JetBlue's transatlantic services to London enhanced......

Additional Heathrow Slots Allow JetBlue to Offer Customers a More Diverse Schedule of Flying Between the U.S. and the U.K.

New York's hometown airline, JetBlue has launched a programme to enhance its transatlantic operations to London with a new daytime flight option.

Starting March 25, 2023, the carrier is going to be offering a new morning departure from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).  This will give travellers the all-new option to arrive in the United Kingdom the same day they depart the United States. 

The new flight is a direct result of JetBlue obtaining an additional pair of slots at Heathrow, further enhancing the carrier's presence at the U.K.’s busiest airport.

JetBlue is currently the only U.S. carrier to serve both Gatwick and Heathrow, offering customers on both sides of the Atlantic greater choice and convenience. JetBlue’s multi-airport approach in London, with diversified flying at two of the U.K.’s busiest airports, has already allowed the airline to grow a meaningful customer base of loyal transatlantic fliers and build valuable relationships with key teams at both airports.

JetBlue flights between the U.S. and London feature premium Mint suites and the airline’s award-winning core seats. JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach (a), on-demand entertainment on every seatback, free and fast Fly-Fi broadband internet (b), complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and great customer service. JetBlue’s entrance into the transatlantic has introduced a new era of customer-focused, low-fare travel for leisure and business travellers.

Customers in both core and Mint can stay connected throughout the flight, with JetBlue being the only airline to offer all travellers unlimited, free high-speed wi-fi on flights between the U.S. and the U.K. Additionally, customers have access to a curated selection of seatback entertainment, allowing customers to have a multiple screen experience onboard – just like they do at home.

UK Border Force to screw up Christmas for millions of travellers........

Photo by Yolanda Suen on Unsplash

Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has confirmed that its members working for the UK's Border Force workers will strike at six major UK airports for at least eight days over the Christmas period screwing up travel plans for millions.

The union has called strike action between 23rd and 26th December, and then from 28th to 31st December and will affect the UK's major airports London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff.  A strike will also impact the south coast port of Newhaven, which would have devastating consequences for the only loss-making route to Dieppe by Transmanche Ferries / DFDS.  These dates have been chosen by the union, it says,  to have the maximum impact by causing the most disruption to passengers. 

PCS Mark Serwotka told media that 40,000 of its members were having to use food banks, while 45,000 were claiming in-work benefits. Although, union reps couldn't say how many of those going on strike were included in those numbers.   The union are calling for a 10% pay increase, better job security, with no cuts to pensions or redundancies.  

eGates should remain operational throughout the strikes for those with biometric passports from EU countries, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA.

Most civil servants have received just a 2% pay rise this year and after a pay freeze for a number of years. PCS said 86% of its 100,000 members across 124 government departments and public sector employers have voted in favour of strike action and promised more strikes - over all departments would be called next year.  So far only a few jobcentres and benefits offices will take strike action in the coming weeks, however, the union is already making plans for most Universal Credit service centres to see crippling walkouts in the new year. 

The Christmas action will affect millions of people who had been planning getaways over the festive period and to reunite with relatives from overseas.  Robert Jenrick, the Immigration Minister called the strike "unjustifiable and will ruin the plans of thousands of families and businesses across the country. - While we are working closely with all UK ports and airports and have robust plans in place to minimise any delays if strike action goes ahead, passengers should be prepared for their plans to be severely disrupted."

Gatwick Airport said it will deploy extra staff on strike days to help with the welfare of stranded passengers and were in consultation with Border Force over mitigation however, delays of between 4 and 6 hours should be expected.  

The Business Travel Association warned  "The entire travel support system will once more be plunged into dealing with cancellations and disruptions rather than bookings with no financial recompense.  - further strike action puts British workers’ Christmases at risk. Hard workers up and down the country will be stranded, struggling to get home."

A spokesperson for London Heathrow Airport claimed that "Our priority is to ensure passengers get through the border safely and as quickly as possible. We are working closely with airlines and Border Force on mitigation plans for potential strike action by Border Force officers and these plans will now be implemented for the notified days."

