Economy Class & Beyond

More operators accept A320’s … with Sharklets!

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The spread of the midlife update of the A320 - the A320E with Sharklets wingtip devices is spreading further. A quick re-cap on what a Sharklet first though - It's a device on the end of a wing that increases the lift generated at the wingtip, whilst reducing the educe the lift-induced drag caused by wingtip vortices, leading to better performance of an aircraft in terms of … [Read more...]

Lufthansa to take a cut to First Class Cabins

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Lufthansa is to take an axe to some of its first class seats aboard its international services by 25% according to Bloomberg. The cuts will be targeted in two ways - on certain routes (such as Vancouver) and plane classes (Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400). Chief Executive Officer Christoph Franz says: "They’ll serve routes where there is simply no more demand for … [Read more...]

Etihad buddies up with… Kenya Airways

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It seems today is "talk about Etihad day" as they announce a a  "strategic partnership" with Kenya Airways. The partnership will involve codeshared services and a new service between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi to be operated by Kenya Airways 3 times a week in addition to Etihads current service. Etihad will have 27 extra destinations covered by Kenya Airways (and the EY flight … [Read more...]

Etihad/KLM Codeshares increase

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Etihad and KLM co-operation is increasing over the summer timetable with more routes having KL and EY flight codes added. The codeshares will be applied in two tranches with the first set going live from 31st March 2013 KLM codes on Etihad operated flights: Abu Dhabi – Muscat Abu Dhabi – Singapore – Brisbane Etihad codes on KLM operated flights: Amsterdam – … [Read more...]

787 Watch: Batteries in the ANA 787 incident showed signs of swelling

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Time to turn our attention back to the 787, and to the issues with batteries that the class is having. Investigators in Japan have been analysing the lithium-ion battery that powers the auxiliary power unit (APU) have revealed swelling in two of the eight cells - as well the main battery aboard the plane (also Li-ion) failed and overheated too. Investigators have been … [Read more...]

Iberia strike continues

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Well day 1 of the Iberia strike has passed, and we're now into day 2 of it. Firstly, today's listed cancellations are at here (from Iberia.com). Meanwhile protests by striking workers have been met with riot police at Madrid, adding extra chaos to the situation by blocking access roads to the airport. Iberia is faced with high costs, and is trying to cut them via the … [Read more...]

Accor Hotels offer double cashback via Quidco

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For those of us who use Quidco*** for cashback purposes and for booking hotels, they have a good offer with Accor Hotels***  than can really slash the cost of hotel stays (especially if you're a member of Le Club which then gets you the lovely points). The magic numbers you're looking for are: 3% for Etap Hotel, HotelF1 and Formule 1  * 3% for Ibis Budget 7.5% for … [Read more...]

Iberia Strike: Commenced

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If you're planning to fly Iberia over the next 5 days (18th to 22nd February), be aware that proposed strike by union members support Iberia staff has gone into effect. The updated lists from Iberia.com show the following cancellations: List of Iberia flights cancelled on February 18 List of Iberia flights cancelled on February 19 List of Iberia flights … [Read more...]