Alaska Airlines introduces new rules for emotional support animals

 

Alaska Airlines announced this week a new policy for guests flying with emotional support and psychiatric service animals.

As part of the new policy, starting 1st May all emotional support animals travelling on Alaska Airlines will receive a boarding pass with tips and guidelines for making their flight a success.

Southwest Cargo Top Performers

Southwest Airlines Cargo team was recognized recently as one of the industry's top performers. This month Air Cargo World announced that Southwest Cargo® was awarded this year's Air Cargo Excellence Diamond Award in the "up to 999,999 tonnes" category. "This award showcases the hard work our Southwest Employees do on a daily basis to ensure our Customers receive the best Hospitality and service in the industry," said Matt Buckley, Southwest's Vice President of Cargo and Charters. "Customers know they can count on Southwest to handle their shipments without any hesitation."

Aeromexico reports first quarter results for 2018

Aeromexico reported its unaudited consolidated results for the first quarter 2018 earlier this week.

One of the major achievements by the group was a 15.9 percent increase in first quarter revenue for 2018 compared to last year.  It was also the 32nd consecutive quarter that the airline saw positive results. 

Here's the key highlights

United Airlines Reports First-Quarter 2018 Performance

United Airlines announced its first-quarter 2018 financial results a little earlier this week,  here's the main key points.  

UAL reported first-quarter net income of $147 million, diluted earnings per share of $0.52, pre-tax earnings of $184 million and pre-tax margin of 2.0 percent.

Excluding special charges and mark-to-market adjustments, UAL reported first-quarter net income of $143 million, diluted earnings per share of $0.50, pre-tax earnings of $179 million and pre-tax margin of 2.0 percent.

UAL has repurchased $747 million of its common shares year-to-date through April 16, 2018, representing approximately 4 percent of its shares outstanding as of year-end 2017.
Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 2.7 percent year-over-year.

 More highlights continue......

More Delta nonstop flights on the way this winter between the U.S. and Europe

Delta customers will continue to have year-round nonstop access to Europe from several U.S. gateways this winter as the airline will run several key routes through the upcoming winter season:

New York-JFK to Lisbon

Los Angeles to Paris and Amsterdam

Indianapolis to Paris

Orlando to Amsterdam

"Delta customers on both sides of the pond have told us more flying between Europe and the U.S. is valuable to them and we're very excited to make more nonstops to the U.S. from Paris, Amsterdam and Lisbon through the winter season a reality," said Dwight James, Delta's Senior Vice President – Trans-Atlantic.

Miracle Flights Announces 640 Free Medical Flights Performed in March

Miracle Flights, the leading US provider of medical flights are celebrating the fact that they arranged 640 free flights for families of children battling rare and life-threatening illnesses. 

The Las Vegas–based charity was established in 1985 and makes arrangements with commercial airlines, flights at no cost to help children with complex medical needs gain access to specialized treatment far from home. Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided 115,752 total flights and flown more than 65 million miles to improve access to healthcare for those in need.

Big increase in passenger numbers for airBaltic

The Latvian airline airBaltic in the first quarter of 2018 has transported 729 897 or 24% more than in the same period last year to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East. In March 2018, 280 724 passengers or 25% more than last year travelled with airBaltic.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “We just presented the 2017 results that were the best operational results in the history of the airline, and now we have achieved a new passenger record for the first quarter of 2018 too. I am proud of airBaltic team that every day keeps up the good work and offers our passengers great flying experience.”

Aeroflot Named China's Favourite International Airline for Second Consecutive Year

Aeroflot has been once again recognised as the Favourite International Airline in China. The prestigious award was given to Aeroflot for the second consecutive year at the Flyer Award Ceremony 2018. The official ceremony was held today for the sixth time in Shanghai, the economic capital of China.

Air Canada Elevates Transcontinental Service for Premium U.S. Customers with new Air Canada Signature Service

First North American carrier to designate lie-flat suites on flights to Canada
Air Canada today became the first North American carrier to designate aircraft with lie-flat suites for premium cabin customers flying non-stop to Canada on major transcontinental routes with its new Air Canada Signature Service, including the onboard product Air Canada Signature Class. Beginning June 1, the airline will offer lie-flat suites and other enhanced amenities to eligible customers travelling on its wide-body aircraft from New York-Newark to Vancouver and both daytime and overnight daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto.