Manchester Airport said "It is hugely regrettable that the PCS Union has chosen to disrupt one of the most important times of the year for international travel by calling a strike by Border Force officers at several UK ports, including Manchester Airport, for 23-26 December and 28-31 December.  We urge union and Government representatives to work together to find a solution to avert this strike action."

It added: "We will be working with our airlines to provide passengers with as much advance notice of cancelled services as possible, so that people have the chance to rebook their travel around the strike days. Arriving passengers should also be prepared for much longer immigration queues on strike days, owing to reduced Border Force staffing levels.  Those due to travel during the affected period should look out for communications from their airlines over the coming days."

Baggage courier lifts off at Heathrow with a major acquisition Eagle Aviation secures 80 jobs and now dominates baggage contracts at UK’s busiest airport

Baggage courier lifts off at Heathrow with a major acquisition 

Eagle Aviation secures 80 jobs and now dominates baggage contracts at UK’s busiest airport

AN AIRLINE baggage repatriation firm has landed a major acquisition that will now see it cover the majority of Airline Contracts at Heathrow as it consolidates its UK market dominance. 

Eagle Aviation has purchased the business and assets of Groundcare Solutions (UK) Ltd, a London-based handling agent that repatriates around 1000-1500 bags every day with 90% of baggage returned within 24 hours.

The acquisition secures 80 jobs – taking the Bathgate-headquartered firm’s headcount to beyond 200 – with plans to continue growth through new hires planned across the network in both London and Scotland.

Operations Manager for Eagle, Samuel Milne, said: “Groundcare Solutions shares our commitment to customer experience and service, while understanding how frustrating problems with luggage can be. We work in a highly fraught environment – and these values resonate with our own, which made the acquisition a perfect fit.

“The move will welcome many dedicated staff members to our team giving us the scale and resources to expand and grow as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic while providing a service our customers and partners can rely on.”

The firm is now the UK and Northern Ireland’s leading baggage repatriation company providing a daily service to 33 airports and 120 airline groups, with over 40 new Airlines being serviced since September.

Handling and returning more than 800,000 bags per year to their owner-travellers, Eagle Aviation clients include Emirates, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Loganair, Etihad, and Ryanair.

IAG Cargo trials first electric terminal tractor at London Heathrow airport

Photo IAG Cargo

 IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has begun to trial the first electric terminal tractor, known as a Terberg YT203EV, at London Heathrow airport. This is the first electric Terberg operating airside worldwide.

By replacing an existing terminal tractor with an electric Terberg, approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 will be saved per vehicle per year – this is the equivalent of planting over 1 million trees or taking more than 6,000 cars off the road.1

Terberg has been creating electric vehicles since 2014 with the team constantly revising the designs. The latest vehicles can deliver the same capability as the current diesel units in a more environmentally sustainable way, allowing drivers to carry out their work pattern whilst avoiding diesel engine emissions. In addition to its electric solution, Terberg are also exploring the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, having placed a unit in to test on an off-airfield application. This additional environmentally friendly solution will afford Terberg customers such as IAG Cargo further options to achieve their environmental goals.

IAG Cargo is trialling the electric Terberg YT203EV for 12 months, with the ambition to transition its current diesel fleet to more sustainable alternatives, including electric. In the coming years the trial will help IAG Cargo and its partners understand the challenges the business may face when adopting an electric airside fleet, how future electric vehicles could be charged and what additional infrastructure will be needed to support a fleet of electric terminal tractors.

David Rose, Chief Transformation Officer at IAG Cargo commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Terberg to trial the first electric Terberg at London Heathrow - this is an exciting advancement for IAG Cargo as we strive to lead on sustainability and be fit for future.

“We are continuously looking at ways that reduce our impact on the environment whilst improving our customer offering. This trial is part of a wider effort supporting our commitment to making IAG Cargo, and the wider industry, more sustainable. “

Alisdair Couper, Manager Director at Terberg added: “This is another step towards reducing air cargo’s impact on the environment and so we’re thrilled to work with IAG Cargo to see the first electric Terberg already in action at London Heathrow airport.”

