Passenger dies on Qantas flight to Sydney

Source Qantas

Cabin crew and medics fought valiantly to save the life of a critically ill passenger on a Qantas flight from London via Singapore early this morning.

A spokesperson for the Australian airline advised that the cabin crew put out a call on the aircraft pa system asking if there were any doctors on the flight.  According to a fellow passenger, two medically trained people made themselves known to the crew, but all their efforts were in vain. “Our crew did everything they could, including helping perform CPR with a doctor who was on board, but unfortunately the passenger has passed away,” the spokesperson told local media. 

Norway sells off its stake in SAS

The Trade and Industry Minister of Norway has confirmed his country has sold its last remaining stake in Scandinavian Airlines, Torbjoern Roe Isaksen said Norway had sold 37.8 million shares, representing nearly 9.90 percent of the airline on Wednesday.

Torbjoern Roe Isaksen says the time was right and the sale will strengthen the carrier by reducing state ownership, “a good time to sell,  -  there is no reason to believe that a changed ownership will not affect jobs, (SAS’) grids or other operating conditions in the company.”

Improving PIA - not possible

The Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan heard on Friday that there was zero chance of seeing immediate improvements to the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines, as they were simply not possible.

The court was hearing the case for the airlines' privatisation, which learnt that the economic and political situation in Pakistan currently had had an effect on the airlines' operations. Losses on most routes, excess staff were considered to be the primary causes of the huge losses racked up by the airline. The airline's total loss has reached Rs406 billion, with a total of just Rs111 billion assets. 

According to PIA administrators, most of the carrier's aircraft have been grounded since last year, with political interference and a largely demotivated staff have all added to the challenges in running the company.  The court was advised that PIA's current business model would not be able to turn the airline around and make it profitable. Inexperienced staff, without the required expertise and workers unions, had also had a detrimental effect on the airlines' chances of recovery.  

The apex hearing continues. 

Qantas names next chairman

Leigh Clifford

The Australian carrier, Qantas has announced this week that its chairman Leigh Clifford will step down from the national carrier in October 2018, after 11 years in the role.

Richard Goyder, will then take on the role of Qantas Chairman following the airlines annual general meeting on 26th October. Goyder is already a member of the board, having joined Qantas' board in November 2017 after previously serving as CEO of Wesfarmers Limited for 12 years. His other roles include Chairman of Woodside Petroleum Limited and the Australian Football League.

Mr Goyder said: “Qantas is an iconic Australian company and one of the best performing airline groups in the world. I’m honoured to be named its Chairman and look forward to working with my Board colleagues to help it take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Richard Goyder

Leigh Clifford became Qantas chairman in November 2007 and has lead the airline through many changes and achieving record levels of profitability, employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead the Qantas Board for these past 11 years. The national carrier has never been in a stronger position and that’s a credit to the management team and the 30,000 employees that make up the Qantas Group family.  Richard is one of the most experienced business leaders in Australia and an excellent choice to lead the Qantas Board into the future.” Mr Clifford said. 

Syrian airlines banned from Georgia airspace.

Syrian airlines have been banned from Georgian airspace recently in a move that has been confirmed as a direct retaliation for the Syrian government's official recognition of the breakaway republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia last month. 

The move by Syria was announced in May as a gesture of gratitude to Russia for its military support during the civil war and the fight against so-called Islamic State terrorists. 

The ban by Georgia will mean that Syria Air and Cham Wings will no longer be able to fly over Georgia and will have to overfly Azerbaijan instead, which could add extra time to flights.  “I can confirm that Georgia’s airspace is closed for two Syrian air companies: Syrian Air and Cham Wings,” the head of Georgia’s Air Navigation Service, Gocha Mezvrishvili, told media. “We made this decision after Syria recognized our occupied regions.”

Row over 'aeroplane' mode see's passenger kicked off SkyWest flight

A number of passengers were removed from a Delta Air Lines flight at Fort Wayne International Airport after a disagreement between a flight attendant and a passenger who refused to turn her phone to its aeroplane mode.

Robyn Rodgers from New York used social media to tell how she was “unfairly ejected” from The Delta flight.  She claims the flight attendant “rudely” instructed her to place her phone in its 'safe' aeroplane mode before the aircraft could take off.

She claims she obliged while the flight attendant “menacingly stood over me with her arms folded waiting for me to do it.”

It was then that the argument ensued, the flight attendant saying she'd asked Rodgers numerous times to change the settings on her mobile phone, yet Rodgers insisted it was only once.  A passenger in seats over the aisle of the aircraft tried to step in and defend Roberts, then began filming the incident.