Air Canada Signature Service customers will receive priority service at every stage of the journey, including access to airport concierge services, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. Customers will also enjoy Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access and, for eligible customers connecting onward to international destinations at Toronto-Pearson, access to the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, featuring à la carte restaurant dining from a menu created by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is celebrating its 60th anniversary of direct scheduled flights between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur

As one of Europe's leading long-haul airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrates 60 years of continuous flights between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur on 26 April, 2018.

Today KLM announced it will celebrate this milestone, with a myriad of events and a campaign for its customers.

Mrs Estee Ng, Country Manager of Air France and KLM Malaysia says: "We proudly mark KLM's 60 years of scheduled flights to Kuala Lumpur, although KLM had a much earlier presence in Malaysia when in 1924 the first KLM intercontinental flight en route to Jakarta made a refuelling stop in Alor Star, Kedah."  

In celebration, KLM will launch a KLM 60th anniversary contest from 17-24 April 2018 where contestants can win a pair of return KLM tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam. Visit http://my.klmcontest.com to participate in the 'KLM Big 60 in Malaysia' contest.

KLM passengers departing on KLM from Kuala Lumpur on 26 April will also receive a small souvenir to celebrate a double birthday, KLM's 60th birthday in Malaysia and King's Day which is celebrated on 27 April 2018 in the Netherlands.

KLM will also be launching a celebratory fare later this month from Kuala Lumpur to Europe, the Americas and many other destinations.

Icelandair Inspires Passengers to Capture Stunning Aerial Shots From 32,000 Feet

Celebratory flight 'Iceland By Air' takes a special route over Iceland's spectacular sights to mark the arrival of its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane 

'Iceland By Air' provided passengers with a unique flight plan to witness some of the country's breathtaking landscapes such as Jökulsárlon Lagoon from the best seat in the house onboard the new plane

Icelandair's first new Boeing 737 MAX 8 takes to the skies boasting an enhanced cabin space and newly designed windows for better viewing, improving customer comfort and experience, making time well travelled
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane joins Icelandair's fleet making appearances throughout the network and flying over the Atlantic Ocean every day
Icelandair will receive 16 new aircraft in the next four years as part of its commitment to continually improve its customer experience, ensuring that passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

The transatlantic airline, Icelandair welcomes its first new Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a unique celebratory flight 'Iceland By Air' that took a special route over some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes and sights.

Scat's Boeing 737 MAX8

Kazakhstan airline Scat took delivery of its first Boeing-737 MAX8 last month and will soon take delivery of a further five from Boeing.

To celebrate the milestone in the airline's development they have released the following video which documents the production of the airlines hiney new planes. 

Georgia politician who led fight against Delta gets NRA endorsement and funding

 Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Georgia politician who vowed to punish and harm Delta after the airline cut discounts for the US The National Rifle Association in the wake of the horrific school massacre in Parkland, Florida, now has the NRA Endorsement.

In a press release, the NRA said Cagle had “never wavered” from his controversial stance at a time when numerous companies, including Delta, stopped offering discounts to or supporting the NRA. The financial support Cagle is receiving from the NRA has not yet been disclosed.   

airBaltic Pilot Academy’s First Students Start Studies

The Latvian airline airBaltic today, launched its newly established Pilot Academy at airBalticTraining with the first group of 12 students starting their studies in order to become future airBaltic pilots.  The full-time programme is scheduled to be completed in two years.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “It is a historic day not only for the students but also for airBaltic. Launching our own Pilot Academy has been a major step in securing that more Baltic pilots will join our airline in the future.”

Primera Air takes delivery of its first A321neo

Primera Air, the European low-fare-carrier, has taken delivery of its very first Airbus A321neo at an event in Hamburg, Germany attended by Andri Már Ingólfsson, CEO and President of Primera Travel Group and Kimon Sotiropoulos, Vice President Sales Northern and Central Europe from Airbus. 
This technologically advanced and super fuel-efficient aircraft, which was assembled in Hamburg, is the first of three A321neos to be leased from GECAS in 2018. Primera Air will also lease a further five A321neos from other lessors, including two A321LRs, growing its fleet to eight aircraft in 2018.
The aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines features a two-class layout with 16 premium and 182 economy seats. The aircraft was selected by Primera Air for its outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range. The aircraft will be deployed in the United Kingdom and France on transatlantic destinations to North America.

