with the announcement that is dropping its long haul expansion, and deciding to focus more regionally The carrier had orders in for 787's and A380's which have now been swapped around. The airline is to sell its two if its 737-300 freighters, whilst swapping the Airbus A380's for A330's and A320's. For … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic joins the fare sale party (so do AA… and Star at last)

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It seems sale season is in full swing with Virgin Atlantic joining the party. Like the British Airways sale, the main sale runs to the 25th September, with availability limited on various routes. There is also availability in Upper Class cabin on some routes - with different end dates to the Upper Class sale. I've noted them down for you in the notes section after each area … [Read more...]

JAL to refurb its 777-300ER’s and 767’s

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Japan Airlines is preparing to refit some its planes to improve passenger comfort. Firstly, the fleet of thirteen 777-300ER's will have new seats installed in all four cabins (First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy). The new configuration will be set out as: 8 first class seats - Changes to be confirmed but  will "retain the qualities of the current JAL Suite … [Read more...]

Post Olympic long-haul sales are starting to hit….

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Well in a move to get people flying after the 30th Olympiad, it seems that fare sale season has hit, with cheap fares loaded on long haul routes from London to the USA (with me looking at London - Chicago Routes): Currently those on sale have about £30 - £70 off with the following groupings taking part: AirFrance/Delta/KLM British Airways/American … [Read more...]

United reveals more of the interior of its new 787

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As Ethiopian Airlines get used to flying their 787, United Airlines turn is coming up very shortly to fly the new aircraft. So to celebrate "Changes that you think you might like" with the 787, United have posted a set of pictures on UnitedHub showing off their new aircraft. Firstly - the beauty shot: BusinessFirst Cabin BusinessFirst seat in relax … [Read more...]