Roberts claims she was asked just once.

Oman Air's new roye to Casablanca starts o Sunday

This Sunday will see the inaugural flight of Oman Air's new service from Muscat to the magical Moroccan city of Casablanca, as the carrier continues to expand both its fleet and its route network.

The new route comes fresh on the heels of Oman Air most recent new service, Istanbul, which started on 1st of June and ahead of the winter launch of a service to Moscow which is currently planned to start in October 2018.

The service to Casablanca will be operated by a 787-800 Dreamliner and will depart from Muscat four times per week flying to Mohammed V International Airport. With a flight time of 8 hours and 50 minutes, Flight WY171 will depart Muscat on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 01.20, arriving in Casablanca at 07.10. The return flight WY172 will depart Casablanca at 08.20 on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving in Muscat International Airport’s new, award-winning passenger terminal at 19.15; a return flight duration of 7 hours and 50 minutes.

United's 777 to go back to Guam

United Airlines removed its Boeing 777 aircraft from the Guam - Tokyo-Narita route earlier this year, however, due to extra demand the airline is reversing its decision - at least between 28th October 2018 and 30th arch 2019.

 The service is currently being operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, Patrick Quayle, from United, says, "Guam and Tokyo are important cities for United Airlines and we remain committed to supporting our customers and employees in these regions.  -  In the last few months, we have noticed the market begin to recover and, in response, we made the decision to resume widebody service between Guam and Tokyo to meet this rising demand."

Sam Shinohara, United managing director of Asia/Pacific Airport Operations, said: "We are pleased to welcome back the B777s to the Guam-Tokyo route. This is a direct reflection of the increase in demand for travel to Guam and our valuable relationships with many business partners such as the Guam Visitors Bureau and major travel agency partners in Japan. The more than 60,000 additional seats not only helps meet the inbound demand from Japan but also offers our Guam customers with more options when travelling to Tokyo, the mainland U.S. and beyond."

Air Canada offers preferential treatment to families with young children

Photo Air Canada

Air Canada is giving preferential treatment to passengers with young children, including dedicated check-in counters at major hubs, complimentary seat selection for proximity seating, and a range of other services designed to meet the needs of travelling families.

Anyone flying Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express with young children will be able to take advantage of the special treatment, at the expense of the rest of the passengers.  

Southwest extends timetable to March 2019

      Flight Schedule Through Early March 2019

                 Southwest today published its bookable flight schedule through March 6, 2019, bringing additional options for Customers travelling nonstop between North Texas and a half-dozen cities, as well as additional service on popular routes currently served from Dallas Love Field. The publication of the larger January/February flight schedule also brings back wintertime seasonal service from coast to coast…and to the Caribbean! 

15 Airlines Globally Earn Five Stars in OAG’s Latest On-Time Performance Star Ratings

                       OAG,  the global leader in flight information, has released its On-time Performance (OTP) Star Ratings, which accredits the top airlines and airports around the world for superior punctuality performance. Notable carrier performances across the globe include Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways (five stars each) and Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines (four stars each). Japan’s Nagoya Komaki Airport (NKM) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) performed exceptionally, earning five and four stars, respectively. British Airways was the highest UK airline, getting just three stars at 77.1 OTP. 

OAG’s annual rating system is a global accreditation program that recognises exceptional OTP across all airports and airlines regardless of size, geographic location or aviation peer group. The awards showcase the industry’s premier performers, with the top ten percent of airlines and airports receiving five stars. The awards are then distributed based on performance across all airlines and airports, with the poorest performers receiving one star. This year’s ratings are based on performance across the 12-months ending in May 2018.

A new maintenance base facility at Appleton International Airport for Air Wisconsin Airlines

Construction of the new state-of-the-art-hangar at Appleton International Airport will bring at least 80 high-paying jobs to the local area according to Air Wisconsin Airlines.

The regional carrier operating as United Express on behalf of United Airlines has announced plans in conjunction with Appleton International Airport and Outagamie County, WI to build a new aircraft maintenance base facility in Appleton. This new facility will be located near the north-west area of the airfield and will have approximately 30,000 square feet of hangar space in addition to 7,000 square feet of office and maintenance support space. Construction of the new state-of-the-art-hangar, which will house up to four regional jets, will commence in early July and will be completed by the end of this year.