Photo IAG Cargo

The electric terminal tractor known as a Terberg YT203EV, carries unit loading devices (ULDs) that tows goods for air transportation

 

IAG Cargo is trialling this innovative electric Terberg YT203EV for 12 months with the ambition to replace all current terminal tractors in the near future

 

This is the first electric Terberg YT203EV operating airside worldwide

750 non-operational staff at Heathrow to volunteer 10,000 hours over 2,200 shifts this summer to help passengers at the airport.....

In an effort to improve passenger journeys through London Heathrow 750 of its non-operational staff will be volunteering 10,000 hours and over 2,200 shifts this summer to bolster the  Here to Help programme.

Over six million passengers have travelled through Heathrow this summer so far, with the airport seeing the equivalent of 40 years of growth in just four months.

The ‘purple people’ Here to Help initiative is now in its twelfth year and forms part of Heathrow’s efforts to ensure the very best airport experience for all passengers.  The newly bolstered team has been officially unveiled by TV star Rylan, who became an honorary member of the team doing a shift in the airport – and being spotted by passengers pushing trolleys and packing liquids to speed up the security process.

This year sees the first summer in three years that people will be embarking on summer holidays en masse, with many passengers travelling through Heathrow not having been abroad since 2019. Passenger numbers so far this summer are over 500% higher than this time last year so terminals are busy, which is why Heathrow has taken a number of steps to help make passenger journeys smoother. This includes working with airlines to manage schedules, increasing security, engineering, and services teams, and bolstering the Here to Help initiative.  

Emirates backs down over Heathrow capacity cap requirement

The Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has backed down over its vehement attack on Heathrow and its boss John Holland-Kaye who it accused of being incompetent just a few days ago and agreed to cut capacity on its flights from the airport.

In a conciliatory joint statement Emirates Airlines President Sir Tim Clark KBE and Heathrow CEO  Holland-Kaye said:  The President of Emirates Airline and the CEO of Heathrow Airport held a constructive meeting this morning. Emirates agreed the airline was ready and willing to work with the airport to remediate the situation over the next 2 weeks, to keep demand and capacity in balance and provide passengers with a smooth and reliable journey through Heathrow this summer.

"Emirates has capped further sales on its flights out of Heathrow until mid-August to assist Heathrow in its resource ramp-up and is working to adjust capacity.

"In the meantime, Emirates flights from Heathrow operate as scheduled and ticketed passengers may travel as booked."

Whilst it is not the capacity cut the airport had hoped for, it will still help it manage customer throughput in order to alleviate delays and disruption. According to sources close to the discussion, legal advice had been sought on both sides which could have seen the airline being barred from the airport completely. 

Emirates is still operating its schedules as normal to and from London Heathrow with Airbus A380 and other aircraft as per the published schedule. 

Emirates will not cut flights at Heathrow and calls the airports management incompetent

The Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has hit out at the request from London Heathrow to cut schedules, as the airport seeks to bring in a cut in capacity to allow it to operate without the mass disruption faced by passengers over the last few weeks.

The airline has refused point blank to cut its schedules and blames the airport for the disruption completely,  saying its ground handling and catering – run by dnata, is part of the Emirates Group, which is fully ready and capable of handling all their flights. 

Emirates is a key and steadfast operator at LHR, having reinstated 6 daily A380 flights since October 2021. It added that in the last 10 months its regularly high seat loads and requirements cannot be a surprise to Heathrow, so it, therefore, rejects demands from the airport to cut any capacity or flights. 

Furthermore,   Emirates who says all the disruption issues lie with the central services and systems which are the responsibility of the airport operator also accused the airport of having a 'blatant disregard for consumers' as it is seeking to force Emirates to deny seats to tens of thousands of travellers who have paid for, and booked months ahead, their long-awaited package holidays or trips to see their loved ones. 

Emirates said that as its flights are mostly full,  it wouldn't be able to cancel them and "70% of our customers from LHR are headed beyond Dubai to see loved ones in far-flung destinations, and it will be impossible to find them new onward connections at short notice."

Heathrow imposes capacity cap..... only 100,000 passengers a day.

London Heathrow Airport is imposing a capacity cap in order to get things moving at the UK's busiest international airport, following months of disruption, delay and cancellations. 

