Economy Class & Beyond

The Airbus A350 takes another step closer towards certification

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Over the past few weeks, Airbus has been taking their new A350-900 aircraft on route proving exercises around the world, in the effort to take the new plane closer towards type certification. Type Certification is the point where aviation safety authorities judge the airworthiness of an aircraft  in its manufacturing design and in commercial aviation where aircraft can be … [Read more...]

Berlin City council moves against Uber

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It seems that the tide is turning in some cities for Uber as the City of Berlin has banned the company from operating by Berlin's State Department of Civil and Regulatory Affairs. The full statement from the city is available at http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/aktuell/pressebox/archiv_volltext.shtml?arch_1408/nachricht5326.html (German), Google Translation in … [Read more...]

Lufthansa to send a 747-8i to Tokyo Haneda

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Coming into Tokyo in the air, you have two realistic options: Fly into Narita and enjoy the 50 minute ride into town with either the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner . Fly into Haneda, hoping the timings work out, but enjoy a short monorail to Hamamatsuchō and the Yamanote line,  or train ride Shinagawa, and Yamanote to Central Tokyo (taking 20-30 minutes). From my … [Read more...]

Double/Treble miles promtion on Etihad Guest

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Etihad Airways has rolled out a promotion for those buying Business and First Class tickets in their Etihad Guest programme, offering: Double Miles for Business Class bookings with each eligible flight Triple Miles for First Class bookings with each eligible flight Etihad Premium Bonus Miles landing page - … [Read more...]

Singapore Airlines to send an A380 to Auckland

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With the successful pact of Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand who have approval to start a joint-venture alliance, Singapore Airlines has confirmed it is to operate one their Airbus A380 aircraft on the Singapore - Auckland route. Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 taxing at Heathrow - Image GhettoIFE Singapore Airlines will deploy the A380 from 27th October 2014, swapping … [Read more...]

Air Berlin introduces ‘Bidding for Upgrades’

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In an effort to extract more money out of passengers, fill seats, and grab the attention of the odd bargain hunter, Air Berlin is to offer paid upgrades up to 72 hours to departure via a bidding process. Air Berlin Airbus A3380 at Chicago O'Hare - Image GhettoIFE The offering called "airberlin Exquisite" is available for you to test out at airberlin.com/upgrade. airberlin … [Read more...]

Resort fees and Las Vegas – *Head… Wall… Thump…*

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There are some things that you can't avoid when travelling - especially in Las Vegas. One of the things that is irking me is the joy of Resort fees and how much they actually jack up the price of a hotel. These annoyances started creeping in 2009, and seem to be everywhere now. Vegas Chatter has an excellent list of fees and what benefits you get. But how do these numbers … [Read more...]

Etihad to buy 49% of Alitalia

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It seems that Etihad was hell bend on grabbing Alitalia, with the airline confirming on Friday it is to purchase 49% of the ailing Italian Flag Carrier. Etihad Boeing 777 - Image, GhettoIFE Alitalia Airbus A321 - Image GhettoIFE Etihad will invest €387.5 million to stave off Alitalia from bankruptcy, and will attempt to restructure the airline to return it to … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Thai Airways Boeing 747-400

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, lining up on the threshold of runway 9R at London Heathrow Airport is a Thai Airways Boeing 747-400 preparing to depart for the long trip to Bangkok. More airplane art next week! Want to keep up with me at GhettoIFE? Join me either by signing up for my newsletter, or follow me on Twitter … [Read more...]

Safety Video Saturday – Delta (version 6!)

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It's Saturday again, so its time to put your seat in your upright position, stow your tray table and place your luggage in the overhead locker as we go to this weeks safety video. This week, we turn to one of the major powers (and major innovators of the current crop of safety videos), Delta who have been working away since the famous Deltalina's "Smoking is not allowed" … [Read more...]