Three times a week for airBaltic between Riga and Reykjavik

Photo airBaltic / Airbus

The Latvian government-owned airline airBaltic has recently announced that during the busier summer months it will increase the frequency on Riga–Reykjavik route. From May 25th, 2019. the carrier will be operating three weekly flights. 

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “As we enter our third summer season of performing direct flights to Reykjavik, we can report strong demand from the passengers. Thanks to the additional frequency and the larger capacity of state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300, we will offer 29% more seats on sale this summer.”

Passengers travelling between Riga and Reykjavik will board an Airbus A220-300 aircraft for a flight that will last 3 hours and 55 minutes. One-way ticket prices to Reykjavik start at 89 euros, including airport fees and transaction costs.

American Airlines issue an update on the Boeing 737 Max situation - out till August 19th

American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom issued a joint update on the airlines 737 Max aircraft on Sunday, April 14th. It advised staff that the carrier has extended the period of cancellations for the 737 Max operations until August 19th!

The pair said the extension was based on the ongoing work it is undertaking with Boeing and the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration.  They said they were confident that the Max will be recertified prior to that date, but it was important to schedule the peak summer travel period without the troubled jet to provide confidence to its customers.

The airline says it will mean approximately 115 flights per day will be cancelled through August 19th, which is roughly 1.5% of American’s total flying each day this summer. 

"We remain confident that the impending software updates, along with the new training elements Boeing is developing for the MAX, will lead to recertification of the aircraft soon. We have been in continuous contact with the FAA, Department of Transportation (DOT), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), other regulatory authorities and are pleased with the progress so far." the pair said in the update.

Photo American Airlines

More you might like....

Emirates to put new Boeing 777-300ER with "Game Changer"Emirates first class suites on Riyadh and Kuwait routes.

Emirates First Class Suites                                                                                  Photo Emirates 

In a bold move to offer a range of experiences and greater choice for its customers travelling for business and leisure, the Dubai based mega-carrier Emirates will be operating its latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with what it called the ‘Game Changer' First Class suites from Dubai to Riyadh starting from 16th April  2019 and Kuwait starting from 1 June 2019.

Game-changing, fully-enclosed First Class private suites to debut for the first time in the GCC

Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East & Iran said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will be the first countries in the Middle East and GCC to be served by the latest Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft featuring fully -enclosed private suites inspired by luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz. Deploying the newest Boeing 777 to both Riyadh and Kuwait will cater to the significant premium demand we see on these routes and is in line with our commitment to provide our customers across all classes with outstanding service and industry-leading onboard products for a better flying experience. The unique First Class suites onboard the Boeing 777 will offer our premium passengers unparalleled privacy, comfort and luxury, with experiences tailored to their individual needs.”

Ryanair launches connecting flights from Brussels Charleroi with 27 routes

The low-fare high-fee budget carrier Ryanair has launched its connecting flights' service at Brussels Charleroi Airport, with 27 routes including Alicante, Budapest, Milan Bergamo and Prague, providing Ryanair customers with the opportunity to book and transfer directly onto connecting Ryanair flights.

Ryanair customers can now:

Book connecting flights on 27 routes via Brussels Charleroi on Ryanair.com
Transfer ‘airside’ between connecting flights without having to go ‘landside’
Have their checked-in baggage transferred through to their final destination
Use one booking reference for both flights

Will George Clooney's boycott of the Brunei owned hotels work?

It's been two weeks since Hollywood actor George Cloney called for a boycott of the nine luxury hotels that make up the Dorchester Collection over the introduction of strict Sharia (Islamic) laws that could see gay sex or adultery be punished by being stoned to death in the tiny oil-rich Nation of Brunei, the so-called abode of peace. 

The Dorchester Group is owned Brunei Investment Agency, which in turn is owned by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the ruler of Brunei and the instigator of the new strict penal code which began to be implemented in 2014 and has continued until this latest raft of laws which came into effect on 3rd April.  Under the new laws, theft will be punished by the amputation of a hand for a first offence and the amputation of a foot for a second offence. Having an abortion could result in a prison sentence, yet a husband can rape his wife, as long as she's over 13 with impunity because the law says rape isn't a crime in marriage. 

