As of today, Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) has become a mandatory requirement for visitors to the United Kingdom from Europe. A UK ETA is required if you are planning to cross the UK Border at an airport and "land" in the country. The requirement for an ETA for airside transfer has been suspended for now (note that Heathrow and Manchester Airports allow … [Read more...]

For those of you who want to take your e-Bike on Transport for London services, you're in for a rude awakening, as TfL has banned them from today, 31st March. No e-Bikes are allowed on the Underground, as well as other transport modes. The ban includes all non-folding e-bikes, including standard cycles that have been converted to e-bikes using conversion kits. They will … [Read more...]

As we hit the end of the financial year, orders are flowing in. First up is China Airlines who have signed a firm order for the Airbus A350-1000. The order is for ten A350-1000s, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in December 2024. The new A350-1000s will fly long-haul routes to North America and Europe and will provide full operational commonality with … [Read more...]

London City Airport has welcomed the Embraer E195-E2 operated by Helvetic Airways - marking it the largest currently operating aircraft to operate to the airport. Welcoming the Helvetic Airways Embraer E195-E2 at London City Airport - Image, London City Airport. The flight was operated by Helvetic Airways on behalf of SWISS International Air Lines. In doing so,  … [Read more...]

It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, we have a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER on final approach to Chicago O'Hare International during a wet Sunday afternoon Qatar Airways operates a fleet of 57 Boeing 777-300ER in its widebody fleet. The airline also operates the Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300,  Airbus A350-900, Airbus … [Read more...]

In somewhat good news, Heathrow Airport is preparing to recommence accepting flights to and from the airport. According to the airport Following an earlier power outage, Heathrow is now safely able to restart flights. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will running a reduced operation prioritising repatriation and relocation of … [Read more...]

*** HEATHROW SET TO REOPEN TO TRAFFIC. UPDATED POST HERE ** A bit of breaking news: Heathrow Airport has closed down all traffic, with all flights diverted until 23:59 on 21 March. Closed to traffic - Heathrow from the air.  In a notice, the airport said: Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power … [Read more...]

Air India has unveiled its first retrofitted Airbus A320neo which is ready to return to operations.  The aircraft - VT-EXN  - is the first of the 27 narrowbody aircraft inherited at the time of takeover that was elected for a complete retrofit to the new Air India standard, with new seats, carpets, curtain, cabin ambience, a three-class cabin configuration, along with a … [Read more...]

For those of you eager to register for the EU Entry-Exit System and European Travel Information and Authorisation System, their implementation has been delayed. Again. The Schengen/Rest of the World Border at Helsinki Vantaa Airport  The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025. ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026. The delay was … [Read more...]

We're halfway through March, and with lighter evenings comes more news headlines. Yes, it's time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. It's fun, fun, fun, on the trams, trams, trams - Midland Metro tram approaching Upper Bull Street stop, as I switch from one office to another. TRIP REPORT: Miles to Bucharest We've come to the end of another Trip Report - I hope … [Read more...]