Economy Class & Beyond

NH: First Long Haul 787 Routes annouced – Off to PEK and FRA!

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ANA have confirmed their first regular Long Haul International Route for ANA's 787 will be to Bejing and Frankfurt ANA is on an ambious timtetable if Boeing can get their finger out getting the new birds approved for service. Initally ANA will be operating demonstration flights to Hong Kong on 26th/27th October. The aircraft will then move on onto Japanese Domestic … [Read more...]

AI: You’ll never guess which airline alliance is stalking Air India….

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Have a goooood guess. You're only going to get one of them. Done guessing? Of course, you're right dear reader. According to the Telegraph of India SkyTeam are to court Air India, with an offer to join the alliance. This comes after the fallout of the disaster known as Air India's attempt to join Star Alliance. Meetings have kicked off between SkyTeam and the … [Read more...]

TG: Introduces.. Thai Smile Air.

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Oh dear. It seems Thai International Airways have been visiting the Strategy Boutique for a name for their new "light premium airline". And it's called Thai Smile Air. Oook. Thai Smile Air (TSA.. hmm. Not a good start) will begin services in July next year, operating from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai and Surat Thani. TSA … [Read more...]

UA: Channel 9 to remain, and fleet upgrades on the way

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United are bevering away, and have stumped up a new PR. Lets break it down: More Long Haul Flat Seats - New seats are going in with all-new flat-bed seats in the premium cabins on 26 Boeing 767s – 12 Continental 767-400 aircraft and 14 United 767-300 aircraft (yes, the domestic birds are getting a tidyup at last). For these birds will also have AVOD and inseat power … [Read more...]

Safety Video Saturday – British Midland International A320

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Ok, I don't tend to do this - by posting taped on the plane videos - but I could resist. It's time for British Midland to demonstrate safety onboard their Airbus A320's. And yes, those of you remaining at Donnington Hall (including the Social Media team who seem to miss their flights), that's a hint for you to stick a copy of your safety video online. … [Read more...]

Immersive Gaming… or an excuse to visit the BA Cranebank Simulator

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BBC Click are running a piece on Immersive Gaming including a visit to a simulator in a Coventry, Laser Tag in Planes in South California... but for us people who fly in the back of the plane (or behind Row 0), the interesting part starts at 3:00... at the British Airways Flight Training centre where the reporter gets to play in a BA 747-400 flight simulator. Fun Saturday … [Read more...]

AB: Route cuts ahoy, CEO falls on sword.

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When a carrier announces it's having a "shape and size" rethink, you know there's a major reorganisation afoot. And alas, it's Air Berlin who is doing this. In an effort to turn around the airline and return it to profitability, routes are be cancelled left right and centre including Munster - London Onasbruck - London Hanover - London Paderborn - London Paderborn - … [Read more...]