New Air Services Added to Palm Springs International Airport

Visitors to the Greater Palm Springs area can now choose from a variety of new air services when flying to and from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).

Delta Air Lines is adding new, seasonal nonstop air service between Atlanta and Palm Springs beginning Winter 2018. The flights will be offered between December 20, 2018, and March 30, 2019.

"The addition of this non-stop flight is a great first step for Greater Palm Springs to work with Delta on growing greater frequency from their hub airport, which is the busiest airport in the United States," said Scott White, CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Maple cookies coming to a United Airlines flight

United Airlines is introducing a new item into its complimentary snack rotation on domestic flights departing before 9:45 a.m. This new snack, created especially for the airline by the Byrd Cookie Company, is a maple wafer cookie that combines a crunchy texture with a sweet maple flavour. The new snack will begin to roll out on flights as early as this weekend.

"We know that maple is an increasingly appealing flavour, and we are always looking for ways to capitalize on trends in taste buds," Vice President of Catering Operations Charlean Gmunder said. "We are excited to offer our customers a light, crisp snack that is created by a woman-owned bakery."

JetBlue introduce Boston to Havana service

JetBlue is again expanding and diversifying its flying schedule in Havana with new service from Boston and more flights from Fort Lauderdale. New England and South Florida nonstop service, combined with JetBlue’s existing nonstop service from New York and Orlando, means JetBlue will link Cuba’s capital with four American cities – more than any other U.S. airline.

“As the first airline to operate commercial service between the U.S. and Cuba, we are proud to celebrate another first as the only carrier to serve Havana from Boston while also growing our successful service in Fort Lauderdale,” said John Checketts, vice president network planning, JetBlue. “JetBlue will operate more than 50 weekly flights between the U.S. and Cuba from every one of our east coast focus cities.”

Delta Air Lines open renovated Sky Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Delta Air Lines has renovated its Sky Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and it is now open, offering an extra 1,800 square feet of space for guests to enjoy!

"We are looking forward to sharing the stunning Delta Sky Club at DCA with Washingtonians. From the cherry-blossom inspired chandelier to the sophisticated finishes, we've thoughtfully designed every detail of this Club for our guests," said Claude Roussel,  Managing Director of Delta Sky Club. "The investments Delta is making in Delta Sky Clubs reflect our commitment to take the guest experience to the next level."

The 9,000 square feet space includes features for which Delta Sky Club is known, along with special touches inspired by Washington, D.C.

Virgin Atlantic to end Dubai service

Virgin Atlantic the British airline that is almost half owned by Delta has announced today that it is calling a halt to its London - Dubai service. 

The airline has advised the last day of service on the route will be 30th March 2019, because it can't compete with Emirates on the route and because Delta wants the airline to concentrate more fully on transatlantic operations.

Shai Weiss, Chief Commercial Officer and the airlines next CEO said: “It‘s never an easy decision to withdraw a route, and we’d like to thank our customers and dedicated team in Dubai for their loyalty over the last 12 years. We’ll continue to offer daily flights between Dubai and London Heathrow until 31 March 2019, and will be sad to say goodbye to this fantastic city.”

Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate the current daily rotation on the route as planned and people can still make bookings for travel before 31st March 2019. 

Jet2 call for airport booze ban after one of its flights diverts for rowdy passengers

British holiday airline Jet2 is joining forces with Ryanair in calling for greater regulation on the sale of alcohol at airports prior to flights after one of its aircraft diverted because of a 'rowdy' stag party.

A Jet2 flight heading to Ibiza from Birmingham on Friday had to divert to Toulouse in France because of the 'appalling and aggressive' behaviour by members of the stag party.  Jet2's management said the group have been repeatedly warned by the cabin crew, yet they continued to behave in an “appalling and aggressive” manner, leaving the crew no choice other than to divert to Toulouse and offload the offending passengers.

Jet2 claimed the cabin crew decided to suspend sales of alcohol on the flight after one member of the stag party group was refused boarding for being “drunk and aggressive”. Yet other passengers on the flight dispute that and say cabin crew initially served the stag group drinks. Jet2 say despite one of the party being left behind, the rest of them continued to act in a “deplorable and aggressive” fashion after the aircraft took off, despite the packed holiday jet being filled with families, many with young children. 

Air Transat to lease seven new Airbus A321neos

Canada's number one holiday airline, Air Transat, has agreed to lease seven new Airbus aircraft made up of two A321neos and five A321neo LRs from AerCap.

AirTransat will gradulally receive these next-generation, single-aisle jets, between 2020 and 2022 and will be used to replace the older widebody A330s the carrier has as their leases expire. 

