Economy Class & Beyond

Boeing 777X first flight pushed back to early 2020

by

For those looking forward to the next generation of the Boeing 777 - the Boeing 777X, there's going to be a delay in the first flight. Boeing 777X, Rendering - The Boeing Company As announced in the 2nd Quarter Results today: The 777X program is progressing well through pre-flight testing. While the company is still targeting late 2020 for first delivery of the 777X, … [Read more...]

Reservable seating comes to… National Express

by

Those of you who spend any length of time on this blog will know I have a love/hate or a hate/hate relationship with National Express. Sometimes, my hate is driven at the lousy customer service and inflexible ticket policies. My love is generated as its one of the only ways of getting from Birmingham to Heathrow Airport in the middle of the night when I need to catch an … [Read more...]

British Airways Strike: Court Challenge to prevent a strikes fails

by

It seems British Airways Pilots are set to go out on strike, with a mandate from its membership to go take action  and a challenge by the airline to stop the strike taking place failing in the courts. The industrial action lead by BALPA comes after 93% of its members voted for industrial action - with a 90% turnout With the High Court throwing out the case, BALPA can … [Read more...]

PlaneSpotting Live: BBC4 tonight (UK)

by

It seems the BBC catering to all audiences this for the summer, with this years top 8pm feature going to be "Planespotting Live" And this does sound like exactly what you think it does. Quoting from the introduction: There have never been more planes in our skies - earlier this year 9,000 of them flew over UK airspace in just one day, an all-time record. Now, BBC Four … [Read more...]

Cathay Pacific completes its acquisition of Hong Kong Express

by

During Friday, Cathay Pacific completed the planned acquisition of low-cost carrier Hong Kong Express Airlines. As such, Hong Kong Express Airlines (HK Express) is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, after purchasing it from HNA Group All services that are booked to operate will remain as-is, with customers being able to book flights as needed. HK … [Read more...]

Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond – 21st July

by

We've come to that point of the week again where we take a look back at the events in the aviation world. Yes, it's Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Editors note - This was written on Friday 19th as I'm photographing a Wedding this weekend in York. The photo on the cover is from where I am this week. Congratuations Anthony and Angela - May you have many happy years … [Read more...]

Lion Air takes delivery of its first A330-900neo

by

Another day, another delivery - with Indonesian carrier Lion Air becoming the latest airline to take delivery of its first A330-900neo Lion Air becomes the first airline from the Asia-Pacific region to fly the A330neo. The aircraft is on lease from BOC Aviation and is the first of 10 A330neos set to join the airline’s fleet. For those who are looking at comfort, this … [Read more...]

SNAPSHOT: Aer Lingus Regional 3276 Dublin to Birmingham

by

It's time for another snapshot - this time focusing on passenger experience on Aer Lingus Regional 3276 between Dublin and Birmingham. Check-in Check-in was conducted the day before. No paper boarding passes were collected. Security Security was a rather quick affair, with the entire process from entry to clearance done in 10 minutes as footfall was light in the … [Read more...]

Jet2 slaps £85,000 fine on a disruptive passenger

by

With the summer holidays starting today, there's a timely reminder not to be an idiot aboard an aircraft. Earlier this week, Jet2 slapped a fine of £85,000 on a disruptive passenger that forced a plane to return to Stansted Airport, along with a fighter escort back to the airport. Jet2 Boeing 737-800 departing Birmingham Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The … [Read more...]