"Under international law, stoning people to death constitutes torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and is thus clearly prohibited," a spokesman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville told a news conference in early April. Yet, children in Brunei are told to only use small stones, if attending a stoning, so they don't kill the prisoner too quickly!

London Gatwick Airport Parking

There are a great many options at an equally numerous number of prices for parking at London Gatwick Airport, from the on-airport short stay car parks to off-airport longer term park and ride car parks as well as meet and greet services that take your car from you near the entrances of the terminals. This brief guide will hopefully make it easier to choose the right option for you.

On-airport short stay.

Gatwick Airport’s Short Stay is a popular choice for those looking for convenience when flying from either the North or South terminal. The terminal is around a 5 to 7-minute walk and is so easy. The multi-storey car parks are right by the terminals, simply pull up to the barrier, your license plates will be automatically scanned, then you can take your ticket and drive straight on through to park in a bay.

Short Stay Parking at the North Terminal can be found at Car Park 5. For the South Terminal, it can be found in Car Parks 1, 2 and 3. 

There is a premium option here, which is parking on the same level as the walkway into the airport terminal. Both options are great for convenience and quickness, but they are very expensive.

Short stay prices:

Up to 30 mins: £4.00
31 - 60 mins: £8.00
1 -  2 hours: £13.00
2 - 3 hours: £15.00
3 - 4 hours: £19.00
4 - 5 hours: £22.00
5 - 6 hours: £26.00
6 - 12 hours: £40.00
12 - 24 hours: £45.00
Each subsequent day: £45.00

Premium short stay prices:

Up to 30 mins: £5.20
31 - 60 mins: £10.30
1 -  2 hours: £15.00
2 - 3 hours: £19.00
3 - 4 hours: £24.50
4 - 5 hours: £29.50
5 - 6 hours: £35.00
6 - 12 hours: £50.00
12 - 24 hours: £55.00
Each subsequent day: £55.00



On-airport long stay parking

The airport has its own car parks for longer stays, which feature a 5 - 10-minute bus transfer to the airport, it runs every 10 - 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, The price is £25 per day for the first day and £20 for subsequent days.  Prebooking is cheaper!
Pre-book your long stay parking at Gatwick's South Terminal here.
Pre-book your long stay parking at Gatwick's North Terminal here.

The World's largest plane' lifts off for the first time...Stratolaunch takes to the skies as the commercial space age dawns

The first flight of the giant Stratolaunch                                 photo Stratolaunch Systems Corporation

The World’s largest aircraft took to the skies over the Mojave Desert on Saturday, April 13th for the first time during an uneventful test flight.

The powerful, impressive six-engine jet built by Stratolaunch Systems Corporation, which was founded by Paul G. Allen, also co-founder of Microsoft, successfully completed its first flight, staying airborne for two and a half hours at the weekend. During the flight test the worlds first all-composite aircraft reached its maximum speed of 189 miles an hour and climbed to around 17,000 feet.

“What a fantastic first flight,” said Jean Floyd, CEO of Stratolaunch. “Today’s flight furthers our mission to provide a flexible alternative to ground-launched systems. We are incredibly proud of the Stratolaunch team, today’s flight crew, our partners at Northrup Grumman’s Scaled Composites and the Mojave Air and Space Port.”

Avianca Brasil cancels 179 flights as it loses appeal on aircraft

Photo Sergio Moraes 

Tragic news for Avianca Brasil as the airline was forced to cancel nearly 180 flights after a federal judge denied an appeal by the troubled carrier to hold on to nine aircraft following its entry into bankruptcy protection.

Avianca Brasil had been managing a revised schedule with a fleet of 35 aircraft, however, the judge ruled late on Friday evening that nine aircraft should be returned immediately, denying the carrier’s last-minute appeal to keep hold of the jets. 

FAA meeting with US airline and pilot representatives

The US Federal Aviation Administration held a three-hour long meeting on Friday, 12th April with US pilot unions and representatives from three major US airlines over the state of the 737 Max grounding.

According to local sources, the meeting was a highly charged affair with geopolitically-charged questions regarding aircraft certification and pilot training. On the agenda was the preliminary reports into the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max crashes, the software from Boeing and new pilot training.    

