Economy Class & Beyond

The joys of delays and paperwork… and EC261

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Good afternoon from 36,000ft as I trek between London and Chicago. Well, except I should be a lot closer to Chicago than I am as I write this. It's been a fun morning to say the least, with the plane that was due to take me over to the USA being pulled for maintenance work. As I boarded the aircraft, I was handed a lovely little leaflet So … [Read more...]

Cathay Pacific buys Hong Kong Express

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Well, after a bit of speculation, and confirmed talks - it seems that Cathay Pacific has agreed to buy Hong Kong Express (HK Express) The transition is valued at HK$4.93 billion (US$628 million). It covers the low-cost element of the HNA group airline based in Hong Kong, and excludes other parts of the HNA Group (such as Hong Kong Airlines). Cathay Pacific for some … [Read more...]

On the road again… (hello 2:20 in the morning)

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Well, it seems I'm back on the road again, and preparing to add and spend frequent flyer miles. And once again, it's 2:20 in the morning, and I'm in my usual places in the world - Digbeth Coach station in Central Birmingham. Because there's a glamour to being on a coach rather than catching an non-existent train, for an early morning departure. Fine - there … [Read more...]

The saga of WOW Air – Indigo and Icelandair walk away… what next?

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It's been a bad few days for WOW Air, who have had both Indigo Partners walk away, and have had Icelandair walk away too. WOW Air Airbus A321 - Image, Economy Class and Beyond WOW and Icelandair re-started discussions on the 21st March, to have them halted on the 24th March, with one of the simplest press releases ever. WOW announced that a majority their Bond … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Korean Air Boeing 787-9 at Madrid Barajas airport

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art. This time, we have a Korean Air Boeing 787-9 taxing at Madrid Barajas Airport, as it prepares to begin the long journey back to Seoul Incheon Airport in South Korea. Korean Air operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for a further 10 to be ordered.  These are supported by a wide … [Read more...]

British Airways offer double Avios on new bookings

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British Airways are offing a new Double Avios on booking offer, that could be beneficial if you've got to book some flights coming up. You will need to book your flights between now and the 19th April for them to be in this promotion and fly the legs by the end of 2019. The offer is valid on: British Airways (UK Domestic and International Flights including … [Read more...]

FirstGroup orders five Hitachi AT300 Trains for London-Scotland route

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FirstGroup last year won paths on the congested East Coast Main Line to launch it's own "Open Access" service between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh. Well, it seems the company is pressing ahead, with orders for five Hitachi AT300 trains. FirstGroup Hitachi AT300 trains planned for its London to Scotland service - Image, FirstGroup  The deal worth … [Read more...]

Airplane Art Special: British Airways Boeing 747-400 “Negus”

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If by now you've read the history of the British Airways Negus livery, you should be well up to date on the paint work. As well as being treated to Negus, I also got to see the BOAC livered Boeing 747 arrive, and the BEA Airbus A319 (the Landor Boeing 747-400 was in the shop as it had a lighting strike, and was being painted up). British Airways BOAC Boeing 747-400 … [Read more...]

Titan Airways taps Acro Seating for its A321 fleet

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Acro seating got another win in selling seats to airlines - this time with Titan Airways Titan has completed a fit-out of 44 Acro Series 7 Regional Business Cass seats on two of their Airbus A321 family aircraft. These are pitched at a very generous 44" (which is pretty reasonable for a business class seat). Acro Series 7 Seats - Image, Acro Aircraft seating These … [Read more...]