12th Airbus A350-900 for Vietnam Airlines

VN-A897 is the registration of the latest Airbus A350 aircraft to join the fleet of Vietnam Airlines recently and has already been put to use on the Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City route.
This is the 12th out of total 14 Airbus A350-900 aircraft that the carrier has ordered from the European manufacturer. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled for delivery during 2019 and will be put into service without delay. 

This latest addition to the Vietnam Airlines fleet is the first Airbus A350 to be adorned with SkyTeam alliance titles across the fuselage. The executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The unified livery demonstrates the vision and mission of Vietnam Airlines in the international integration, bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other airlines and global alliances to bring increased benefits to customers." - “The special paint scheme is also part of Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing effort to provide a new flying experience to passenger and continuously accomplish its goal of becoming Asia’s largest airline.”
A spokesperson for SkyTeam said they were “Extra proud that the A350 will fly the SkyTeam livery around the world."  Adding that "Vietnam Airlines was a highly valued member of the alliance" 

Daughter of Korean Air boss suspended allegedly 'for throwing water'

Cho Hyun-min a senior vice-president at Korean Air has been suspended while reports of her throwing water at an advertising executive are investigated further.

Ms Cho is the daughter of the airlines CEO denies throwing the water but confirmed she may have shoved the executive and apologised for the incident and called her behaviour "foolish and reckless".

She is the younger sister of Cho Hyun-ah - the airline heiress who infamously had an aircraft return to the gate after being unhappy that a member of the cabin crew had served her nuts in an inappropriate manner. 

According to local media Ms Cho unhappy with answers given to her by the ad executive during a meeting in Seoul during March. 

Korean Air has stated that it would take appropriate action once the police investigation was over.

Eurowings launches long-haul from Munich

One of Europe's fasting growing airlines, Eurowings, part of the Lufthansa group of airlines, has launched its news low-cost long-haul from Munich. The first long-haul flight took off this Monday heading for Las Vegas. Passengers can now travel to the Nevada metropolis via two flights a week. Flights take place on Mondays and Thursdays.

First Eurowings long-haul flight takes off for Las Vegas

Eurowings’ promises low fares for its long-haul services and the new Las Vegas route is no different, one-way tickets to the bright lights of the strip are already available for only EUR 189.99.  The low-cost carrier now offers a total of ten new long-haul destinations are being added to the offering from Munich, which includes Fort Myers and Windhoek. The fares are starting from an unbeatable EUR 179.99.

Las Vegas is followed by Cancun in Mexico (from 19 April) and Mauritius (from 21 April) with a weekly flight and Fort Myers (from 1 May) with two flights a week. The quartet will be supplemented over the summer with a weekly flight to Caribbean destinations such as Varadero (from 2 May), Punta Cana (from 4 May), Montego Bay (from 18 July) and Puerto Plata (from 19 July).

Finnair extends Alaska Airlines partnership with new codeshares for the U.S. West Coast

Finnair announced this week, a new codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines, which will further strengthen Finnair’s reach on the West Coast of the United States. Starting May 20, Finnair’s code will be added to flights operated by Alaska Airlines between San Francisco and the following cities: Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. The new codeshares will offer smooth connections for Finnair customers connecting in San Francisco, where Finnair operates from Helsinki with up to three weekly frequencies between May 3 and December 5, 2018.
“We are very happy to collaborate once again with Alaska Airlines on this new codeshare agreement,” says Philip Lewin, head of partnerships and alliances at Finnair. “The new codeshares will help us widen our network on the West Coast and offer more options for our customers. San Francisco is a key destination for Finnair and we have just extended the season until early December due to strong demand.”

Airbus’ A330neo continues toward its 2018 service entry

The A330neo is demonstrating its capabilities as the newest member of Airbus’ proven and highly-reliable twin-engine A330 Family, with flight testing continuing ahead of its planned service entry in Summer 2018.

Two test aircraft have logged more than 700 hours aloft in the 200-plus flights performed as of 10 April, according to A330neo aircraft integration and flight testing integrated product team (IPT) leader Jean-Christophe Bonjour.

