Icelandic operator PLAY has thrown in the towel and has ceased services. The airline - Fly PLAY hf. - has ceased operations. As such, all flights operated by the airline have been cancelled. The move comes after attempts to restructure both its network (by cutting back its US Network and focusing on Iceland as an origin and destination traffic), whilst moving aircraft … [Read more...]
Airplane Art – Aer Lingus Airbus A320neo taking off from Dublin Airport
It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, we have an Aer Lingus Airbus A320neo taking off from Dublin Airport as it heads off on another short-haul mission. Aer Lingus operates eight Airbus A320neo aircraft in its short to medium-haul fleet. The airline also operates in Airbus A320, Airbus A321LR and Airbus A321XLR in its narrow-body … [Read more...]
Network Rail Unveils its Leaf Treatment Trains – Introducing Ctrl Alt Deleaf..
With the weather changing and leaves falling, autumn has arrived. Network Rail is gearing up for its annual multi-million-pound battle against Mother Nature and ‘leaves on the line’, aiming to keep millions of passengers and trains safe and moving over the next three months. Entering the fray this season is the newest leaf-clearing train, ‘Ctrl Alt Deleaf’. NetworkRail … [Read more...]
US ESTA Fee climbs to $40 from 30th September
If your travel plans involve visiting the United States of America, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) fee is about to be increased to $40. This marks an increase from the current $21 per application. The fee applies to new ESTA applications from the 30th September 2025. According to the US ESTA site: The fee for travelers intending to travel … [Read more...]
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (27th September)
As we near the end of September, the colder, longer nights are drawing in, and I've been spreading germs like a good person should do. It must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Number 11. Somewhere deep in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham … [Read more...]
Gearing up to Lufthansa 100 – A celebratory livery
Lufthansa is presenting a special livery to mark its 100th anniversary in 2026. Starting in December, a new Boeing 787-9 will proudly carry the symbol of Lufthansa's unique identity around the world: the crane. The special livery features a blue fuselage with a white crane hovering above it, its wings merging into the wings of the aircraft. The wings of the … [Read more...]
Norwegian Group signs for 30 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Boeing and The Norwegian Group have announced that the airline group has placed an order for 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Norwegian Boeing 737-8 MAX at Stockholm Arlanda - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The agreement represents the group's first direct Boeing order since 2017 and increases its 737 MAX order book to 80 aircraft. Norwegian has predominantly operated … [Read more...]
Turkish Airlines signs a firm order 50 Boeing 787s… with 175 aircraft in commitments and options
Turkish Airlines is continuing its expansion plans, with the airline signing up for up to 225 aircraft in its backlog. As usual, the devil is in the details, so let's dive in. Turkish Airlines orders up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and commits to more 737 MAX jets - Rendering, The Boeing Company In terms of orders, Turkish Airlines has reached an agreement with … [Read more...]
Avanti West Coast to use the Settle-Carlisle Line during a winter line blockade
At the start of 2026, there are some major works on the West Coast Main Line, with Network Rail replacing a rail bridge over the M6 near Penrith, with the rail line being blocked. However, to keep people moving, Avanti West Coast will be running trains on the Settle to Carlisle Line. Avanti West Coast Class 805 on the Ribblehead Viaduct- Image, Avanti West … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Airways Orders additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways announced the single largest order in the airline's history as the flag carrier plans to acquire up to 22 787 Dreamliners. Uzbekistan Airways' purchase of 14 787-9 aircraft, with options for eight more of the same type, as the airline seeks to modernise its Boeing widebody fleet. The agreement was signed in the presence of the President … [Read more...]