The UK Government and His Majesty's Treasury have announced their latest budget for 2024/2025. Unsurprisingly, aviation is hit with a rise, with Air Passenger Duty (APD) levies to be increased and plans for further rises in 2026. Budget 2024 - Original at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autumn-budget-2024. Modified for the purpose of this post. How much … [Read more...]
Airbus delivers the first A321XLR to Iberia
It's a big day for Airbus, as it delivers its first passenger-ready Airbus A321XLR to Iberia. This is the first of the A321XLR family- the extended long-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, with it able to fly up to 4,700nm - a 15% increase on the current A321LR. The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat … [Read more...]
Qantas announces cabin upgrades for its A330-200 fleet
It seems that Qantas is extending the life of its Airbus A330 fleet, with a cabin upgrade programme announced... for its Economy Cabin. The Airbus A330-200s are used on flights from Austraila to Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo as part of a major refurbishment program. It will cover 10 Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The multimillion-dollar investment in cabin upgrades will … [Read more...]
Stansted Airport unveils details about its £1.1 Billion Expansion programme
Manchester Airports Group have announced details of its planned £1.1bn investment programme to improve London Stansted. The biggest part of this plan is a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal. This will create a bright, spacious environment, with more seating areas and new shops, bars, and restaurants to give travellers even more choices. The terminal … [Read more...]
Korean Air expands pre-order meal service to First Class
Korean Air is extending its pre-order inflight meal service to First Class passengers on international flights departing from Korea. Pre-ordering of meals was originally launched for Prestige Class (Business Class) passengers on select international routes in January 2023 - allowing passengers to choose their meals in advance. This convenience is now being … [Read more...]
Skyteam partners with Eurostar as its first non-airline partner
Multi-Modal Transit is something some airlines are getting used to, with them provisioning Air-Rail Connections. It seems that Eurostar and SkyTeam are going to take that idea a little further. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paves the way for integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail for millions of customers. The move will … [Read more...]
Emirates continues to expand its upgraded product to North America
Emirates will be introducing its refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on six routes in the US. The refurbished aircraft features the latest seating products from Emirates, including its latest Business Class seats and Premium Economy product. The retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft are scheduled to operate on direct flights to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and … [Read more...]
Cathay Pacific extends free inflight Wi-Fi to its Premium flyers and Diamond Members
For those who fly Cathay Pacific, there's some good news if they want to be connected in the air, especially in the premium classes or in the upper echelons of their frequent flyer programme. Passengers travelling in First or Business class onboard connected Cathay Pacific aircraft can now enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi service on their flight. Cathay Pacific has been … [Read more...]
Malaysia Airlines to return to Paris
After a period of nearly ten years, Malaysia Airlines is planning to return to Paris. The airline is planning to launch direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris from Kula Lumpur International Airport. It is planning to launch four weekly flights from 22 March 2025. This service will operate with an Airbus A350-900. This route, which will commence on 22 … [Read more...]
Remember: Pay in “Local Currency” when using plastic (and avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion)
I've got to admit, there's one thing that does annoy me when shopping aboard is Dynamic Currency Conversion. Dynamic Currency Conversion is when you go to an ATM or a shopping console and you're presented with a choice either to pay in a local currency or with an amount in your home currency before you hit buy. Here are two examples below from my current trip to … [Read more...]
