US B52's come to the UK

Whilst the US President may have his doubts over the usefulness and future of NATO, ahead of the organisations 70th anniversary, the US Air Force has sent over a B-52 bomber group.

In a remarkable demonstration, perhaps a show of the US Air Forces commitment to NATO, six of the giant B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, along with over 400 support personnel, to take part in various operations.

The vast long-range bombers that can fly at around 50,000 feet and carry nuclear weapons over long distances, came from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana to  RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. This deployment is the largest of the type to Europe since the Iraq war when 17 of the big jets were based at RAF Fairford.

"The significance for us is that we're able to get in the airspace and train with our allied partners," said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Esposito, Bomber Task Force Commander.  The exact length of the deployment for the training operations and exercises hasn't officially been revealed yet, however, we understand it to be just under two months. 

Sustainability is key to the future of Finnair

Finnair AGM 2019: 

Speeches by the Chairman of the Board and the CEO

Photo Finnair

The well respected European carrier held its annual general meeting this week and the company's leaders indicate that sustainability is key to its future. It also sees the Aisa market and digital tie-ups will be responsible for future growth.

Jouko Karvinen, Chairman of Finnair’s Board of Directors, told in his opening speech of the Finnair Annual General Meeting today that the number of Finnair shareholders has increased by approximately 8,000 since last year. “This speaks to the importance our airline and its future have for Finland and its economy,” Karvinen said.  

In his speech, Karvinen emphasised the role of sustainability as Finnair continues to develop its business.  

Work starts on $4.9 billion Los Angeles International Airport automated people mover..........

Balfour Beatty and its LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) joint venture team have started work on the Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover project for the airport which is scheduled for completion in 2023.

The LINXS team will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the $4.9 billion project over the next 30 years.

The LINXS team is comprised of Balfour Beatty, Fluor, ACS Infrastructure Development, Bombardier Transportation, Dragados USA, Flatiron and Hochtief PPP Solutions. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was on hand for the groundbreaking, along with LAWA officials and many other distinguished guests.

“We’re proud to kick off construction of this transformative transportation project for the Los Angeles World Airports in partnership with the LINXS joint venture team,” said John Rempe, PE, president and chief executive officer of Balfour Beatty’s civil construction operations in the United States. “The Automated People Mover at LAX will play a key role in reshaping the way travellers from around the world access the country’s busiest origin and destination airport well into the future.”

Once completed, travellers will enjoy a transportation system comprised of six APM stations that operate up to nine trains simultaneously as well as the APM maintenance facility and various parking garages. Pedestrian access will be enhanced by moving walkways to the terminals and parking garages.

(Images LAWA)

Emirates Adds Flights to Cairo

Photo  Emirates

Emirates has announced it will increase the frequency of flights between Dubai and Cairo!

Adding four additional flights a week to its existing thrice-daily service, starting 28 October 2019. The four new flights operating on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, will take the total number of weekly Emirates flights serving Cairo to 25.

“Cairo is a very popular destination for both business and leisure travellers, and the additional flights will provide our customers with greater flexibility in their travel choices, and allow seamless connectivity to Emirates’ vast global network. There is a clear demand for our award-winning products and services. We’ve seen a consistent demand for the Emirates experience, with passenger occupancy on the route averaging 90 per cent. These additional flights will not only cater to the growing demand but also help support tourism and trade in Egypt,” said Orhan Abbas, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Africa.

Bombardier deliver first Challenger 350 to Luxaviation

Bombardier issued image

Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today that the Luxaviation Group, one of the largest business aircraft operators worldwide, now operates the first Challenger 350 aircraft delivered to a customer in Belgium. This new addition to the Benelux market joins Bombardier’s robust business aircraft fleet in Europe. Bombardier’s more than 600 aircraft in service in the region represents the largest share of the industry’s total European fleet.

“We are very pleased that Bombardier’s best-selling Challenger 350 business jet has joined Luxaviation’s fleet of aircraft,” said Christophe Degoumois, Vice President, Sales, Europe, Russia and CIS, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With its impressive high-performance features, superior economics, unmatched cabin comfort and entertainment technology, the Challenger 350 aircraft is ideally suited for the European market.”

Aeroflot recognised as best airline in Russia by GQ Magazine for the second year running

Aeroflot has been named as the best Russian airline for the second straight year in the annual GQ Travel Awards 2019. The award ceremony recognising the best names in the field of elite tourism was held on 15 March in Moscow.

The GQ Travel Awards differ from other awards in that the winners in each category are chosen, not by professional judges or the editorial board, but by GQ readers, who vote on the magazine's website.  This year, voting took place over the course of several months in 17 different categories.

Aeroflot continuously improves its quality of service and strives to make its flights as comfortable and punctual as possible. Our priority is to understand all our passengers’ needs, paying great attention to detail at every stage of service. Aeroflot's excellent service has won numerous awards, as well as 4-Star Airline status from Skytrax and Five-Star Global Airline status from US passenger association APEX.

WestJet and Make-A-Wish team up to share happiness

In celebration of International Day of Happiness, WestJet and WestJet Cares for Kids charity partner, Make-A-Wish Canada, share a new video that is bound to bring a smile. Watch WestJet Connections: Share happiness here.

