Economy Class & Beyond

FCO posts its latest “Odd requests for help”. May Induce Laughter…

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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has released it's latest list of "Odd requests for assistance. And some of these are just comedy gold. Here's a few requests the poor people at the FCO have had to handle A telephone number for Phil Collins Phoning the Sydney Consulate to ask what clothes he should pack for his holiday Asking them to sell a house in Sofia A lady … [Read more...]

Hong Kong Airlines to deploy single class business product on LON-HKG…

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Here's a good one. Hong Kong Airlines has decided to sell tickets on a new route. Nothing new you might think, except this will be a single class route between London and Hong Hong. With Business Class Seats. Tickets will go on sale in December, with flights launching in March 2012. Hong Kong Airlines plan to operate this with *three* A330-200, configured with 34 lie-flat … [Read more...]

United to launch Manchester (UK) route

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United is beavering away, and has announced the launch of a Manchester <> Washington Dulles Route Subject to approval, the following flights will operate: DEPART MAN 12:00  ARRIVE IAD 15:00 DEPART IAD 22:15 ARRIVE MAN 10:20+1 Operates Daily Commencement: May 2012 (Subject to approval) Equipment Booked: CO 757-200 You'll note the equipment used - a Continental … [Read more...]

Analysis: BMI… Next Steps.

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Well now we sort of know what is happening to BMI, it's time to get to the nitty gritty for what could happen next. And I'll preface this with the following: THIS IS PURE CONJECTURE AND SPECULATION based on what's happening at this moment of time. What we know: BMI is being sold to IAG BMI Regional is being sold to a 3rd Party. Target Closing date of 30th March … [Read more...]

BMI/IAG – Statement from Donington Hall – Business as usual

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Statement from BMI HQ at Donnington Hall Following on from today’s announcement we’d like to advise that it’s business as usual at bmi. The route network and schedule for bmi remains as is and any bookings made now for future travel will be fully honoured. An agreement in principle for the sale of bmi to IAG has been reached and it is expected that the purchase agreement … [Read more...]

CONFIRMED: IAG in talks to take over BMI

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Well I did break it yesterday, and it's now been confirmed by the BBC. Lufthansa has said it is selling British Midland International to International Airlines Group (IAG). Price has not been disclosed as yet, with the aim to sign a purchase agreement in the coming weeks, and to close the deal before April 2012. A binding purchase agreement and further due diligence is … [Read more...]

Malaysia to serve London Heathrow… with A380’s

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Malaysia Airlines have quietly rolled out where they're going to be taking their A380's to, and has quietly announced it's going to serve London Heathrow with the big Airbus's. Currently, the aircraft is booked as below, operating 3 days a week from between KL and London: MH002 DEPART KUL 2340 ARRIVE LHR 0550+1 Operates Monday, Thursday, Saturday MH003 DEPART LHR 1200 … [Read more...]

BMI – rumours swirling

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The Rumor-mill is swirling about BMI and its breakup. Currently, BMIBaby is being eye-balled by Monarch, and BMI Mainline is being eyed very closely by BA's owner International Airlines Group according to the Financial Times (Registration Req). Sir Richard Branson's time to put up or shut up is coming.... … [Read more...]

Alan Joyce writes to his Frequent Flyers. I fall about laughing.

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Maybe I see comedy in all it's odd forms (those who read my trip reports will understand that), but if Alan Joyce thinks the following is going to placate his flyers and build up the lost goodwill... he's in cloud cuckoo-land. Now that Qantas has resumed normal operations I would like to update you on what the recent decision by Fair Work Australia means for you. I … [Read more...]

Free WiFi in London from Nokia

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If you're heading into London during the next two months (the great Christmas rush), and are nowhere near a Starbucks (where they'll offer you Internet Access for free - no Starbucks card required) or a Weatherspoons (registration required, and to be honest crap WiFi in my local Weatherspoons) and need WiFi for some reason, then good news - Nokia of all people are offering free … [Read more...]