"We are continuing our fleet transformation in order to achieve greater efficiency and versatility," said Jean-François Lemay, President of Air Transat. "With their smaller size, the A321neos will enable us to implement our air strategy, which involves increasing our flight frequencies, expanding our network and strengthening our position in several markets. The goal: continue to provide our customers with comfortable service at the best possible price."

Air France making flying fun for kids

WELCOME ON BOARD, LITTLE ONES!

Air France is introducing a new upgraded offering for its younger passengers which will make travelling with kids a whole lot less stressful for parents and perhaps more peaceful for the rest of us!

The airline wants to make flying a fun experience for the younger flyer, so it is dedicating more time and effort to its younger passengers and their parents, from the time they make their booking to the time they return home, making things easier for them with its "Air France" and "Air France Kids" apps.

With 1,400,000 little ones travelling on its flights every year, including 300,000 travelling alone, but very well accompanied, Air France is constantly innovating with just one aim: to make flying off on holiday fun!

Norwegian introduces new slimline seats to transatlantic flights on 737 MAX

Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline, Norwegian has taken delivery of the first or more than 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft it has on order from the American manufacturer.

The new arrival for the highly regarded airline features an upgraded cabin that features new slimline seats that have been designed for more comfort on longer routes and will give taller, thin passengers more personal space.

The European carrier is due to receive 12 of the Boeing's this year and each will be fitted with the new slimline seats which will be used on transatlantic routes to New York and Providence near Boston, from the UK and Ireland. The airline plans to replace its older 737-800's with the new 737 MAX aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation plans.  

Iberia gets its first A350 XWB

IAG's Spanish airline Iberia has taken delivery of the one of 16 A350 XWB aircraft, the first of the IAG group to do so.

Iberia became the 18th airline to have the world’s newest and most efficient twin-engine widebody from Airbus when it took delivery on Tuesday.  The aircraft is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 348 seats, including 31 full lie-flat bed Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 293 Economy.

“We are delighted to receive our first A350, an aircraft that represents perfectly the efficiency and modernity of the new Iberia, as well as the power and energy that brought us here,” said Luis Gallego, President of Iberia. “If during these last years we transformed ourselves to survive, now we are transforming ourselves for excellence, a cycle change that this new aircraft represents so well.”

“We are tremendously proud of Airbus’ long-standing relationship with Iberia and to be delivering its first A350-900,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO. “Iberia was a founding member airline of IAG, a group that with this delivery successfully operates every member of our commercial aircraft family, from the A318 to the largest A380 and now the most modern A350. Congratulations to the teams of Iberia and IAG.”

S7 gets first A321-200neo

S7 Airlines received its first new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft from aircraft leasing specialists Air Lease Corporation.  This aircraft is the first of four Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-powered A321neos to be delivered in 2018 to S7 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.  

“The four new ALC A321neo aircraft bring a new level of operating efficiency and competitiveness to S7’s fleet,” said Alex Khatibi, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  “S7 is a highly regarded customer for ALC and this lease placement underlines our commitment to S7’s modernization and continued successful growth as a leading airline.”

“We are glad to receive the first Airbus A321neo from our partners Air Lease Corporation. S7 Airlines continues to renew its air fleet with the latest developments of the world’s major producers. New Airbus A321neo aircraft will enable us to increase capacity of long-distance flights within Russia as well as offer our passengers' new international routes. We are pleased that S7 Airlines’ passengers will be the first ones to enjoy the comfort of travelling on board of these modern aircraft,” Vladimir Obyedkov, CEO of S7 Airlines, said.

More expansion for Spirit at Houston

Spirit Airlines continues its international expansion, this time from Houston as the airline announces it will start service from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Salvador, El Salvador* with year-round service running three times weekly to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL). The new services will be staring on 6th September 2018 and then on the next day, on September 7, Spirit will begin nonstop flights between Houston and Guatemala City, Guatemala* with year-round service eventually running four times weekly to La Aurora International Airport (GUA).  The additions offer affordable fares for international travel to see friends, family, or just for fun!

Spirit passengers face angry outburst from fellow passenger.

Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight had to contend first with a diversion for a fellow passenger with a medical problem and then an irate and offensive outburst from another passenger for no apparent reason.

A Minneapolis headed flight made an emergency landing in Rochester, Minnesota because of a medical emergency, then a female passenger erupted in a fit of rage and launched a profanity-riddled tirade at other passengers and flight crew. 

