World War Two Bomb Closes London City Airport

An unexploded bomb left over from World War Two has forced London City Airport to close for the whole of Monday.

The ordinance was found in the River Thames on Sunday very close to the airport and following instruction from London's Metropolitan Police a 200-metre exclusion area was implemented to allow the Royal Navy to deal with the device.  

The bomb was found buried in silt at George V Dock and is understood to weigh approximately half a tonne and was found during work at the airport on Sunday afternoon. Removing the ordinance is proving difficult as the operation depends upon the tides, however, police believe it should be able to be removed by tomorrow morning.

The Metropolitan Police said a number of properties within the exclusion zone had been evacuated and a number of roads were still cordoned off.  “The timing of removal is dependant on the tides, however, at this stage, we estimate that the removal of the device from location will be completed by tomorrow morning,” police said in a statement, adding the bomb was lying in dense silt.

London City Airports CEO Robert Sinclare issued the following statement on Monday afternoon. 

Increased passenger numbers for Lufthansa group in January 2018

In January 2018, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group welcomed around 8.7 million passengers. This shows an increase of 10.1% compared to the previous year’s month. The available seat kilometers were up 8% over the previous year, at the same time, sales increased by 7.4%. The seat load factor decreased by 0.4 percentage points compared to January 2017 to 75.6%.

The Network Airlines Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS and Austrian Airlines carried 6.5 million passengers in January, 5.4% more than in the prior-year period. Compared to the previous year, the available seat kilometers increased by 5.4% in January. The sales volume was up 3.9% over the same period, decreasing seat load factor by 1.1 percentage points to 75.7%.

Lufthansa German Airlines transported 4.5 million passengers in January, a 5.7% increase compared to the same month last year. A 6.1% increase in seat kilometers in January corresponds to a 4.8% increase in sales. Furthermore, the seat load factor was 76.6%, therefore one percentage point below the prior-year’s level.

Star Alliance Creates Digital Services Platform with Accenture to Deliver an Improved Experience Across its Member Airline Network

Star Alliance has launched a Digital Services Platform (DSP) as the first step to an overall enhancement of digital and mobile services offered to customers travelling across the 28 airline member Star Alliance network. The platform was developed and implemented in conjunction with global professional services company Accenture as part of the Alliance’s strategy to further improve the customer journey.

The DSP can gather data provided by an individual member airline or third-party source and make it available to all members, enabling them to build it into their own customer-facing digital applications. The longer-term aim is to allow customers to use any member airline’s website or mobile application to obtain all the information they need for travel on several Star Alliance member airlines.

Three Brits killed in Grand Canyon helicopter crash

Three British people have died after a tourist helicopter belonging to Papillon Airways crashed in the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona. 

The aircraft an EC130 came down at about 17:20 local time (00:20 GMT) on Saturday. It is not clear what caused the crash. A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration said it suffered "substantial damage". Six passengers and a pilot were on board the helicopter when it crashed into jagged rocks by the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, the four that survived have been taken to a local hospital and are in critical condition. 

The UK's Foreign Office confirmed it was offering assistance, a spokesperson said: "We are providing support to the families of six British visitors involved in a helicopter accident at the Grand Canyon on 10 February, and we are in close contact with the US emergency services."

Papillon Airways operated the helicopter involved in this incident and claims to be "the world's largest aerial sightseeing company" and has over 600,000 passengers each year. There are numerous reports in the last few months of helicopters being pulled of their normal schedule for both routine and non-routine maintenance.  The company has had at least three fatal crashes since 1999, all of which appeared to be caused by pilot error according to investigators. In 1999 a trainee pilot was called with neither he nor his instructor cleared snow from the helicopter before trying to fly.  In 2001 the pilot and five passengers were killed when the pilot lost control for an unknown reason.  In 2014 a pilot was killed by his own helicopter after he left it running in 'flight idle' while he got out to take a pee. 

The Foreign Office said it was providing support to the families of those who died and to those of three more Britons who were injured.

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Saratov Airlines An-148 crashes near Moscow

A Saratov Airlines Antonov An-148 has crashed shortly after departing from Moscow's Domodedovo airport, carrying 65 passengers and 6, there are no survivors. The flight departed at 14.27 local time on Sunday and contact was lost just four minutes into the flight. According to flight tracking the aircraft descended rapidly, at 1000m per minute.


The Saratov Airlines jet disappeared from radar minutes after take-off and crashed near the village of Argunovo, which is approximately 50 miles south-east of Moscow. The Antonov An-148 was en route to the city of Orsk in the Ural mountains.

Pieces of debris, wreckage and bodies were found spread over a large area and at least one of the flight data recorders had been found according to officials at the scene. 

