Economy Class & Beyond

Air China takes delivery of its first Boeing 747-8I

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The second customer of the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 took delivery of their first aircraft. That carrier is Air China. Air China Boeing 747-8i - Image, The Boeing Company. This aircraft represents the first of seven that will join the Air China fleet for use on their long haul network. This also represents the first operator in Asia to use the passenger … [Read more...]

Another day, another Lufthansa Strike

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Well, it's Tuesday, so it must be time for a strike somewhere. Today, it's a Lufthansa Strike with Vereinigung Cockpit taking action over retirement ages and benefits. However, unlike previous strikes that have hit German Domestic and European routes, Vereinigung Cockpit will be going after long haul routes.  Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i at the Lufthansa Technik hanger at … [Read more...]

The Air France strike ends… but what next?

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With the Air France workers deciding to go back to work, what has been the damage to Air France? Air France A319 at Paris Orly Airport - Image, GhettoIFE. Firstly, the strike isn't really over. The unions have called a stop to the strike to allow negotiations to allow a calmer climate. None of the demands that the pilots union - SNPL - have been met. Secondly, Air Frances … [Read more...]

IcelandAir tries a different tact to stopovers

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Icelandair is making big its transatlantic stopover credentials and connections  - allowing you to connect between North America and Europe at a quieter hub than usual major airline hubs in Europe (such as Amsterdam, Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, etc). However, as well as allowing you to make an easier connection through Reykjavík-Keflavík airport, IcelandAir are trying a … [Read more...]

Europe’s EASA clears Mobile phones for use during all stages of flight

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Personal Electronic Devices has been a hot topic for some time, with airlines only recently within the past year allowing them to be used during all stages of flight. It seems the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has declared that devices do not have to be have to be switched off. EASA states: Airlines can also allow the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) … [Read more...]

The Road home from BAcon – AA1239 Las Vegas to Dallas Fort Worth

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Again, I'm continuing my look back at flights that got me home from BAcon before the full long-winded trip report. So lets look at AA1239. Firstly, this flight had gone from a 737-800, to a MD-83 and finally a 757-200. And yes, the flight was packed out as far as I could tell. However, I did make the "mistake" of reserving 10A (as opposed to 10F). Why was that a mistake? I … [Read more...]

American Airlines plans to add Dallas to Beijing route

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American Airlines are continuing their Asian expansion from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, with the airline filing for route authority to the US Department of Transport to operate a service between Dallas Fort Worth and Beijing Capital Airport. American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER at Dallas Fort Worth preparing to head to Heathrow. More on that flight later this … [Read more...]

Airbus A320neo completes its first flight

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Airbus have been working away with their updated version of their narrowbody aircraft - the Airbus A320neo. The new version of the Airbus A320neo entered assembly in March, and rolled out in July. Yesterday, the new aircraft (registered as F-WNEO, frame MSN6101),it took its first flight into the skies to begin the test and certification campaign. During … [Read more...]

Viva Las BAcon – The Luxor Hotel and Casino

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Time for another hit of BAcon action, where I dumped myself on the final night - at the Luxor. This was booked in advanced with Hyatt for some Gold Passport points, as well as pre-paid. That was a mistake. From the outside. Inside initially isn't too bad.  From below...  From above... I was placed in the main building itself. And that's not so bad apart from those … [Read more...]

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 to New Delhi, adds fifth JFK service.

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Whilst Virgin Atlantic is in the process of retrenching its network, the airline is still working to introduce its newer aircraft into the fleet. Currently, plans for the Virgin Boeing 787-9s call for the aircraft to be used from London to Boston, Washington DC and New York JFK. Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9, Rendering Virgin Atlantic Well, the fun doesn't stop as another … [Read more...]