Part of the woman's rant was camptured on video by a fellow passenger, Chianti Washington who posted the footage on social media, which has since been viewed by more than 1.2 million people. 

"She was yelling at the two gentlemen that were trying to block her -- it was very scary," Ms Washington told local media "She would just not stop, and as police escorted her off the aircraft continued to remain belligerent."

"All I could think about was the children on the aircraft -- I said a prayer.  - You just didn't know what she was going to do. We were very much scared and shaken by her behavior."

A spokesperson for Spirit Airlines said "Yesterday morning a flight from Houston to Minneapolis had to land in Rochester, Minnesota due to a Guest experiencing a medical emergency. On the ground in Rochester, another passenger became erratic and irate and was removed from the aircraft with the assistance of law enforcement. We apologize to our Guests who had to witness this and for the inconvenience of the delay. Safety if our top priority at Spirit Airlines."

No Waves until September

The little Channel Island airline Waves has put a halt to all flying until September due to previous licensing problems.

The air taxi service launched in November and billed itself as the 'uber of the skies', however, it didn't get the start it hoped for. The little air taxi firm was prevented from selling single seats following complaints from Blue Islands. 

Waves CEO, Nick Magliocchetti said, "The application process was lengthy and the delays damaged momentum at a time when Waves was gaining significant ground, which ultimately had a detrimental effect on the business, our staff and our customers."

The company will now use the next two months to refocus its business mdel and "strengthening its position in the market" according to Nick Magliocchetti, the airline will also spend part of the next two months looking at how the airline can expand its fleet and flying routes.  

The airline is due to restart flying on 1st September and all passengers set to fly with the airline before this date will be offered a full refund.

El Al facing a boycott for discrimination against women

The Israeli airline El Al is facing fresh boycott calls this week over making woman passengers move in favour of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, despite court orders against the policy.

The latest calls for action against El Al comes after reports started circulating from a passenger on a New York JFK - Tel Aviv El Al flight on Friday. where four ultra-Orthodox men refused to take their assigned seats because they happened to be next to women.

Khen Rotem, used social media to document the incident that saw the men create such a fuss and disturbance, the aircraft missed its slot time and was delayed by more than an hour. 

According to Khem, one of the men was so religious, he boarded the flight with his eyes closed to avoid even looking at women. The men refused to speak with female flight attendants, only conversing with the male staff members.   The flight attendants were busy “putting personal practice of faith ahead of individual rights and civil order,” Rotem wrote on social media, causing the flight to be delayed. 

The crew then moved female passengers away so the men could take their seats and the flight continue to its destination. The events come almost exactly a year after the airline was told by a court in Israel that airline employees cannot ask female passengers to move seats to accommodate men. 

As a result of the news, a major technology company has announced its boycott of  El Al, Barak Eilam, CEO of NICE Systems, confirmed his company would not fly with the Israeli flag-carrier until it changed its “practice and actions discriminating (of), women. - At NICE we don't do business with companies that discriminate against race, gender or religion,"

QantasLink shows off cabin upgrades

QantasLink’s first upgraded turboprop aircraft will today take to the skies with a refreshed cabin and greater comfort for the airline’s regional customers.

The upgraded Q300 turboprop was unveiled this morning at QantasLink’s hangar facility at Tamworth Airport, the airline’s hub for regional aircraft maintenance. The program to upgrade the fleet of 45 Bombardier Q200, Q300 and Q400 aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Passengers onboard flight QF2003 from Tamworth to Sydney will be the first QantasLink customers to fly on the upgraded turboprop.

The fleet upgrade is part of a multi-million dollar commitment to providing regional passengers with a better overall travel experience.

Toronto Pearson prepares to welcome 10.4M passengers this summer

Canada's largest airport is preparing to welcome over ten million passengers between Canada Day and Labour Day, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period five years ago. The summer rush is predicted to bring with it an average of 155,000 passengers per day, climbing even further skyward on high-volume days. Toronto Pearson and its partners—air carriers, Canadian customs, CATSA and more—have taken steps to prepare for this massive influx of passengers and offer tips to help make travel easier.

United's Newest Business Class Lounge Opens in Houston

Beginning this Friday, customers travelling in United Polaris® business class, the airline's international premium cabin travel experience, will be able to relax before their travels and enjoy locally-inspired food and beverage offerings with the opening of the new United Polaris lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

United Polaris Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is United's Third Polaris Lounge to Open Since April

Qantas release short-list for a future pilot academy location

The Qantas Group released a shortlist over the weekend of the nine regional cities in the running to be home to the new Qantas Group Pilot Academy.