In an open letter, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye announced the cap,  which takes immediate effect and will run until 11 September. He said that the maximum number of daily departing passengers that airlines, airline ground handlers and the airport can collectively serve over the summer is no more than 100,000.

On average, during the peak travel times, the airport would expect 104,000 a day, so the airport is asking airline partners to stop selling summer tickets to limit the impact on passengers.

The letter goes on -  "By making this intervention now, our objective is to protect flights for the vast majority of passengers at Heathrow this summer and to give confidence that everyone who does travel through the airport will have a safe and reliable journey and arrive at their destination with their bags. We recognise that this will mean some summer journeys will either be moved to another day, another airport or be cancelled and we apologise to those whose travel plans are affected."   

More flight cancellations on the way at London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport has warned of more cancellations coming in the next few days and weeks after the airport had previously asked airlines to cut schedules as they struggle to cope with demand. The airport's management has now asked carriers to remove 61 flights from Monday's schedules, as the previous cuts were not enough. 

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye also warned, that Heathrow would request "further action if necessary".

Holland-Kaye said: "I am very proud of the way that our team is rising to the challenge of growth, and giving excellent service to the vast majority of passengers.  However, we have already seen times recently when demand exceeds the capacity of the airport, airlines and ground handlers.

We will review the schedule changes that airlines have submitted in response to the government's requirement to minimise disruption for passengers this summer and will ask them to take further action if necessary."

Iberia moves to London-Heathrow Terminal 3

From 12 July, Iberia will move all its operations to London-Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3, with the aim of improving both flight operations and customer service.  

All its flights will land and take off from this terminal, as well as those of its oneworld partner American Airlines. Meanwhile, most British Airways flights, including all flights to and from Spain, will operate from Heathrow’s T5. 

The new Iberia check-in area will be located in Zone C, where passengers can check in their luggage, print their boarding pass, and carry out any other business with the airport’s Iberia team. 

The services on offer will be the same as in the previous terminal, including special services such as providing assistance for passengers who need wheelchairs and unaccompanied minors, and access to Fast Track and VIP lounges. Passengers travelling in Business class and Iberia Plus Oro, Platino and Infinita cardholders will be able to enjoy, under the same conditions as before, the Galleries Club and First VIP lounges, both in Terminal 3. 

Heathrow refuelling company facing a summer strikes over three year pay freeze.

Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed by Aviation Fuel Services (AFS) Ltd at Heathrow airport have announced strikes later this month in a dispute over pay.

The workers are angry at the company’s refusal to table a decent pay offer having gone without a pay increase for three years, which has seen their incomes fall by 15.5 per cent.

Unite’s members at AFS recorded a 93 per cent yes vote for strike action on a 92 per cent turnout.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “AFS needs to offer its workers a decent pay rise. Oil and gas companies are making massive profits so AFS has the wherewithal to make a proper offer. AFS workers have sustained wage cuts for three years so it’s time AFS rewarded their sacrifices.

 “Our members at AFS will receive Unite’s complete support until this dispute is resolved and workers receive a decent pay increase.”

Initial strike

The workers will stage an initial 72-hour walkout beginning at 05:00 on Thursday 21 July and ending at 04:59 on Sunday 24 July.

The strike action will cause considerable disruption and delays throughout Heathrow. AFS provides fuelling services to over 70 airlines at the airport including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United, SAS, Air France, Emirates, Delta, JAL, KLM and Singapore Airlines.

AFS is a joint venture operation whose partners include BP, Total Energies, Q8 Aviation and Valero Energy. Energy companies have seen their profits boom as gas and petrol prices soar.

Considerable disruption

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Strike action will inevitably cause considerable disruption across Heathrow but this strike is entirely of AFS’s own making. Unite has given the company every opportunity to make a decent pay offer and it has failed to do so.

“Even now strike action and the resulting disruption can be avoided if AFS returns to the negotiating table and makes an offer that meets our member’ expectations.”

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has told London Heathrow to cut its charges……

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has told London Heathrow to cut its charges……

 

The UK’s busiest airport, London Heathrow, has been told it needs to cut its charges following a gigantic increase in December 2021.  The airport was given permission to raise the passenger charge – the fee it charges airlines to process each passenger, from £19.60 to £30.19.

