Economy Class & Beyond

China Airlines to takes up its options on Boeing 787-9

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China Airlines has confirmed that it is to take up eight remaining options on its Boeing 787-9 order. The airline had an order for 16 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with a further option for an additional eight. These have now been exercised, with the aircraft to be delivered from 2026 onwards. The new aircraft will be assigned to regional, Oceania and long-haul routes to … [Read more...]

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (13th May)

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It's Saturday again, but more important than that, it's Eurovision Song Contest Saturday. And I might be near Liverpool, if not in it. However, we have things that must go on, so it's time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.  We're in the Liverpool City Region for this weekend - but not at the event. However, the Superlambananas are out in force. And … [Read more...]

Qatar Airways introduces its Boeing 737 MAX 8 into service

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It seems that Qatar Airways has got its hands on some new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and has placed them into service. The airline will be adding nine of the Boeing 737-8 variant to its fleet, on a lease. These aircraft were originally destined for S7 Airlines - who cannot take delivery of them.  Qatar Airways has now received its second Boeing 737-8 and will receive … [Read more...]

Emirates to mostly abandon paper boarding passes out of Dubai

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For those who like to collect paper boarding passes, things will be a little difficult with Emirates, as they choose to go very digital for boarding passes at their Dubai hub. You'll be going digital at Dubai International in most cases soon - Image, Emirates. Emirates will require most passengers departing Dubai to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper … [Read more...]

Another round of UK train strikes in progress

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It's that time again when a strike impacts rail travel in the United Kingdom. Let us see who is striking, and why you'll probably need to catch a coach to Liverpool as it's Eurovision Weekend. When are the strikes running and which unions are involved? Friday 12 May (ASLEF Union) Saturday 13 May (RMT Union) Wednesday 31 May (ASLEF Union) Saturday 3 … [Read more...]

KLM Cityhopper Embraer E2 fleet suffers with schedule changes for passengers

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All is not well over at KLM CityHopper, where more of their Embraer E2 aircraft are being grounded. KLM Cityhopper Embraer E195-E2 at Hamburg Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond KLM Cityhopper is consulting with Embraer and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to seek a solution for these issues, which have no impact on flight safety. The airline operates 15 … [Read more...]

Transpennine Express franchise to be stripped from FirstGroup

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For long-suffering travellers in the North of England and Scotland, there's something to smile about today as FirstGroup is to be stripped of operating its Transpennine Express franchise. Transpennine Express "Nova 1" Class 802 Train - Image, Hitachi Rail.  The Transport Secretary has announced he will not renew or extend Transpennine Express’s (TPE) contract at the end … [Read more...]

Philippine Airlines signs for nine Airbus A350-1000

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Philippine Airlines is getting ready to expand its fleet, with the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to purchase nine A350-1000s. They will be used by the airline's "Ultra Long Haul Fleet project", the A350-1000 will be operated on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and … [Read more...]