American Airlines Group, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines all attended the meeting with the FAA's Acting Administrator Dan Elwell, who said the meeting participants’ “operational perspective is critical input as the agency welcomes scrutiny on how it can do better.”

Tibet Airlines starts service to Finland

The rainbow colours of Tibet Airlines will now be seen in the skies of Europe as the carrier launches its first flight to Finland.

The new services started on the 8th April, with a weekly service every Monday from Jinan (TNA) to Helsinki (HEL).  From 9th May, a second weekly flight will make the 6,627-kilometre journey, this time on Thursdays.  The airline will operate the route with its Airbus A330-200s and becomes the first Chinese airline to bridge the two countries. 

"Tibet Airlines is looking forward to maintaining a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation concept with Finavia and Helsinki Airport, plus carry out a more extensive and in-depth comprehensive cooperation in the future,” said Bai Weisan, President, Tibet Airlines. 

“Tibet Airlines is the first Chinese airline commencing flights to Finland and we see prosperous business opportunities for Chinese and Finnish businesses and unforeseen experiences for the Chinese and Finnish travellers,” added Kimmo Mäki, CEO, Finavia. 

More you might like....

Ticketing specialists add more airlines to its global network

Hahn Air, the German airline and ticketing specialist already integrated ten new carriers into its global network of more than 350 air, rail and shuttle partners by the end of March of this year.

Among the new partnerships, two are new interline agreements. The flights of the Thai low-cost airline Nok Air (DD) and of Precision Air (PW) from Tanzania can now be issued on the insolvency-safe HR-169 ticket. Travel agents can find and book their flights under the airlines’ own two-letter-codes in selected GDSs even in markets where the carriers are not members of the local payment systems (BSPs).

737 Max aircraft remain grounded until 5th August...Southwest Airlines

The US low-cost-carrier and primary Boeing 737 Max customer is planning a summer without the grounded jet it has advised this week.

The airline's President Tom Nealon advised on Thursday 11th April, it had modified its schedule through to August 5th, 2019. The previous schedule amendment had gone through to June 7th to cover for the grounded jets.

"While the timing for the return to service of the MAX remains unclear, what is very clear is our commitment to operate a reliable schedule and provide the famous Customer Service you expect from us. Our revised summer schedule allows us to accomplish those objectives." Nealon said.

"While the vast majority of our Customers' itineraries have remained unaffected, flight schedule changes have inconvenienced some of our valued Customers, and, for that, I offer my sincerest apologies."

More you might like....

Icelandic Coast Guard upgrades to Airbus H225 rescue helicopters

Photo Airbus

Airbus Helicopters is supporting the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) with the entry into service of two Airbus H225 heavy search and rescue (SAR) helicopters as the first step in a renewal of the agency’s helicopter fleet.

The aircraft are replacing two of the ICG’s three existing Airbus AS332L1 Super Pumas, the first of which entered service in 1995. They are being leased from Norwegian helicopter lessor Knut Axel Ugland Holding AS and will both be in service by the end of April 2019. The ICG plans to purchase permanent replacements for all three aircraft in its fleet by 2022.

A350 XWB receives Type Certificate from Transport Ministry of Japan

Kuniharu Ebina, Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Director General and
Airbus Senior Vice President - Head of A350 Programme, Patrick Piedrafita.

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism (MLITT) has issued Type Certification for the Airbus A350 XWB,  enabling the A350 XWB first customer from the country Japan Airlines to operate the aircraft. The type certification covers the aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Airbus Japan President Stephane Ginoux said, “Receiving the A350 XWB Type Certification from Japan’s authority is a great achievement. We are very pleased that Japan Airlines will join soon other world class carriers flying the world’s most modern widebody aircraft”.

JAL placed an order for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s) in 2013. It was JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.

Robert Deluce appointed executive chairman at Porter Airlines as part of leadership reorganization

Big moves at the top of the Canadian regional airline that operates out of Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. Porter Airlines has confirmed this week that it is reorganizing its top management to ensure continuity for its immediate and future development.

Effective immediately, Robert Deluce, Porter’s founding president and CEO, assumes the new role of executive chairman, enhancing his existing responsibilities as a member of the board of directors, while staying engaged in Porter’s core business strategies. He also remains as the company’s accountable executive for Transport Canada.