The Academy, due to open its doors in 2019, is part of the Qantas Group’s plans to build a long-term talent pipeline for its airlines and meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Estimates suggest the global airline industry needs more than 640,000 more pilots over the next 20 years – 40 per cent of them in the Asia Pacific region.

UK MP's vote for 3rd runway at London Heathrow

In the UK, politicians debated whether to approve plans for a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport as part of the government's National Policy Statement.

There were heated exchanges in the House of Commons during the debate and the issue has divided MPs from different parties, former education secretary Justine Greening joining the only Green MP, Caroline Lucas in the no lobbies. Some Labour MPs defied the party's previous stance as being against the expansion of Heathrow to vote along with the government to approve it.

The result of the vote was 415 in favour, 119 against - a majority of 296, a clear win for those that seek a third runway at Heathrow, which already runs at 99% capacity. 

The Scotish National Party had previously been long-term supporters of the bill and Heathrow expansion, however, changed their collective minds at the last minute and were instructed to abstain.  One political correspondent dubbed them the "'say nothing party', guaranteed to say one thing in public and then do something completely different in parliament."  

Opposition MPs shouted "Where's Boris?" during the debate, as Boris Johnson - who has been very vocal about his opposition to the third runway Heathrow, was absent from the vote, as he had gone to Afghanistan.  

At one time, noisy anti-Heathrow protesters staged a central lobby protest, many laying down, hoping to delay the vote. The Vote No Heathrow campaigners got down on the floor, with the direct intentions to halt democracy, but were ejected from Parliament by police.

Norwegian announces new route to Tampa and further increases for Winter 2018

 Norwegian to operate new twice-weekly service from London to Tampa from 31stOctober 2018

The popular low-cost airline, Norwegian has announced that from 31^st October 2018 the airline will launch a new twice-weekly service from London Gatwick to Tampa – 

The airline will also give customers greater choice to Florida and other parts of the world this winter as it launches its winter schedule of long-haul flights from London Gatwick. The airline has made the following schedule updates:

• Daily service to Fort Lauderdale (Miami)– The popular service increases this winter to a daily service, up from three flights a week, giving more choice to travellers seeking a relaxing beach holiday. Fares are available from £175 in economy and £515 in Premium one way.

• Four weekly flights to Orlando- Visiting the world-famous family adventure parks is now even easier as the Orlando route increases from three to a four-weekly service. Fares are available from £175 in economy and £515 in Premium one way.

• Daily service to Buenos Aires- In response to strong demand for the London Gatwick to Buenos Aires route, services will increase from four flights a week to a daily service providing customers with greater flexibility and convenience. Lowest fares are now available from £315 in economy and £640 in Premium one way.

• Three weekly flights to Las Vegas-For high rollers, Las Vegas returns this winter with an additional service with a third weekly flight. Fares start from £195 in economy and £515 in Premium one way.

• Daily service to Boston –Services to Boston will increase from five flights a week to a daily service. Fares start from £155 in economy and £415 in Premium one way.

Bamboo Airways Announce Commitment for 20 787 Dreamliners

Bamboo Airways confirmed today a commitment for 20 787-9 Dreamliners in a deal worth $4.9 billion.  If Boeing is able to deliver on schedule then Bamboo Airways can expect the first aircraft to arrive in April 2010 with the rest following until 2021

"We are excited to introduce these new 787 Dreamliners into our fleet as we prepare to launch long-haul operations to international markets," said Mr Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group, 100% owner of Bamboo Airways. "Our long-term vision is to connect Vietnam to key markets within Asia, Europe and North America and the capabilities of these new state-of-the-art Dreamliners will help us achieve our goals."

Bamboo Airways is a startup airline that plans to begin commercial operations in 2019 out of the capital city of Hanoi. The carrier plans to offer flights within Vietnam before expanding into other Northeast Asian markets such as China, Korea and Japan. "We are delighted to welcome Bamboo Airways to the Boeing family and we look forward to Bamboo joining the growing group of global airlines that fly the 787 Dreamliner," said Mr Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are confident that the 787 will help launch Bamboo's long-haul operations and serve as the foundation of their success for many years to come."

Expanded Delta-GOL codeshare connects Florida to Brasilia and Fortaleza

Delta Air Lines and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes SA announced last week they would cooperate on a codeshare deal for four daily non-stop codeshare flights connecting Miami and Orlando with Fortaleza and Brasilia.