The cause of the disaster is unclear at this stage and investigators and emergency crews are working at the snow-covered site. The snowy weather, mechanical failure, pilot error as well as other more sinister causes are all being considered at this stage of the investigation.

 President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the victims' families and announced an inquiry into the cause of the crash.

Saratov Airlines comes from, approximately 840km south-east of Moscow and it t was banned from operating international flights in 2015 after a surprise inspection found someone other than the flight crew was in the cockpit.

The airline changed its policy on cockpit visits and appeal the ban before resuming international charter flights during 2016.  The airline mainly operates domestic services between Russian cities, however, it has flown to destinations in Armenia and Georgia.

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Lufthansa unveils new look and punters are not impressed

A large part of a brands appeal is its identity -  a strong identity can encapsulate a brands its whole ethos. A strong and recognized identity can and often does increase custom in vast amounts. Equally, change a companies identity badly and it can be disastrous. Therefore, it takes a brave company to meddle with a brand identity that has been around for decades, is globally recognized, respected and even loved. Lufthansa is one such brave company and this week they unveiled their new look!

The German airline took plenty of time and spent a great deal of effort and money to not only create their new identity but also to reveal it to staff and the public alike.  They revealed the new modernized brand image with two major events at the airlines Frankfurt and Munich hubs on Wednesday, 7th of February.

The most visible change is the new aircraft livery and so in front of more than 3,000 guests in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa officially presented a Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A321 with the new design.

United choose Viasat for inflight connectivity

Viasat,  a global communications company, announced earlier this week a new contract with United Airlines to bring Viasat's latest generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system to more than 70 aircraft, including at least 58 of United's new Boeing 737MAX aircraft.

Viasat will serve as the direct in-flight internet service provider to United, deploying its most advanced IFEC system, in order to provide United customers access to fast, reliable internet connections from the air—for accessing their favourite websites to connecting with key business applications such as a corporate VPN and secure email. Viasat's IFEC system will also power  United's Private Screening entertainment option, which offers customers access to hundreds of entertainment titles from its onboard library direct to their own devices.

Ethiopian Airlines to launch flights between Addis Ababa and Chicago

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will soon offer its first direct flights to Africa.

The Chicago Department of Aviation and Ethiopian Airlines on Monday announced new nonstop service between O’Hare and Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Flights will begin June 2 and be offered three times per week, departing Chicago on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arriving on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Ethiopian Airlines is O’Hare’s newest air carrier partner.  Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans says the new route will expand O’Hare’s connectivity t

o the world and “unlock new opportunities for the city of Chicago and travellers across the globe.”

City officials say approximately 50 Chicago-area companies have operations in over 100 locations across 10 African countries.

Ethiopian Airlines serves 55 destinations across Africa from its hub in the country’s capital.

Airbus wraps up its successful 2018 Singapore Airshow participation

From the digitalisation of maintenance operations to aerial data collection by drones, Airbus’ growing portfolio of services took centre stage at this week’s Singapore Airshow – with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific marketplace.

Announcements during the six-day biennial aerospace industry event – Asia’s largest – included the sign-up of additional airline customers for Airbus’ predictive maintenance and flight hour services, the launch of Asia-Pacific operations for the company’s commercial drone services, and a new partnership to support military and police helicopters in Thailand.

Skywise: unlocking the power of data

Airbus’ Skywise open-aviation data platform increased its user base with the Singapore Airshow announcement that AirAsia, Asiana Airlines and Etihad Airways will become the first airlines to use full aircraft data and advanced predictive analytics – with each signing a premium subscription contract covering Skywise Predictive Maintenance.

A Skywise-equipped aircraft captures vast amounts of performance data, and this quantity of information can be used by airlines to anticipate their maintenance needs with high levels of accuracy, and well in advance, thus maximising the operational reliability and utilization of their jetliners.

In addition to the premium predictive services, AirAsia, Asiana Airlines and Etihad Airways will gain access to the Skywise Core cloud-based platform. For airlines who have not yet selected premium predictive services, Airbus offers Skywise Core under a “shared value” arrangement, enabling airlines that agree to share operating data from their Airbus fleet to access the platform at no cost. Recently-signed Airbus agreements for airlines to join Skywise Core include Bangkok Airways, LATAM and WOW air.   

Flush your hamster down the loo - Spirit advises passenger

Flush you hamster down the loo, that's what an American ultra-low-cost airline told one of its passengers,  even after she'd called the airline twice to make sure her 'emotional support' fluffy hamster could fly.

Belen Aldecosea was flying home from college to South Florida and had twice called Spirit Airlines to make sure she could take her beloved pet hamster 'Pebbles' home with her. The airline twice assured her that it would be ok and little Pebbles could fly!

