Economy Class & Beyond

Frankfurt Airport strike over… for now

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It seems that both sides want to try again in the Frankfurt Airport dispute and the strike action has ended (for now) at 22:00CET This brings to an end of 5 days of strikes, with FraPort and the GdF Union agreeing to fresh talks The GdF Union, which wants higher pay and shorter working hours, said it would end the strike at 2200 CET, and hopes to begin new talks on … [Read more...]

Ex Spanair Gold/Silver customers get some love… but no miles…

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If you were a a member of Spanair's Frequent flyer programme, and were Gold or Silver, there is some good news. Some Star Alliance Carriers will now match your status. BUT... and here's the big BUT - No miles transferred. In other words, all your earned Spainair miles have gone in smoke. Star Alliance will be contacting you, but if you've heard nothing by February 23rd... … [Read more...]

ANA continues to fiddle with the 787 timetable for March

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Well it seems ANA are still waiting for another internationally configured Boeing 787 to arrive, and so is re-balancing the 787 timetable for March Dates the 787 will operate in March 2012 March 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, 30th, 2012 All other dates will be operated with an ANA Boeing 777-200ER What is slightly … [Read more...]

Another day, another day of strikes at Frankfurt

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Oh yes, it shouldn't come as a surprise, but Frankfurt ground staff are still on strike. The news gets worse as it's due to continue until at least Friday according to Lufthansa. Here's the hit list http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/de/info_and_services/irregularities/canceled_flights?nodeid=3526064&l=en&cid=18002 Bottom line: Short Haul Domestic programme … [Read more...]

Kingfisher – Endgame?

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As Live from a Lounge has covered, the good times of Kingfisher may be drawing to a close according to The Hindu Times. Kingfishers bank accounts are in a very precarious state - that of being frozen. Only 16 planes out of a 64 fleet strong aircraft are serviceable. It also seems the lack of pay has forced employees to jump ship with 35 commanders jumping to IndiGo and … [Read more...]

Another Day, another Strike at Frankfurt

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It seems the GdF union has placed Frankfurt airport under strike action, and it will be hitting today (20th Feb). The strike will from Monday, 20 Feb 2012 from 05:00 CET to till Tuesday, 21 Feb 2012, 05:00 CET The Lufthansa cancellation list is up - and it's.. hefty. See … [Read more...]

IRIS switched off at Manchester and Birmingham. London to follow…

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In what is the bonehead maneuver of the day (although UK Borders will call it "cost saving"), the IRIS Border Authentication Machines has been now confirmed as switched off at Birmingham and Manchester Airports by visitors to the Business Traveler forum. What is more concerning are two other bits of information that have surfaced: No new registrations for IRIS will be … [Read more...]

Surprise Surprise. Virgin makes a complaint over the BMI takeover by IAG

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Well, if you couldn't see this coming... you need new glasses. Virgin Group today lodged a formal complaint at the European Commission over International Consolidated Airlines Group takeover of British Midland Airways. Virgin group argues there will be a " "choice of one" on flights between Aberdeen and Edinburgh and Heathrow (ignoring the small matter of flights to other … [Read more...]

Qantas – Delays 787-8 deliveries

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Well it seems Qantas is trying to save money "any way possible", with the announcement that they will be deferring delivery of the first of their 787 fleet as a way of reducing capital expenditure. Qantas cites the delays by Boeing to actually deliver aircrft as a good excuse, with savings that are not inconsiderable. Well the odd million Aussie dollars to Qantas can be lost … [Read more...]

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