It seems KLM is again pushing hard to be the regional airline that connects the UK to Amsterdam, and the world with them planning to launch a service to Exeter in the South West of England. It is the first time Exeter Airport has served Amsterdam in almost five years, and it is also a first for KLM from the Devon airport as it seeks to expand its UK regional … [Read more...]

IAG's "low-cost long haul" carrier LEVEL has taken a big step forward - with the airline obtaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The LEVEL brand initially started operating flights under Iberia (and for a period Openskies). It's been seven years since LEVEL Started flying and it seems that the brand wants to develop its Barcelona network, whilst being more … [Read more...]

In a bit of unwanted news, ATR Aircraft has chosen to halt the development of the ATR742-600S. The ATR42-600S – Rendering, ATR Aircraft.  The move comes after a market review, along with continuing and lingering issues with the supply chain. The ATR42-600S would have enabled STOL operations (Short Take-Off and Landings) of with runways from 800 metres or more, with … [Read more...]

Time for another Snapshot, this time focusing on a "new to me" property - the Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites in Rosemont, near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. I’m sure you know how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I have two major travel writing styles: Trip Reports—These are full, deep-dive reports … [Read more...]

After a public contest and a panel of judges, we finally have a new Belgian Icon for Brussels Airlines. And if you've been to Brussels, you'll recognise it instantly. It's The Atomium. Thomas Faes with his winning design - Image, Brussels Airlines. The Atomium is a landmark in Brussles. It  was selected to become part of Brussels Airlines "Belgian Icon" series. It … [Read more...]

Sometimes, Simple isn't Needed Taking the Long Way (and back) to Singapore For the last time this trip report, let's wrap things up, and draw some conclusions - if any from this trip.  … [Read more...]

In a completely expected announcement, with Air Passenger Duty (APD) on the rise, Ryanair is preparing to axe some flights to and from the United Kingdom. The airline condemned the move of the Air Passenger Duty rises - which will add an additional £1 to a domestic flight and £2 to a flight operating inside Ryanairs range. Thus Ryanair is considering cuts in flights … [Read more...]

The first Finnair Embraer E190 has had its cabin refitted, with updated seating and internals. Let us see what the airline has been up to. Finnair E190 refurbishment - Image, Finnair.  This fleet is used on shorter routes the airline offers- covering Northern and Central Europe, as well as routes which cannot meet the demand for an Airbus A319 or a larger … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]