More next week from the T4 spotting run....
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Airplane p0rn - BA 757 - Rotate
Time for some airplane p0rn - this time a BA 757 taking off from Heathrow
Picture (c) Kevin Marshall, The Raven Archive.
More next week from the T4 spotting run....
More next week from the T4 spotting run....
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Hello from SYD
Well that was nice 8 and a bit hour flight. Shame someone was sat next to me for most of it...
More to come in the trip report later ;)
More to come in the trip report later ;)
Friday, 28 August 2009
News Roundup - Jetting in to Trouble, Air Nugini (who?)
If this isn't shown as updated, I apologise - I'm actually taking some of my own advice for once and upping sticks and going travelling thanks to the BA Ashes Sale. I'll try and keep it up to date until Thursday - after that point my internet connectivity will be limited. Full normal service resumed by Friday 6th!
Jet Troubles - Strikes on the way
Alas, Jet Airways of India seem to be having a few problems as the management are denying the reinstatement of two employees. If there's a strike - look out for it from the 7th September....
(Times of India)
Air Nuigini to order a pair of Dash-8-Q400's
(Who? It's the national carrier of Papa New Guniea it seems - learn something new every day I suppose!).
Air Nuigini is to order a pair of Q400's citing growth, better performance than a Fokker F70 on Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) .
It'll be a first for this carrier as they'll be ordering directly from Bombardier and not acquiring the units from the second hand market (as they're the older more fuel guzzling/lower performance/high noise - and judging by my ride in a Dash8-100, I'd agree with this)
Deployment is being considered for 2010, with routes to Sydney and Melbourne being considered.
(Flight)
TAM Rocks Amadeus, Gets Starry Eyed
TAM is gearing up for Star Alliance membership with it signing a 10 year deal with Amadeus to provide IT and airside systems. Before you get excited though - they haven't signed up to the GDS (Global Distribution System) just yet, but are open to it.
TAM are aiming for an end of year join to Star Alliance, but in realistic terms - targeting April next year, thus plugging the South American gap.
More next week - When I get round to publishing it!
Jet Troubles - Strikes on the way
Alas, Jet Airways of India seem to be having a few problems as the management are denying the reinstatement of two employees. If there's a strike - look out for it from the 7th September....
(Times of India)
Air Nuigini to order a pair of Dash-8-Q400's
(Who? It's the national carrier of Papa New Guniea it seems - learn something new every day I suppose!).
Air Nuigini is to order a pair of Q400's citing growth, better performance than a Fokker F70 on Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) .
It'll be a first for this carrier as they'll be ordering directly from Bombardier and not acquiring the units from the second hand market (as they're the older more fuel guzzling/lower performance/high noise - and judging by my ride in a Dash8-100, I'd agree with this)
Deployment is being considered for 2010, with routes to Sydney and Melbourne being considered.
(Flight)
TAM Rocks Amadeus, Gets Starry Eyed
TAM is gearing up for Star Alliance membership with it signing a 10 year deal with Amadeus to provide IT and airside systems. Before you get excited though - they haven't signed up to the GDS (Global Distribution System) just yet, but are open to it.
TAM are aiming for an end of year join to Star Alliance, but in realistic terms - targeting April next year, thus plugging the South American gap.
More next week - When I get round to publishing it!
Hello from BKK
Yup - made it to BKK ok and have survived duty free and the endless (but polite) security checks.
Next stop: SYD.... updates as they come!
Next stop: SYD.... updates as they come!
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Hello from Heathrow!
Sorry if this is a bit basic - I'm blaming blogger.
Well the adventure has begun... What will follow? Bad trains? Annoying Londoners? Me drinking coffee and watching planes take off?
More to come...
Well the adventure has begun... What will follow? Bad trains? Annoying Londoners? Me drinking coffee and watching planes take off?
More to come...
A warm welcome - but I still hate packing
Greetings to those in my office who are reading this if you read to the bottom of my byebye email! For those of you who are joining Ghettoife.com the first time, or are semi regular readers of this blog - it's time for the Sydney run!
Update from the flat - Yes - I've almost packed now... next stop is the train ... (although packing is STILL a royal pain!)
Updates will follow when I can get to an internet connection ;)
Let travel commence!
Update from the flat - Yes - I've almost packed now... next stop is the train ... (although packing is STILL a royal pain!)
Updates will follow when I can get to an internet connection ;)
Let travel commence!
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
E-Smoking is bad for a MD-11s Health.
So in early August, a FedEx MD-11 had to make an emergency landing at Miniapolis St Pauls on 14th with an onboard fire.
(Yes they're DC-10's.. but close enough....)
Now whilst concerning itself, the cargo that was on fire was - electronic cigarettes (as sold in various pubs and certain Low Cost Irish Big Mouth Carriers)
Made up mostly untested chemicals, nicotine and lithium batteries to boil the contents so when you puff, you have a shot of nicotine and the world seems right.
Alas, put a lot of them togerther and have a few that are faulty, sparks fly.... and this is what happens next:
Zoiks!
Well they do say smoking of any sorts is bad for your health... and almost the health of pilots of the FedEx MD-11. Good work getting the bird down safely.