He noted that flight testing has covered the globe, including the cold weather validations in Kazakhstan in temperatures as low as -27° C., natural icing testing in the United States, crosswind landing evaluations in Ireland, a Bolivia-based altitude campaign at 8,000 ft., and recently-completed hot weather trials in Mexico, which had temperatures of up to 37° C.

Now Playing at 35,000 Feet - United Airlines Adds Free Entertainment Options Across its Fleet

United Airlines announced this week better entertainment options for customers to make their next flight fly by. United has expanded its personal device entertainment option to all aircraft with DIRECTV live streaming for purchase to provide at least one free entertainment option on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft (which is any aircraft with more than 70 seats). Between February and April of this year, the airline installed personal device entertainment onto more than 200 aircraft that previously only offered DIRECTV. Customers can now use a personal laptop, Apple iOS device or Android device to access a library of complimentary movies and TV shows, in addition to having the opportunity to purchase DIRECTV to view live programming.

Turkish Airlines Further Upgrades Passenger Experience Onboard With Panasonic IFEC Solutions

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and Turkish Airlines have today announced a major commitment for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions to be line-fit installed on 50 wide-bodied aircraft the airline has on order, and with options for a further 10.

SAS orders another A330-300

One additional aircraft to increase efficiency with lower carbon footprint

SAS selected the A330-300 to further standardise its long-haul fleet. One new A330-300 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines will join the Scandinavian carrier’s network in the second quarter of 2019. SAS has been an Airbus customer since 1980 with an Airbus fleet of 57 aircraft (eight A340s, eight A330s and 41 A320 Family aircraft) to date.

“We are thankful that SAS has selected the Airbus Family for the second time this week. This further commitment by SAS to the A330 demonstrates the unmatched operating economics and operational versatility of this aircraft,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with SAS.”

The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient and versatile widebody aircraft with best-in-class economics making it the benchmark for the growing low-cost, long-haul operations business model worldwide. To date, the A330 Family has attracted over 1,700 orders, making it the world’s best-selling widebody aircraft in its category. More than 1,350 A330 Family aircraft are currently flying today with more than 110 operators worldwide. With an operational reliability of 99.4 percent and various product enhancements, the A330 Family is the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft to date.

Profits fall by 104 million for Delta

Delta Air Lines reported its financial results for the March quarter 2018 this week which showed a massive decrease in pre-tax profit over the same period last year. 

Adjusted pre-tax income for the March 2018 quarter was $676 million, a $104 million decrease from the March 2017 quarter, as record revenues were offset by higher fuel prices and other increased costs including a $44 million impact from severe winter weather.

“The Delta people delivered a strong March quarter, and our record revenue was a direct result of the great service and operational reliability they provided for our customers. It’s an honor to recognize their hard work with $183 million toward our 2018 profit sharing,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “We have confidence in our plan to grow earnings in 2018 through top-line growth, improving our cost trajectory, and leveraging our international partnerships.”

WestJet to offer direct route Québec City - Calgary between June and October 2018

WestJet Airlines has confirmed that it will be offering a new direct route between Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) from June 29 to October 26, 2018.

WestJet will fly direct four times a week to Calgary International Airport (YYC) from June 29 to September 8, and three flights a week thereafter until October 26, 2018.

"We are elated that WestJet has decided to offer passengers from Québec City a new direct route to Calgary thereby adding a connection to the Canadian and American west", said Gaëtan Gagné, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. "This decision aligns perfectly with our development strategy to improve accessibility to Québec City, increase the region's connections to the rest of the world, and support its economic growth, visibility and prestige", he concluded.

Norwegian to increase USA flights from Ireland and Scotland this winter as IAG prepares a take over bid

Norwegian is increasing flights from Edinburgh, Dublin and Shannon airports to the USA during the winter season. The newly added flights are designed to offer more choices for customers heading US-bound and fares start from just €129/£149. 

Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline launched a series of transatlantic routes from Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Shannon last summer to the US east coast. Norwegian operates brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with up to 189 seats to service the routes which serve smaller airports on the US east coast. These airports give passengers more affordable access to the New York and Boston areas in addition to tourist attractions in New England.