However, after arriving at Baltimore airport, Spirit went back on its word and refused to allow the tiny critter on the flight.  There was little Belen could do, her college friends were hours away on campus, it is then that Spirit told the distraught student to flush the pet down the airport toilet.  

Aldecosea had to return home for a medical issue and was so upset and worried about the situation, she tried to hire a car but was unsuccessful, a bus trip would have taken days and the unthinkable seemed to be the only option. 

What did Belen do.......

SkyWest Reports Combined January 2018 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

SkyWest, reported this week approximately 147,800 block hours in January 2018, compared to approximately 153,700 block hours in January 2017, a decrease of 5,900 or 3.8%. The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new E175 aircraft while reducing its 50-seat jets.  The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 7,200 additional block hours from E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 13,100 block hours from other aircraft types.   

In January 2018, SkyWest's dual-class aircraft represented approximately 53% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 47% for the month of January 2017.       

Air Taxi Service Provider Wijet Commits To Upgrading Business Jet Fleet With The HondaJet

Honda Aircraft Company and Wijet, a provider of air taxi service currently operating 15 business jets throughout Europe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today for multiple HondaJets to upgrade the Wijet fleet. Honda Aircraft made the announcement during the Singapore Airshow being held at Changi Exhibition Centre, where the HondaJet is making its first-ever appearance.

Wijet is the first French air taxi company and offers travel to about 1,200 airports throughout Europe and North Africa. Wijet's mission is to provide their customers with the most modern and advanced aircraft with high performance, efficiency and reliability.

The MoU follows Honda Aircraft's recent announcements of being the most-delivered jet in its category for the first half of 2017 and several speed records in its class. Wijet is expected to take delivery of its first HondaJet during the first quarter of 2018 with more to follow.

"I am delighted that Wijet has chosen the HondaJet to provide their customers with the exceptional experience of the most advanced light jet on the market," said Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "I am confident the HondaJet will meet and exceed their expectations with its quietest, most spacious and most comfortable cabin in its class combined with unrivaled speed, efficiency, and amenities like a fully-private lavatory and WiFi connectivity."

Aeromexcico January 2018 figures are up

 Aeromexico reported January 2018 operational results this week. which saw passenger numbers up over the same period last year.

The Aeromexico group transported 1 million 807 thousand passengers in January; a 10.3% year-on-year increase. International passenger numbers increased by 19.1%, while domestic passenger numbers increased by 5.3%.

Demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), increased by 19.7%, year-on-year. Aeromexico's capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs), increased by 16.5% year-on-year.

Aeromexico's January load factor was 80.5%, an increase of 2.1 p.p. compared to January 2017.

Delta takeaway: Asian chef all-stars inspire traditional, local fare in flight

Following on from Finnair's new look Asian meal service, Delta passengers flying out of Asia with an eye for the authentic will soon feast on staples-turned-standouts like oven-baked sesame dumplings, kuro-buta pork and Bibimbap alongside other regionally sourced culinary centerpieces on select Delta flights. 

Beginning 1st March regionally inspired meals designed by Delta's new, exclusive culinary consulting partners and chefs Jereme Leung and Norio Ueno and will launch and pay respect to their Chinese and Japanese cultures so intimately steeped in food traditions. Starting this summer, Delta will also be partnering with Korean chef Woo-Joong Kwon to create regionally inspired meals for customers inflight.

Chef Leung's menus will be available on Delta flights departing Beijing and Shanghai in Delta One, Delta Premium Select and Main Cabin, while Chef Ueno's menus will be served on all flights departing Japan for the U.S. in Delta One and Delta Premium Select, expanding to Main Cabin this summer. Chef Kwon's influence will be seen on flights out of Seoul to the U.S. in the Delta One, Delta Premium Select and Main Cabin.

Singapore Airlines win Premium Airline of the Year

Singapore Airlines have just been crowned 'Premium Airline of the Year' at the Travel Trade Gazette's ttgluxury Travel Awards in London.

The prestigious ttgluxury Travel Awards took place at London's Rosewood Hotel this afternoon and are a reflection of the very best in the luxury travel sector, acting as a benchmark for quality, innovation and incredible customer service.

Singapore Airlines were up against stiff competition in the premium airline category,  the other nominees included ANA - All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. With many in the industry already tipping the Dubai based Emirates as favourite to take the award. 

Editor of ttgluxury April Hutchinson said: “In our inaugural year, I’m delighted we had such a fantastic calibre of entrants and winners, demonstrating the great breadth of incredible companies across the global luxury travel sector. Huge congratulations to all our winners."

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