This change is supported by a series of realigned executive responsibilities. Michael Deluce now takes on president and CEO duties. As a founding team member at Porter, Michael was instrumental in defining Porter’s successful business plan, commercial and brand strategies, and has been a key part of realising that vision in the role of executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Turkish Airlines added Sharjah, its third destination in the UAE, to its flight network.

Photo Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is consistently trying to enhance its flight network and the firm introduced another new route this week. The Turkish national flag carrier has now started scheduled flights to Sharjah, one of the favourite tourism centres of United Arab Emirates. Sharjah became the 307th destination that added to the extensive flight network of the global brand.

As Turkish Airlines’ third flight destination in the UAE after Abu Dhabi and Dubai, flights to Sharjah will be conducted on the Istanbul-Sharjah-Istanbul route.

Is Goyal coming to rescue Jet Airways?...The debt riddled Indian airline cancels all international flights

Photo Jet Airways

Naresh Goyal the founder of the Indian carrier Jet Airways has said he has put in a bid to rescue the struggling airline.

Goyal was forced out as chairman of the carrier last month following a debt restructuring plan in which lenders took control of the airline.

There are no current indications whether Goyal's bid had the backing of any other airlines or investors, but insiders say it is fairly weak.

Otherwise, there seem to be no other parties coming to the rescue jet which has cancelled all of its international flights and most of its domestic services over the weekend.  

The Indian airline has been struggling to survive with crippling debts, poor management, aircraft being impounded or seized and oil firms cutting off the supply of jet fuel because of lack of payment. The airline is up for sale, yet there are no signs of any other interested parties coming forward. Even Etihad, which already owns nearly 25% of the firm doesn't look likely to pursue a take-over bid. The Indian state-owned banks have so far refused to supply any bridging loans to get the airline to the end of the month 

Aeroméxico Embraer E170 suffers wing damage

An Embraer E170 jet of Aeroméxico Connect suffered wing damage on Wednesday 10th April upon take off from Chihuahua airport.

According to local media, the aircraft was buffeted by a gust of crosswind upon take off which forced the jet slightly sideways and the left wing struck the ground. The crew of the aircraft, registration XA-SAC, followed airline procedure and returned to the airport and there were no reports of any injuries among those on the aircraft. According to Aeroméxico, the passengers were put on an alternative flight to Monterrey later on Wednesday.

An investigation has already begun on the incident and the airline says it has ferried the aircraft to Monterrey for repairs. 

More you might like....

easyJet puts winter 2019/20 on sale and supports carbon reduction efforts

Photo easyJet

One of Europe’s leading budget airlines has put its flights for winter 2019/20 up on sale this week, meaning that thousands of flights across Europe are now on sale until 28 March 2020.

214,796 flights are set to take place across easyJet’s network between 27 October 2019 and 28 March 2020 providing more than 37 million seats for passengers to enjoy their winter breaks or low-fared commutes.

Of these, more than 19 million seats are now on sale to and from the UK on over 111,000 flights. Neil Slaven, easyJet’s UK Country Director, said, "We’re really pleased to be putting our flights for Winter 2019/20 on sale today. Passengers can look forward to even more low fares to Europe’s best ski and city destinations. For those who are looking for inspiration on where to go on their break, our Inspire Me app available on our website helps travellers to find flights tailored to their budget and travel dates."

"Our customers can also rest assured that we will be flying as usual whatever the outcome of the ongoing Brexit negotiations."

Southwest plan for the 737 Max to be out of action until August

The US low-cost-carrier and primary Boeing 737 Max customer is planning a summer without the grounded jet it has advised this week.

The airline's President Tom Nealon advised on Thursday 11th April, it had modified its schedule through to August 5th, 2019. The previous schedule amendment had gone through to June 7th to cover for the grounded jets.

"While the timing for the return to service of the MAX remains unclear, what is very clear is our commitment to operate a reliable schedule and provide the famous Customer Service you expect from us. Our revised summer schedule allows us to accomplish those objectives." Nealon said.

"While the vast majority of our Customers' itineraries have remained unaffected, flight schedule changes have inconvenienced some of our valued Customers, and, for that, I offer my sincerest apologies."

More you might like....