From 28 October, Norwegian will commence an increased winter 2018 schedule with the following added flights:

Finnair introduces 'cabin bag' only transAtlantic fare

One of Europe's leading airlines is adopting a 'low-cost' carrier mentality with the introduction of a low-cost hand baggage only fare across the Atlantic. Announced this week, Finland's flag carrier, Finnair has introduced a 'Light' economy class fare, which includes hand baggage only, on its Helsinki-New York route. 
The change is part of a joint effort by Finnair and its Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) partners, British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines, to offer more options and aligned fare types for their customers on selected North Atlantic routes.

Alaska Air Group reports March 2018 operational results

This week, Alaska Air Group Inc reported its March and year-to-date operational results on a consolidated basis for its mainline operations flown by subsidiaries Alaska Airlines Inc. (Alaska) and Virgin America Inc. (Virgin America), and for its regional flying operated by subsidiary Horizon Air Industries Inc. (Horizon) and third-party regional carriers SkyWest Airlines and Peninsula Airlines.

On Jan. 11, 2018, Alaska and Virgin America consolidated their operations onto a Single Operating Certificate (SOC). Results for Alaska and Virgin America have been combined into a single mainline operation.

Experience summer in Mont Tremblant

A hidden paradise, a hikers heaven are just two ways to describe arguably eastern North America's best ski resort, in summer! Nestled in Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant exudes a wonderful natural beauty that captures the heart and soul from the second you arrive.

SkyWest, Inc. Reports Combined March 2018 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

Earlier this week, SkyWest, Inc reported 153,600 block hours in March 2018, compared to 161,900 block hours in March 2017, a decrease of 8,300 or 5.1%.  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 6,500 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 14,800 block hours from its other aircraft types.   

United's March Performance

United Airlines reported its March 2018 operational results this week which showed modest increases over the same period last year. 


This year its consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 6.5 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 3.8 percent versus March 2017. UAL's March 2018 consolidated load factor increased 2.2 points compared to March 2017.

Is Airbus getting ready to pull out of the UK?

The Airbus CEO has given his most unambiguous warning yet that Airbus could pull out of the UK completely over the next few years as a result of Brexit.

Speaking in the Finacial Times, Tom Enders threatened the UK with the ominous warning that "Britain must realise that future investments are not a given.". It's his most outspoken attack on Brexit and most unveiled warning to the UK government and the UK staff of Airbus that the future is far from certain.  Airbus currently employs around 15,000 in the UK, mainly producing the wings for all the various Airbus commercial aircraft, spread over 25 sights and according to Enders, supports 117,000 jobs in total.

Emirates ready to confirm options for 16 A380's

Emirates indicated today that is ready to commit to purchasing 16 Airbus A380 double-decked jets, that had previously been logged as options from the European manufacturer. 

Emirates placed a provisional order for 20 of the superjumbos in January, which it has since finalised, with an option for 16 more.

“We will exercise them sooner rather than later,” Emirates President Tim Clark told reporters in Hamburg earlier today. He also said the carrier was still evaluating what power-plants it wanted to use on its new A380s, which are scheduled for delivered from 2020. “There’s nothing wrong with Rolls-Royce, but having Engine Alliance come back in again could make life interesting,” Clark said.

Mandarin Airlines adds a Global Maintenance Agreement to its partnership with ATR

ATR and Mandarin Airlines, a regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines, have signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). This comprehensive support package covers the repair, overhaul and pooling services of Line Replaceable Units, along with a door-to-door service through which ATR is providing transportation of spares to the airline’s facilities.  

 

This GMA covers the entire ATR fleet of the Taiwanese carrier, consisting of nine ATR 72-600s. World’s leading turboprop manufacturer ATR hereby reaches a key milestone of more than 300 in-service aircraft under GMAs. Through ATR’s flagship maintenance offer, Mandarin Airlines will benefit from an a la carte pay-by-the-hour maintenance package, with a high level of flexibility that makes it possible to meet a wide range of specific needs, depending on the operator’s local resources, fleet and expected operations.

Los Angeles - Josh and Jay in LA

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the city called Los Angeles?  Is it perhaps those giant white letters spelling out 'Hollywood' jumping in front of your mind's eye?  If you're a sports fan, then maybe the mere mention of LA directs your mind towards the Lakers or The Rams. The home of Universal? Where the 'Oscars' come from? 