A very special group of Make-A-Wish alumni came together alongside WestJet and one of its longtime charity partners, to surprise WestJetter and volunteer wish granter, Karl, to say thanks for the happiness he's brought to Make-A-Wish recipients. Since 2016, Karl has volunteered with Make-A-Wish and has helped grant five wishes, spreading joy and making life-long connections along the way.

"In honour of International Day of Happiness we're thrilled to be able to celebrate the joy that Karl and the countless WestJetters and volunteers like Karl bring to the lives of Make-A-Wish recipients," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet's Vice-President Marketing Communications. "Through the caring culture of all WestJetters, we're delighted to be able to share in the hope, strength and joy wishes bring to recipients and their families and we hope that this special reunion encourages Canadians to share happiness with each other today."

Hyatt Place Aguascalientes/Bonaterra opens

Hyatt Place Aguascalientes/Bonaterra is now officially open, marking the sixth Hyatt Place hotel in Mexico. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. The hotel is owned by Parimba SAPI de CV, developed by Promotora Comercial Abadan, part of Grupo Punto Alto, and managed by Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe.

“We’re delighted to expand the Hyatt Place brand into Aguascalientes and are sure that our guests will appreciate the innovative service concept and modern design offered by Hyatt Place Aguascalientes/Bonaterra” said Luciano Julio, Regional Vice President of operations in Latin America for Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. “This opening will mark the 17th Hyatt property in the country and the Hyatt Place brand’s sixth hotel in Mexico, which strengthens Hyatt’s position in both primary and secondary cities within the country.”

Aeroflot Group introduces hand-luggage-only fares on some routes in response to high demand

The Aeroflot Group will introduce hand-baggage-only fares on a number of medium-haul routes operated by Rossiya Airlines and Aeroflot where there is an increased demand for this service.

The new hand-baggage-only fares are being introduced in response to popular demand from passengers who travel light.  Previously, passengers travelling only with carry-on luggage were forced to pay for a service they did not use.

All Rossiya and Aeroflot flights will continue to offer economy class fare options including freehold baggage. 

The hand-baggage-only fare will be a more budget-friendly economy option. On some routes, economy fares will be reduced by up to 30%.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Coming to Nashville

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company; Congress Group, a Boston-based real estate investment and development firm; and AECOM Capital, the investment arm of AECOM, today announce that a Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences will be coming to downtown Nashville. A groundbreaking for the development, which will be the first Four Seasons in Tennessee, is expected in April 2019.

“This will be one of the most iconic high-rise buildings in the state of Tennessee,” said Dean Stratouly, president of Congress Group. “Delivered as LEED Gold and standing 542 feet tall (165 metres), it will be one of the state’s greenest and tallest residential buildings. We’d like to thank the many public and private partners that have aided us in moving forward this generational vision, which will redefine the skyline and what is possible in Nashville.”

Emirates Skywards invites members to fly more and earn more

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is rolling out a new limited time offer for all new and existing Skywards members to boost their Miles.

The offer is valid for Economy and Business class tickets booked on Emirates and flydubai between 20 March 2019 and 31 March 2019 for travel between 10 April 2019 and 27 June 2019 and between 6 September 2019 and 30 November 2019.

Under the offer, members will earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of their regular Miles for their first ticket during the eligible travel period. If flying more than once with Emirates or flydubai during the offer period, members will earn 200% bonus Skywards Miles for their second ticket and 300% bonus Skywards Miles for their third ticket.

Air Italy replaces grounded 737 with support from strategic partner Bulgaria Air

It was just two or so weeks ago that Air Italy announced the codeshare deal with Bulgaria Air, and now the Italian airline is more grateful than ever to its strategic partner. 

While the Air Italy 737 Max fleet has been grounded it has managed to get a replacement aircraft through Bulgaria Air. “With the grounding of our B737 aircraft, it was vital to find alternative aircraft as rapidly as possible to minimise any impact on our passengers,” said Air Italy Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov.

Airbus to highlight full range of products and services at LIMA 2019

Photo Airbus

Airbus will be the largest international exhibitor at next week’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation Exhibition (LIMA) 2019 in Malaysia, with a major presence covering its entire range of commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter products and services. The air show will be held on 26-30 March at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi, Kedah.

Airbus aircraft at the static display include an A320neo operated by Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia, the largest customer for the European manufacturer's single-aisle aircraft. Military aircraft such as a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) A400M, the new-generation tactical airlifter, and a CN235 medium aircraft that the service uses on transport missions, will also be on display.

The Madison Washington DC

The Madison Washington DC, a Hilton Hotel

reveals stylish new look honouring its legacy

The Madison Washington DC, a Hilton Hotel announces the completion of its highly anticipated $4 million hotel transformation inspired by Dolley Madison’s legacy and trailblazing spirit. The iconic 356-room hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Washington, D.C., just four blocks from the White House, transformed its lobby and adjacent common areas and introduced upscale cocktail lounge Lady M, an exclusive executive lounge and a grab-and-go marketplace. 