Heathrow had wanted to charge a massive £41.95 which it says would be put into improvements, including a new baggage system for Terminal 2, but now the CAA is saying this fee must come down to £26.31 by 2026.

Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the CAA, said the fee reduction was "about doing the right thing for consumers. - We have listened very carefully to both Heathrow Airport and the airlines who have differing views to each other about the future level of charges. - Our independent and impartial analysis balances affordable charges for consumers, while allowing Heathrow to make the investment needed for the future."

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s boss moaned that the CAA "continues to underestimate what it takes to deliver a good passenger service, both in terms of the level of investment and operating costs required and the fair incentive needed for private investors to finance it. Uncorrected, these elements of the CAA's proposal will only result in passengers getting a worse experience at Heathrow as investment in service dries up.”

Because of its market dominance and position as one of Europe's leading airports,  those in control at Heathrow seem to think they can get away with anything and with a single pair of slots on its runway going at upwards of £5 million, you can understand why.  But, as London's premier airport slips down the passenger numbers and satisfaction tables, how long can they behave in such a brutish way?  If Gatwick gets its second runway, they'll be more opportunity and capacity for competition, which will, in turn, could drive prices down. But, a more joined-up approach is needed, Heathrow needs to discuss with customer airlines, retail, food and beverage concessions, handling agents and consumers the full impact of everything to do with a passage through the airport. Only that way can they get a true picture of the world of the airport as a whole and how even a single misstep from one of those parties can tarnish the whole journey.  John Holland-Kaye's assertion that the lowering of the charges will result in worse customer service is, a bit far-fetched, to be polite, it'll just mean he won't be able to pocket such a hefty bonus.  The investment won't dry up just because a charge is lowered for the good of the consumers, if they do, not only are they shortsighted but also incompetant. One phone call today and I could have a replacement investor that could take up the mantle.  

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Aeroflots slots at Heathrow given to other airlines.....

One of the UK's leading travel trade publications, Travel Trade Gazette is reporting that a number of airlines using London Heathrow have been allocated slots that had previously been used by the Russian airline Aeroflot for this coming winter season. 

Some of the airlines getting these incredibly expensive take-offs and landing slots include Virgin Atlantic, China Airlines, Avianca and JetBlue. Edmond Rose, a former chief executive of slot coordinator ACL told the paper the invasion of Ukraine had created “a lucky windfall” for the airlines.

 

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Vietnam Airlines returns to Terminal 4 at London Heathrow Airport

Vietnam Airlines heads back to London Heathrow's Terminal 4

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has restarted flights to London Heathrow's Terminal 4 today with nearly 270 passengers on flight VN56 departing from the London airport to Hanoi. Staff were on hand to support with the boarding procedures at the Terminal 4.

The airline is slowly growing its route network again following the pandemic, from 5th July the carrier will operate three flights per week on the London-Hanoi service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Between 11th August and 29th October 9, Vietnam Airlines will operate flights from London to Hanoi every Tuesday and Thursday and services from London to Ho Chi Minh City set to resume on Saturdays.

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Passenger numbers nearly 80% of 2019 levels at London Heathrow....

London Heathrow saw some 5.3m passengers going through the airport during May,  around 79% of the number that used the airport in the same month in 2019, according to the latest information released this week.

The UK’s busiest international airport also claims to have performed well,  with just 10% of passengers taking longer than 10 minutes to pass through security. It also assured passengers that despite media headlines, no more flights were cancelled at short notice than on any normal day. 

Heathrow’s management say they are on track to reopen Terminal 4 tomorrow in time for the increased demand expected for the peak of summer. Qatar Airways will be the first to move, they will be followed by around 30 airlines over the following month

This move is said to allow Terminal 4 airlines more check-in space and stand capacity as well as access to premium facilities such as lounges and dedicated areas. Shifting some airline over to terminal 4 will also have an impact on carriers remaining in the other terminals, as more room will become available.

