Economy Class & Beyond

Unite vs BA – Your decision has been delayed until Thursday….

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Unite has lodged a request for an appeal of yesterdays court ruling that the strike was illeagle because of a technicality or two.The courts will be making their formal decision on Thursday 09:30.  If this finds in favour of Unite, any appeal hearing could follow immediately.If successful, strikes go ahead later in the month, but if this fails, Unite will once again … [Read more...]

Changing the goals – More ash = Not so bad it seems.

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Well NATS and the CAA have seemed to change the goalposts again.Originally 0.002mg of Ash was considered acceptable. Now subject to limited times, 0.004mg is acceptable subject to approval of engine safety.So now there is three limits - no ash, medium ash and heavy ash.Segmentation - don't you love it? In other ash news, the cloud is slowly blowing away to the north, and … [Read more...]

And now it gets icky. BA win on a technicality, UNITE to appeal.

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So British Airways and UNITE reach the "end" of another tussle, with BA winning on a technicalityThe judge agreed with British Airways on a technicality of the ballot if Unite followed rules in contacting its members with strike result details.Lets get onto the quotes. BA Say.... "We are delighted for our customers that Unite's plans for extreme and unjustified strike action … [Read more...]

Volcanic Ash III – Clear skies from 19:00BST… for now.

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NATS have updated their advisory, and it seems to be clear skies for all UK airports from 19:00 to at least 01:00 BST 18/05/10.Clear skies and open airports - for now..NATS Update:According to the latest information from the CAA and the Met Office the volcanic ash cloud clears the UK for the period 1900 (local time) until 0100 tomorrow (Tuesday) and all airports in … [Read more...]

Volcanic Ash III – The Ebbing Threat…

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NAT's latest update indicates good news - and time for those who want to get out - or get into the country to do their thing.Only the Orkney Islands are now shut, wit the rest of UK Airspace open for now.Latest NATS statement:Update on Monday 17 May, 1300 The CAA has lifted the no-fly zone that has been affecting flights at Heathrow and Gatwick until 1900 (local time) today. … [Read more...]

Volcanic Ash III – Easing slowly – London Area and most of UK open, NI and Shetlands Shut.

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Things are looking up as airspace is reopening - with Heathrow and Gatwick operating without restrictions. However, the Shetland Isles and Northern Ireland Airports are affected badly still.And who says there's no fun in air travel.Updates as they come will feed onto here. Statement from NATS below: Update on Monday 17 May, 1100 The CAA has lifted the no-fly zone that has been … [Read more...]

Volcanic Ash III – Now it gets complex…

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It seems this pain in the ash cloud is changing constantly, with airports closing and reopening as soon as gaps are opening up.Heathrow and Gatwick have reopened, with restrictions inbound to LGW.Not a fun day for wanting to be in the air...NATS statement below:The volcanic ash cloud continues to change shape and two key areas affect operations stretching from the South of … [Read more...]

Volcanic Ash III – HEATHROW AND GATWICK TO CLOSE.

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NATS have updated their advice - and it's not good. The ash as feared has intensified and will be closing Heathrow, Gatwick, City and many other airfields from 01:00BST 17/05 to at least 07:00BST, there will be many airports closed. Other airports may be reopening, but how can I put it nicely... CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE YOU SET OFF. Whilst GhettoIFE may not be able to … [Read more...]

Latest NATS announcement: more airports to close

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It seems the cloud of ash is drifting further southward, with BHX and Norwich closing/due to close. London airports remain open - for now... More later.Update on Sunday 16 May, 1630For the period 1900 today (local time) until 0100 tomorrow (Monday) London’s main airports will still be clear of the no-fly zone imposed by the CAA due to the high density volcanic ash … [Read more...]