"This is the most significant expansion we have done with GOL since last year, when we announced international codeshare in South America, and it is the next step as we grow our alliance partnership," said Luciano Macagno, Delta's Managing Director - Latin America and the Caribbean. "Codesharing on these flights shows our commitment to Brazil and to Florida and our desire to offer our customers more access between Northern Brazil and the U.S."

Increasing schedules for Uzbekistan Airways

Uzbekistan Airways has expanded its Tashkent – Moscow Domodedovo route by adding an additional flight on Mondays and Saturdays. 

The additional flights will leave Tashkent at 1300 to arrive in Moscow at 1515, while the return flight leaves at 1645 getting back into Tashkent at 2235 local time.  The airline will operate the extra rotations with a Boeing 757 on Saturdays and an Airbus A320 on the midweek servce.  

The carrier has advised will deploy a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on a route from Tashkent to Istanbul in Turkey from 13th November 2018.  The airline says it will operate the route on the Dreamliner 10 times a week during the winter season. 

Etihad pilots can fly for Emirates in new deal.

Etihad Airways pilots can now take advantage of a special collaboration with neighbours Emirates Airlines and fly for the Dubai based carrier for up to two years.

The Abu Dhabi airline confirmed on Sunday that its close collaboration with one-time rival Emirates is getting a step closer this time by allowing its flight deck crew to take up opportunities with Emirates. In a memo to staff, Etihad said pilots could go for up to two years and fly with Emirates, for which they would receive full benefits and salaries from Emirates.

Pilots flying for Emirates would have to take a leave of absence but would continue to retain their seniority with Etihad. “The opportunity will see these pilots that successfully complete the Emirates selection process seconded to Emirates for two years, upon completion of line training,” the memo reads. “We will be organising an on-site roadshow at Etihad Airways Headquarters where the Emirates requirement team will be available to discuss further details about this opportunity.” the memo comes from Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad’s vice president of fleet operations.

This is the second public step to greater cooperation between the two Gulf carriers in recent times, the first was a deal to collaborate in various aspects of aviation security.   It is understood there will be a further alignment of some ground operations announced within the new few weeks. While both airlines have dismissed a possible merger, various industry commentators and airline insiders foresee a merger in some form a distinct possibility. 

New security checks for US and UK bound Philippine Airlines passengers as they launch new route to Seoul

A new route linking South Korea's Seoul Incheon airport with the popular resort of Palawan in the Philippines has been launched by the national carrier Philippine Airlines.

The new daily flight will be served by a 199-seat Airbus A321 and marks the first direct route between South Korea and the island province. Airport officials indicate they expect some 120,000 passengers each year will use the direct link.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines has complied with new US and UK regulatory requirements and enhanced its security measures concerning powders.  For the carriers, US-bound flights the airline will screen powder-like substances on a random continuous basis aside from screening all electronic devices larger than a mobile smartphone effective 30 June 2018. The airline advises passengers that there will be slightly different check-in counter and gate screening set up and to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure.

Philippine Airlines is now implementing enhanced security measures for its UK-bound flights – Manila-London Heathrow - by way of additional random screening of check-in baggage and gate screening procedures of passengers and hand carry baggage, again it asks passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. 

JetSuiteX Three-Day Flash Sale Takes Off Between Reno And Oakland

 JetSuiteX will also make a donation to Angel Flight West, to help transport patients around the West Coast to treatments at some of the nation's best medical facilities.

JetSuiteX is taking off in Reno, and making semi-private travel available for a great price, and for a great cause. For three days only, starting Monday, June 25, through Wednesday, June 27, select tickets* onboard JetSuiteX will be available for just $29. For every ticket sold,

10 years of operations in Ukraine for WizzAir

Wizz Air, one of Europe’s fastest-growing airlines and a leading low-cost carrier celebrated a major milestone on Thursday with its 10th anniversary of operations in Ukraine.

The airline marked the birthday by the allocation of a third Airbus A320 aircraft at its Kyiv base and the commencement of 4 new exciting routes from Kyiv to Lisbon, Tallinn and Berlin and from Kharkiv to Katowice.  Along with the new services, the airline is increasing the weekly frequencies to seven popular destinations from Ukraine, adding in total 24 additional weekly flights.

As the pioneer of affordable travel in Ukraine, Wizz Air has created in the past 10 years new travel opportunities for its customers constantly expanding its low-fare network. Since its first international flight from Kyiv to London Luton in 2008, the airline has carried over 6.1 million passengers from and to Ukraine.

