Economy Class & Beyond

Airbus to abandon Li-Ion Batteries for the A350

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The fallout continues from the Boeing 787 battery incident, with the other major aviation player Airbus deciding to abandon the use of Lithium Ion batteries about its new A350, whilst going back to nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries as a "risk reduction strategy" according to Flight This will apply to the production aircraft - however MSN1 (the first Airbus A350), as well as … [Read more...]

Aer Arran to operate more Aer Lingus services

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If you're wondering why I'm not writing about the AA/US Merger, it's been well covered with a lot of different angles. I'll have my commentary on it as the merger/takeover/reverse takeover continues. Moving onto matters a bit closer to Ireland and the United Kingdom is the news that Aer Arran is reciving a new fleet of ATR 72-600's beginning in May, with major changes to … [Read more...]

KLM goes LCC… and is to CHARGE for hold luggage on short haul

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This has come out the blue, but it seems KLM is taking a different approach to luggage than its sister company Air France, by actively charging for luggage on short haul segments So on KLM flights booked on or after 22 April 2013, a luggage fee will apply. This will be €15 Paid in advance/Online €30 at the Airport Per item of luggage. Now the fun part - how to … [Read more...]

Ryanair goes on the offensive over Aer Lingus take over

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Ryanair appears to be going on the offensive after meetings with the EU Commission is intending to block the Ryanair buying Aer Lingus. As you can guess, those over at Ryanair HQ aren't impressed and are preparing to instruct their lawyers to go on the offensive if the takeover is denied by the EU Commission Ryanair states “It appears clear from this morning’s meeting, … [Read more...]

787: Two Test Flights… Flights “Uneventful”

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With a single frame cleared to fly Boeing 787 ZA005 - part of the cadre of 787's used for testing the fleet have had two test flights, all took off and landed without an issue The first test flight took place on 9th February, and departed from Boeing Field with a crew of 13 on board – all Boeing pilots and flight test personnel. The flight lasted 2 hours and 19 minutes … [Read more...]

Emirates introduce Skywards “Platinum”

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If you fly Emirates a lot, there here's some good news for you, as they introduce a new level of qualification to aspire to - Skywards Platinum. To get Skywards Platinum, you're going to need to do a lot of flying - 150,000 miles over a 12-13 month period (comparing to 50,000 required for Emirates Gold). If you've flown this by April 1st 2013 - you'll qualify, otherwise its … [Read more...]

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

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And a happy Chinese New Year to all my readers. The coming of Chinese New Year is marked by many things - red lanterns, firecrackers, red packets and of course - travel so that families can reunite for the New Year period. And the travel part normally applies to me as I normally head to my parents for the weekend. Alas this year, other things have conspired against … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – Turkish Airlines Airbus A330

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art. This week, over a blue, yet cloudy sky over Heathrow is a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 taking off for Istanbul. The image is clickable if you want to see a larger version – and yes you can keep them for your desktops! More airplane art next week! … [Read more...]