Economy Class & Beyond

Approaching the end: BMI Diamond Club *UPDATED*

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With latest email from BMI, it seems anything useful with BMI Diamond Club is coming to the end. During the past few months, we have been in contact with you regarding a number of changes that have been made to the Diamond Club, following the sale of bmi to IAG, the owner of British Airways. Following a detailed review of the Diamond Club, we would like to announce a series … [Read more...]

Japan-China loads suffering due to island disputes

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Senkaku in Japanese Diaoyu in Chinese and Diaoyutai in Taiwan.  A small set of islands that has caused major trouble in China after controlled by Japan, but are claimed also by China and Taiwan. Already, there has been impact on the Chinese Mainland with Japanese business attacked. Well it seems as a tag on result has now arrived at the door of the aviation industry. All … [Read more...]

Thai Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A380

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Thai Airways International has today taken delivery of its first Airbus A380 at Toulouse.  This makes Thai the 9th operator to fly the A380, with their first aircraft called "Si Rattana" - or Majestic Jewel. Images - Airbus SARL. Thai has a total of six A380's on order configured in a 507 seat layout of: 12 in Royal First Class (configured as pitch of 83 … [Read more...]

Sector Aviation maps out BMI Regional’s Future

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Most of my regular readers will know of the sale of BMI Regional from IAG that Sector Aviation picked up. Sector Aviation trading as BMI Regional has secured the BM IATA code (as opposed to the BD IATA code that British Midland were using), and more importantly - have announced more of their network. From 28th October when BMI Regional stands on its own two feet they will … [Read more...]

Swiss to re-commence Zurich – Singapore route

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Swiss is to relaunch a direct service from Zurich and Singapore from 12th May 2013. This comes four years after the Zurich to Singapore route via Bangkok was dropped due to various reasons. Services will run direct on the following timetable: LX178 DEPART ZRH 22:45 ARRIVE SIN 17:00+1 LX179 DEPART SIN 23:05 ARRIVE ZRH 06:10+1 Commences: 12th May 2013, Booking … [Read more...]

Avios.com has double points offer on via their online shopping portal

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It seems there is a bonus point promotion going on from Avios.com eStore at the moment, with some reasonable offers - depending what you're shopping for. The promotion runs until the 31st October, with a chance to win £2000 in John Lewis vouchers too. Points are awarded  to your Avios  account 35 days after you shop – and your bonus Avios a week later. There's a full … [Read more...]

Arik Air resumes domestic services

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In some good news for the Nigerian aviation industry, Arik Air and FAAN have been resolved, with domestic services to resume after they were halted on Thursday. Services re-commenced on Sunday, with Arik Air's MD Chris Ndulue saying "We are happy to resume operations".  He also stated that Arik Air has resolved ‘‘all issues’’ it had. The Nigerian Government responded … [Read more...]

United takes posession of its first 787-8

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United Airlines became the 6th operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it took possession of its first frame on 24th September United Airlines first 787 taking off - Image: The Boeing Company. United will be the North American launch customer of the 787 (which were originally ordered for Continental Airlines pre-merger), which is the first of fifty 787's that will … [Read more...]

Reminder: Fare sales ending soon

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Just a quick reminder that a lot of the current economy class/premium economy class fare sales are coming to an end shortly. There seems to be a fair amount of availability on the Trans-Atlantic runs with SkyTeam, Oneworld and Star Alliance, saving around £50-£75 per ticket (Some London to Chicago fares are as low as £437) Most sales end at 23:59 25th September (although … [Read more...]

Airplane Art – United Express CRJ-200

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It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some airplane art. This week taxing on a sunny spring day is a United Express CRJ-200 operated by Skywest (with some very dodgy paint flaking at the top of the fuselage) at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The image is clickable if you want to see a larger version – and yes you can keep them for your … [Read more...]