Pobeda sues smoking passengers for causing diversions and wins

Is the Russian budget airline Pobeda starting a precedent by suing unruly passengers whose bad behaviour forces an aircraft to divert?

The low-cost airline has recently won a number of court cases it took to reclaim the costs of diversions against the passengers that caused them by bad behaviour - in the most recent three cases the bad behaviour was smoking during the flight.

The airline told the courts the flights were diverted to "exclude the possibility of fire" after smoke alarms had been triggered.  Flights DP188, DP189 and DP855 operating between Moscow and the cities of Gyumri and Makhachkala in August-September last year were diverted either to Mineralnye Vody or Volgograd and Pobeda decided to go after the passengers financially to recoup some of the costs associated with each diversion.  

In all three recent cases, the courts sided with the airline granting them legal damages of Rb700,000 ($11,000) in total. General director Andrei Kalmykov says that would-be smokers should "think a hundred times" before smoking on Pobeda's flights. He warned that the airline was working closely with financial recovery specialists to collect all the claims in full.

Pobeda is not the first airline to take legal action against passengers, in 2015 British budget airline Jet2 said it was taking legal action against a passenger, Jamie Ferguson, in Ibiza following Ferguson's abusive behaviour on a flight from Glasgow.  At the time the airline said it had banned Mr Ferguson for life and would be "pursuing legal action against the troublemaker in the Spanish courts".

Are the Pobeda cases about to set a precedent for airlines taking legal action against passengers who cause disruption through excess alcohol consumption, aggression or just plain bad behaviour?

"I firmly believe all airlines should take legal action against passengers you cause disruption to flights through being drunk on a flight or acting aggressively and dangerously." Our chief aviation correspondent Jason Shaw says. "The cost of a diversion can soon mount up for an airline, especially if the crew are coming to the end of their allowed duty hours and so, therefore, it seems only fair to recoup those costs, in full or in part, from the direct cause of those unexpected extra costs. It would also act as a deterrent to some people if they know that airlines will come after them legally for the extra costs their drunkenness of aggression costs."

   

SAS to lease two new Airbus A320-200neo

 Air Lease Corporation announced long-term lease agreements with SAS for two new CFM LEAP-1A26-powered Airbus A320-200neo aircraft scheduled for delivery in November 2019 and April 2020.

“We are pleased to announce this new lease placement with SAS,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC looks forward to building our long-term relationship with SAS as they continue to add new aircraft to modernize their fleet and grow their network, as well as maximize their competitive advantage in the market.”

Marc Baer, Air Lease Corporation’s Executive Vice President added, “ALC expects these two Airbus A320-200neo aircraft additions will be key to SAS as the airline continues to enhance their fleet operations and provide their passengers with elevated comfort and excellent service.”  SAS carries more than 30 million passengers annually and is Scandinavia’s leading airline with close to 800 daily flights on 272 routes to 123 destinations in Scandinavia, Europe, USA and Asia. SAS is a member of Star Alliance™ and can together with its partner airlines offer more than 18,400 daily flights to 1,300 destinations around the world in over 190 countries. 

KLM helps seven-year-old surprise his great-grandfather Nol Neuhaus

Arnold Neuhaus (Grandpa Nol) recently turned 90. 

His great-grandson, Jagger, teamed up with KLM

 to surprise Arnold with the flight of a lifetime.

Little Nol took part in a KLM contest in 1935 and won an airborne excursion over Amsterdam. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to collect and enjoy his prize at the time due to a sister who was ill. 83 years later, his seven-year-old great-grandson and KLM arranged the airborne excursion for the ninetieth birthday of grandpa Nol.

In this video, Arnold’s great-grandson, accompanied by two KLM stewardesses, comes to pick “Grandpa Nol” up for an unforgettable flight, making a dream come true after 83 years!

Skymark Airlines set to start Saipan service

Saipan and Palau in the south Pacific look likely to get a new air service from Japan as the Tokyo-based Skymark Airlines says it will introduce a service to the islands.

The initial plans are for Skymark will operate charter flights to Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau, this year, with a scheduled services following next year.

The carrier will use a 737-800 on the service and according to local media is starting the charter flights after the island governments approached the low-cost carrier to establish the air route.  The request follows Delta Air Lines termination of the route last month.

Micronesian islands are major tourist destinations, particularly with people from Japan, around 52,000 Japanese tourists visited Saipan last year, however, the figure was down on previous numbers because of the reduced air services.