“We are thrilled to reveal this exciting revitalization project,” said Paolo Pedrazzini, General Manager, The Madison Washington DC, a Hilton Hotel. “The Madison has been a notable fixture in Washington, D.C., and we are delighted to offer guests and community members an enhanced hospitality experience." 

Conceptualized by The Gettys Group, this newly-debuted design merges traditional elements with modern textures and soft color schemes, resulting in a space that celebrates the dynamic duality of James and Dolley Madison. From the furnishings to the finishes, each piece plays a part in connecting guests to the legacy of the building, its location in the nation’s capital and the characters of James and Dolley Madison themselves. 

STARLUX Airlines orders 17 A350 XWB aircraft for long-haul services

STARLUX Airlines orders 17 A350 XWB aircraft for long-haul services

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for 17 widebody aircraft, comprising 12 A350-1000s and five A350-900s. The new airline plans to deploy these aircraft on its premier long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are very glad to sign the official purchase agreement today for Airbus widebodies. The A350’s combination of extra-long-range capability, significantly lower operating costs and high passenger comfort were key factors in our decision,” K.W. Chang, Founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines said. “STARLUX is committed to becoming one of the best airlines in the world. We are positive that with the A350 XWB, we will be able to spread our wings to further destinations, bringing our best-in-class services to more people over the world in the near future.”

This is a soap story, a recycling soap story.......

Hilton brands to recycle 1 million bars of soap 

by Global Handwashing Day

It might seem a little bit of a soft soap story, but this is no opera, this is a serious account of how Hilton’s Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton and All Suites brands are launching the Clean the World Challenge in partnership with Clean the World, a global health leader dedicated to sustainability and water, sanitization and health. Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton will challenge hotel owners and Team Members to collect bars of soap left behind by guests to be recycled into 1 million bars of new soap by Global Handwashing Day (October 15) for Clean the World to distribute to communities in need.

Dammam is set to become the latest Saudi Arabian destination for British Airways

It's been confirmed that the UK's British Airways will start flying to its third Saudi Arabian destination from this December as it adds Dammam (DMM) to its route network.

The airline confirmed this week it will start the service on 1st December and from its home base of London Heathrow (LHR) to the global business hub, Dammam.  BA advises that this will be the only direct flight from London and launch as a daily service via Bahrain (BAH).  The airline is planning to operate a four-class Boeing 777-200 on the route all year-round.

Dammam will be the third city in Saudi Arabia British Airways flies to with the airline already serving Riyadh and Jeddah with non-stop daily flights. Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province and is known as the heart of the country’s petroleum industry.  

Probe into FAA decisions over 737 Max aircraft certification as European and Canadian regulators seek own investigations

Top management at US manufacturer are reported to be extremely angry and disappointed to learn that not only are US lawmakers seeking to investigate the FAA's decision to certify the 737 Max jets safe for operational use. But also announcements from Canadian and European aviation regulators that they will independently seek, examine and certify the aircraft.

In the US the chairman of the House of Representatives transportation committee, as well as other Democrat lawmakers, asked the Transportation Department’s inspector general on looking into the key decisions the regulator Federal Aviation Administration made in certifying the 737 MAX jets safe for commercial use. 

Swoop to launch flights between Kelowna and Las Vegas

Photo Swoop

The Canadian low-cost operation from WestJet, Swoop has confirmed it plans to start a season link to Las Vegas from Kelowna this year.

The service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) is scheduled to operate between 27th June and 26th October 2019. The service will run twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays and will be on one of the airlines Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.

"Las Vegas and Swoop make the perfect combination for Kelowna travellers," said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications for Swoop. "Our flights are non-stop and remarkably affordable, encouraging the freedom to fly more often while leaving more money to spend on the experience."

"We are excited to announce a second destination with Swoop," said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director for Kelowna International Airport. "We've heard from the community that they want more non-stop destinations from Kelowna. We're pleased to have Swoop offer non-stop service to Las Vegas, which is the Okanagan's single largest U.S. market for travel."

"We are excited to welcome Swoop's non-stop flights between Kelowna and Las Vegas," said Chris Jones, Chief Marketing Officer for McCarran International Airport. "With this new route, Swoop is making it easier for more Canadians to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World."         

Where will the Royal Air Force Red Arrows go.....

Photo RAF

There is a huge question mark over the future home of the Royal Air Force iconic Red Arrows aerobatic display team this week, with three options being put on the table, by defence minister Tobias Elwood 

Following a far-reaching and intense cost-cutting process, the UK's Ministry of Defence has decided that the current home of the country's premier display team, RAF Scampton is to close.  

RAF Scampton has a long and illustrious history, along with the Red Arrows, it was also the home base of the famous 617 Squadron as they prepared for the daring Dambusters raid during World War II.  During the height of the cold war, Scampton was also home for the Vulcan bombers and their deadly payloads.

As the base is to close before the end of 2022, the hunt was on to find a suitable home for the Red Arrows, other than the Cyprus winter training base the team utilise. Now the long list has been reduced to a shortlist of just three bases - RAF Leeming, RAF Waddington and RAF Wittering.