 

While Terminal 4 has been closed to the public over the last two years,  it wasn’t closed to staff and many improvements have been made. The airport said “Over the last two years, we have taken the opportunity to refurbish many parts of Terminal 4, including upgrading toilets, air conditioning and hold baggage screening machines.”

“We are recruiting up to 1,000 new security officers and other colleagues, and supporting airlines and handlers in their recruitment programmes. We have increased our customer service team to help manage queues in check in, make sure passengers are ready for security and make sure people can catch their flights.”

Heathrow says it is working closely with each of its airlines and the wider supply chain to make a real difference as they ready themselves for the ramp up in demand.

Airlines returning to Terminal 4: Air Algerie, Air Astana, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Bulgarian Air, El Al – Israeli Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, ITA Airlines, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Omanair, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei, Saudi Arabia Airlines, TAROM, Tunis Air, Uzbekistan Airways, Vietnam Airlines.

Boston’s number 1 airline pushes its Northeast and Transatlantic growth strategies by becoming the only carrier to fly daily between New England and two London airports

New York's hometown airline and Boston's number 1,  JetBlue pushes forward with the next stage of its Northeast growth plans with the news that it will start service from Boston to both London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

A new nonstop service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) takes off from the U.S. on July 19, 2022, followed the month after by a service to London Heathrow which starts on August 22nd, 2022.

London is the largest nonstop market not currently served by JetBlue in Boston and is among the most requested destinations from the airline’s large Boston customer base. With service to Heathrow and Gatwick, JetBlue becomes the only airline to fly between New England and London’s two largest and busiest airports.

“Our strategy of flying to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports has been a success for us in New York, and we’ve secured slots to be able to do the same in Boston, becoming the only airline in New England offering flights to London’s two main airports,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Our London service has been an incredible success so far and we’ve been able to go in with our unbeatable JetBlue service and experience and bring down fares on a traditionally overpriced route – the JetBlue Effect in action. We’re ready to do the same at Logan as we advance our growth strategies in both Boston and London.”

Flights on both Gatwick and Heathrow routes will operate daily on JetBlue’s new Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 redesigned Mint suites, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321LR platform – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft – allows JetBlue to effectively compete with the airline’s award-winning service and attractive fares on flights between Boston and London.

Menzies Aviation service truck hits LOT 737 wing.

An investigation is underway at London Heathrow after the driver of a service lorry collided with the wingtip of a LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft.

The passenger jet was being refuelled at the time of the collision and the split Scimitar winglet is said to have been badly damaged by the lorry of handling agent Menzies Aviation.

The airport fire service responded to the incident as is standard procedure for such a collision, although no injuries have, as yet, been reported. 

LOT had to cancel the aircraft's flight to Warsaw, Poland, while other flights were delayed during the incident. 

The Metro newspaper reported that the images of the scene appeared to show part of a wingtip almost broken off the Boeing 737 aircraft after getting caught in the side of the lorry.

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United Airlines Reopens United Club at London Heathrow

   

The U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has reopened its United Club lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2.  Located opposite Gate B46, the United Club welcomes customers travelling in United Polaris business class, United Club members, Star Alliance Gold customers, as well as First and Business class customers who are holding boarding passes for same-day travel on flights operated by other Star Alliance carriers departing from Heathrow.    

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the airfield, luxurious décor and vintage aviation-themed artwork, the United Club offers seating for over 280 guests, a 25-seat full-service bar, buffet area, two coffee stations, a TV lounge and seven private phone booths.  Seating areas and furnishings are optimally designed for either work or relaxation, with abundant power outlets.  The United Premium Services team is also on hand to assist customers with reservations and seat assignments. The United Club additionally offers eight spacious shower suites for customer use, including valet service with garment pressing and steaming.   

“We are so pleased to offer our premium customers access to our Heathrow lounge once again,” said Bob Schumacher, United’s Director Sales, United Kingdom and Ireland. “I know just how much our customers appreciate this fantastic lounge. Our lounge experience provides comfort and relaxation, as well as excellent food and drink, shower facilities and workspace.” 

   

United CleanPlusSM signage has also been introduced in the United Club in regard to social distancing and the wearing of masks which is mandatory. Electrostatic spraying is used to regularly clean the lounge and sneeze guards have been installed at the welcome desk and bar.  

