Economy Class & Beyond

Thai Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A380

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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...]

Safety Video Saturday – Northwest Airlines

by

It's Saturday again, so it is time to put your seat in the upright position, stow your tray table and ensure your seatbelt is fastened as we go back to the past with Northwest Airlines as they demonstrate their safety procedures. More airline safety of course next week! … [Read more...]

ANA to expand its 787 fleet with 11 more aircraft

by

Boeing's launch parter for the 787 - All Nippon Airlines - has put in an order with Boeing for 11 more 787's. ANA has selected the 787-9 variant of the Dreamliner for this order. For ANA, the fleet is to replace its existing Boeing 767's and Boeing 777-200's - whilst expanding the airlines route network, more seats and the fuel savings this aircraft promises. When all … [Read more...]