Yes sure, it is the move making capital of the world and maybe all the stars that never were are parking cars and pumping gas, or more likely waiting tables!  And, as Josh and Jay found out, there is a whole lot more to LA than making movies.

Los Angeles is a wonderfully vibrant city with so much on offer to while away the hours, days, weeks and even months. Of course, it has some interesting theatres, both mainstream and fringe, it also boasts a whole host of other cultural highlights, including the vast art collections at the J. Paul Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Oh and don't forget the rather funky looking Broad (It kinda looks like a giant white cheesegrater) which has a world-class collection of contemporary works of art.  The Hammer Museum isn't a house of horror, its a house of brilliant brush strokes with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Sargent. They also host lectures, symposia, readings and musical performances. The Natural History Musem of Los Angeles is also worth popping along to, especially if you got little ones to keep occupied. 

Now as you would expect for this movie town, they have a museum dedicated to the business they call show. It is located on North Highland Avenue and guess what it is called? Rather unsurprisingly Hollywood Museum and you'll find such a vast collection of movie memorabilia that the inner movie buff in you will be sated for life. Josh felt spooked by the dungeon of doom while I just fancied a nice drop of Chianti with a nibble of liver with some fava beans! 

Another fun place to be, at least Josh thinks so, is Universal's CityWalk at Universal City which has live music, movies, IMAX and 19 screen movie house, some 30 shops and 30 places to fill your tummy. It can get rather busy, so if the peace and quiet is your thing, then you'll probably want to avoid coming here on Friday, Saturday or Sunday! However, of you're young or young at heart then this place gets swinging in the evening.

Air New Zealand launch new routes after ending Virgin Australia relationship.

Air New Zealand's relations with Virgin Australia have turned decidedly sour after the New Zealand carrier pulled the plug on the alliance deal that has existed between the two carriers on trans-Tasman services since 2010.

News emerged last week that ANZ was ending its relationship with Virgin Australia from this coming October as well as expanding its trans-Tasman operations with the launch of two new routes - Queenstown to Brisbane four times a week from December and Wellington to Brisbane five times a week. On top of the new services, the carrier is also increasing capacity on its Christchurch - Brisbane route. 

Military Ilyushin Il-76 crashes in Algeria

It's feared that at least 257 people have died in a plane crash in northern Algeria, the local defence ministry has advised today.

It's believed the aircraft, an Ilyushin Il-76, came down shortly after taking off from Boufarik military airport around 20 miles south of the capital Algiers in the morning. The aircraft was heading to Bechar in the south-west of the country, close to the Morocco border. 

Among the dead are believed to be at least 26 members of the Polisario Front, an Algerian backed group that are seeking independence from Morocco for Western Sahara. Other passengers on the aircraft are, according to local media, army personnel along with some of their families. The defence ministry also confirmed that ten flight crew members were also killed.

The authorities are working to identify remains of those killed and an investigation of the cause of the crash has already begun.  

Finnair wins 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for airlines

Finnair has been announced as one of the winners in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards for Airlines in the category Travellers Choice Major Airline–Europe.

TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top carriers based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for airlines worldwide gathered over a 12-month period. The Awards are entirely based on the reviews that TripAdvisor travelling community have left over the last year, and are the highest honour TripAdvisor travelling community can bestow. 

“We’re delighted to receive this recognition from our customers. Peer traveller’s reviews have an important role, when planning and choosing your travel with an airline. Reviews are also important for customer service development in airlines. We have introduced many novelties to make the air travel more comfortable, including service elements inspired by our Nordic roots, and investments into digital innovations. We are expanding our route network, and strive to be the best of the best for service, quality, and customer satisfaction also in the future, says Piia Karhu, SVP, Customer Service.

The most scenic airports in the world.......

Donegal Airport is the most scenic airport according to Private Fly.
The tiny Irish airport took the top slot following a global poll by Private Fly, really captured the hearts and minds of travellers. As you approach the airport you have amazing views of the Atlantic coast and golden sand of Carrickfin beach. 
The beach of Barra came in second as the most scenic airport, which is a little unusual as it isn't exactly an airport, just a beach which therefore arrivals and departures are only really possible during low tides and services by twin otter aircraft. However, for few that arrive, it is a very scenic place to set down.