 United in London 

United Airlines recently announced the addition of five new flights from London Heathrow Airport, including two more flights to New York/Newark, additional services to both Denver and San Francisco, as well as an all-new direct flight to Boston which is set to start in March 2022. With these additions, United will be the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between London and the top seven U.S. business centres with 22 flights per day from London Heathrow to the U.S. and more flights between London and New York City than any other U.S. carrier.   

During the current holiday season, United will operate a total of ten daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow to the U.S. - four daily flights to New York/Newark, two daily flights to Washington D.C. and Chicago and one daily flight to Houston and San Francisco.  

 

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WestJet to start service between Calgary and London Heathrow

The Canadian airline WestJet has confirmed it will start a new transatlantic flight between Calgary and London Heathrow from spring next year.

"As the airline with the most flights from Alberta, this is an important recovery milestone as we forge new connections between Canada and one of the world's most sought after global hubs," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "We continue to strengthen our network, offering more options for business and leisure travellers and these investments will expedite our industry's recovery while ensuring Western Canada builds back from the pandemic more connected than ever before."

As confidence in business and leisure travel continues to rise, WestJet's newest route will operate this spring on the airline's 787 Dreamliner. WestJet's 787 service features the airline's Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and elevated Premium and Economy Cabin options.

"We are committed to the expansion of our global hub in Calgary and supporting the recovery of many sectors who rely on travel and tourism," continued Weatherill. "As the airline with the most non-stop European destinations from YYC, we are looking forward to guests benefitting from more options and increased connectivity for travel between Canada and the UK."

With the addition of Heathrow to WestJet's network this spring, WestJet will connect Calgary to 77 non-stop destinations throughout the year.  WestJet will also continue to offer non-stop flights between Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax to London, Gatwick.

Additional network details for travel between Calgary and London-Heathrow including frequency, timing and introductory pricing will be available, and for sale, in the coming weeks.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow CEO said: "WestJet is a fantastic airline with a strong history of providing top-notch service and excellent value for money, making it a great fit for Heathrow. As travel begins to reopen, we look forward to working with WestJet to improve the UK's connectivity with Canada and give passengers even more choice when flying across the Atlantic." 

Bob Sartor, President & CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority said: "WestJet's new non-stop route from YYC to London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, is welcomed by those looking to access the world's premier financial and business centre and those eager for a direct connection to explore London's culture and landmarks. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the pond to experience the traditional Indigenous lands and warm hospitality our region is known for."

David Goldstein, CEO Travel Alberta, commented: "Air access is key to our province's economic recovery and growth of the tourism industry We look forward to welcoming back UK travellers and showcasing Alberta as a top destination."

   

Rick Christiaanse, CEO, Invest Alberta Rick Christiaanse Invest Alberta welcomed the news, "Having direct flight access to Heathrow, enhancing connectivity to London, a global capital market and business hub will further enhance Alberta's competitiveness for investment and trade."

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American Express Centurion Lounge opens at London Heathrow Airport

American Express has opened a new Centurion Lounge at London Heathrow Airport in Terminal 3, the first of its kind in Europe. "We are thrilled to introduce the Centurion Lounge experience to our Card Members travelling through London’s Heathrow Airport and make their return to travel even more special,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President & General Manager, Global Lounge Experiences. 

This new lounge takes up around 650 square metres and has been designed to embody London’s vibrancy and charm as well as hosting all the usual features of a first-class lounge. It is interesting to note that of all the Amex Centurion Lounges around the world,  this is the first to partially utilize renewable energy through newly installed solar panels, to partly go towards the firm's commitment to be net-zero emissions globally by 2035.

Reception area at the Centurion Lounge in London Heathrow Airport (Photo: Business Wire)

Michelin-Stared Chef Assaf Granit of Coal Office in London has created a special menu which is said to highlight rich multicultural heritage with dishes including homemade Kubalah bread, fried pita chips with tahini, shakshukit, a beef & lamb dish with confit tomatoes and tahini, and for dessert, an “Oh 'My Baklava’" olive oil cake with pistachio anglaise and rose water diplomat.