Economy Class & Beyond

Boeing walks away from Embraer Joint Venture

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It seems that Boeing has chosen to walk away from Embraer and the planned joint venture agreement. Embraer E195-E2 - Image, Embraer. The Chicago based company terminated its Master Transaction Agreement (MTA) with Embraer, under which the two companies sought to establish a new level of strategic partnership. The parties had planned to create a joint venture comprising … [Read more...]

An (almost positive) IHG Refund experience…

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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...]

Gatwick Airport estimates post COVID-19 traffic recovery

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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 announces extra flights from Abu Dhabi

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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...]

Austrian Airlines prepares to re-size its fleet

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Austrian Airlines is planning to shift its fleet around post-COVID-19, with some major fleet changes in the pipeline. Austrian Airlines Boeing 767-300ER climbing out of Chicago O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond. With the airline sat on the ground since the 18th March, the airline is making plans, based on a 25-50% drop in demand in 2020 (if travel restrictions … [Read more...]

Emirates introduces social distancing aboard their flights

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Social distancing in the air continues to be a thing, with Emirates introducing it aboard their flights. It's part of a package of evolving safety measures the airline is taking as it adopts life with COVID-19. Onboard Emirates flights, seats are pre-allocated with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups in observance of physical distancing … [Read more...]

The Great Heathrow Shuffle Continues – More Airlines “move” home

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With Heathrow Airport last week shuttering Terminals 3 and 4 - more airlines are moving to new homes in the complex. Heathrow Airport from above – Image, Economy Class and Beyond Three more airlines are moving to different terminals in the complex: Finnair - Moves from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 Qantas - Moves from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 Beijing Capital … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Air Transat Airbus A310 departing Manchester Airport

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art. This week, we have an Air Transat Airbus A310 departing Manchester Ringway Airport, as it begins the transatlantic crossing back to Canada. Air Transat used to operate the type  on its longer range services - however, these have been retired slightly earlier than expected due to COVID-19, as the airline … [Read more...]

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (19th April)

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It's that time of the week again, where we see what COVID-19 has done to the aviation world. Welcome to Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. With the lockdown continuing for another three weeks in the UK, the roads are as quiet as anything out there... (except during peak times - and even then, its nothing like a rush hour) Loyalty American Airlines offers status … [Read more...]

Delta Air Lines introduce snack bags

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Delta Air Lines has developed a new snack bag for these socially distant times… and it’s not too bad. Let’s take a look. Delta Domestic Snack Bag - Image, Delta These bags will be offered on US Domestic flights, in an effort to decrease the number of touch-points onboard an aircraft. So, what goodies can you expert in it? The bag currently contains (subject to … [Read more...]