Could COVID-19 be the final thing that makes British Airways walk away from its old Gatwick Hub? A report on BBC News indicates that this could well be on the cards. From the memo to Gatwick staff, the following is stated:  "As you know, we suspended our Gatwick flying schedule at the start of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can … [Read more...]

With Austrian Airlines extending their grounding until the end of May, the airline is making use of its wide-bodied Boeing 777 aircraft - by stripping out their seats. Austrian Airlines Boeing 777-20ER departing Chicago O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond The airline had ceased regular operation of its flights since 18th March, with 70 aircraft parked at Vienna … [Read more...]

If you're planning to take a Lufthansa Group Airline (Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine or SWISS), you'd better put a face mask on, as from the 4th May, passengers will be required to wear one onboard. Lufthansa Airbus A319 at Hamburg Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond.  You'll need to have a mask that has a mouth-nose cover onboard their flights. As well as … [Read more...]

SAS Group is suffering - like most airlines as COVID-19 takes its toll. As a result, it has chosen to cut it staff - by 5000 full-time posts. SAS Airbus A340-300 taxing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond For SAS, the result of COVID-19 is a nasty one - with demand is expected to be significantly affected during the remainder of … [Read more...]

In unwelcome news today, IAG owned British Airways is planning to cut 12,000 jobs from its 42,000 workforce and making their roles redundant. British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner approaching Heathrow - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The news comes during IAG's first quarter results, with total revenue declined by 13 per cent to €4.6 billion. The results in the first … [Read more...]

It seems American Airlines is continuing to boost the cleanliness aboard its aircraft and personal protective equipment in flight as the industry continues to adapt to life under COVID-19. American Airlines Boeing 737-800 departing Chicago O'Hare - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. Starting this week, the airline will improve cleaning procedures start this week, … [Read more...]

Emirates has been... a little tardy to the party in issuing refunds. It seems that's changes with the airline planning to ramp up its capability to manage the outstanding refunds. And there's a lot of them. Emirates Boeing 777-300ER at Hamburg Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Emirates note that nearly half a million refund requests are pending to managed. … [Read more...]

With British Airways setting the bar comparatively high in terms of refunds, its the turn of Intercontinental Hotels Group to see if they impress in the customer experience of getting my money back. For context, I had a non-refundable booking at the Holiday Inn Heathrow, made before COVID-19 became a serious threat. And it's been not a challenge - but it took two … [Read more...]

And it's going to be a long wait - with the airport estimating 36-48 months. Or three to four years. Gatwick Airport from above – Image, Gatwick Airport. This detail was released in the airport's annual results, as it takes actions to protect itself from the fallout of COVID-19. Passenger numbers and revenue were up at Gatwick Airport for the nine months ending 31 … [Read more...]

Etihad has announced a series of special flights from its Abu Dhabi hub allowing people to travel out of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Boeing 777-300ER arriving at Manchester Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Currently, their main network is closed until 15th May 2020. These flights are being operated as additional services. As well as allowing foreign … [Read more...]