Hat tip to Flight's "Unusual Altitude"
Now whilst concerning itself, the cargo that was on fire was - electronic cigarettes (as sold in various pubs and certain Low Cost Irish Big Mouth Carriers)
Made up mostly untested chemicals, nicotine and lithium batteries to boil the contents so when you puff, you have a shot of nicotine and the world seems right.
Alas, put a lot of them togerther and have a few that are faulty, sparks fly.... and this is what happens next:
Zoiks!
Well they do say smoking of any sorts is bad for your health... and almost the health of pilots of the FedEx MD-11. Good work getting the bird down safely.
Hat tip to Flight's "Unusual Altitude"
Monday, 24 August 2009
Ein Bier bitte von Lufthansa!...
It seems Lufthansa has caught something from the basketcase airlines it's been buying.
Specificity it's gone all Munich Beer Festival on us. So it's decided to go traditional on outfits. Oh I can't resist it.... words escape me...
Image - Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Press release: http://konzern.lufthansa.com/en/html/presse/pressemeldungen/index.html?c=nachrichten/app/show/en/2009/08/952/HOM&s=0
The specially dressed crews Munich crews (12 women, 2 men) will be running on BOS, LAX and DXB flights on the following dates
Specificity it's gone all Munich Beer Festival on us. So it's decided to go traditional on outfits. Oh I can't resist it.... words escape me...
Image - Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Press release: http://konzern.lufthansa.com/en/html/presse/pressemeldungen/index.html?c=nachrichten/app/show/en/2009/08/952/HOM&s=0
The specially dressed crews Munich crews (12 women, 2 men) will be running on BOS, LAX and DXB flights on the following dates
- 16 September for Los Angeles.
- On 26 September, for Boston
- 2 October for Dubai.
World Traveller Plus - We know you're weak...
Well there has been a box nagging at me on the BA Manage My Booking page that said in so many words
"You're weak and feeble. You won't be able to stomach 24 hours in steerage. Upgrade to World Traveller Plus.. One hit at £125..."
Sigh. I am weak and feeble. I ponied up my £125 and instead of sitting in steerage, I'm now sitting in steerage plus... which is nice.
The next hit for World Traveller Plus was for £700 for the way home. At that point - I declined - Even I have a few limits.
So for £345, I basicly have a £1500 ticket. I'd say I'm not doing too bad out of it....
"You're weak and feeble. You won't be able to stomach 24 hours in steerage. Upgrade to World Traveller Plus.. One hit at £125..."
Sigh. I am weak and feeble. I ponied up my £125 and instead of sitting in steerage, I'm now sitting in steerage plus... which is nice.
The next hit for World Traveller Plus was for £700 for the way home. At that point - I declined - Even I have a few limits.
So for £345, I basicly have a £1500 ticket. I'd say I'm not doing too bad out of it....
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Airplane p0rn - SouthWest 737-700
It's that time of the week again - Airplane p0rn. To celebrate the mass rollout of WiFi on SouthWest, it's got to be a classic Canyon Blue SouthWest 737-700 at Philadelphia International Airport (Unit N268WN)
Might be more next week - might not... depends on the travels....
Might be more next week - might not... depends on the travels....
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Update: Qantas "I Still Call Australia My Home"
As promised... the Youtube version of "I still call Australia my home"
The QF site has also been updated - http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/i-still-call-australia-home/global/en.
Happy surfing
The QF site has also been updated - http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/i-still-call-australia-home/global/en.
Happy surfing
Credit Cards and Miles - The view from the UK
Whilst there are bountiful offers in the USA for Credit Cards and Current Accounts that give you 25,000 miles on signup, the picture is a little different over here, as in most current accounts tend to be service driven, with the user paying for extra services to be bundled into the account.
However, there is a veritable feast of miles for grabs out there in case you're on the hunt to top off your account
Miles bearing accounts:
Ok, Lets do some weeding. The Virgin cards whilst attractive are very poor value for money unless you're after a specific award. In addition the £115 fee for a card does take the biscuit. The United card is also really isn't worth a lot in terms of gifts.
For Lufthansa/Austrian/Swiss/LOT fliers then the Miles and More Card will be very attractive - least for its signup bonus (which isn't too shabby) but for the non-expiry of miles which towards an end of year - could be very important.
Now the BA Credit Cards with the 20k/10k "241" vouchers. Depending how you use this, could be good value. The core thing to remember that booking these into World Traveller/World Traveller is a waste of cash, and should be used for longhaul Club World and First tickets to achieve maximum value.
And Finally - the BMI/BMI Plus Credit cards. As can visibly seen, the highest miles giveaway (20k on the basic card), and if you go with the Plus version - elevation of status or 3000 status miles). You can waste these on a shorthaul return, or if you're creative, how does Russia in business class sound with Cash and Miles? Another 17500 miles, and its a cash+miles return to the USA...
If you've noted above, MBNA are the major issuers of credit cards for travelling with, so if you have an MBNA card - be prepared for a low limit or refuseal.
It REALLY helps to understand the program you're signed up to - or considering signing up to to see if you can exploit
Next time: LCC Credit cards - use them and cancel them or keep?
However, there is a veritable feast of miles for grabs out there in case you're on the hunt to top off your account
Miles bearing accounts:
| Card Name | Sponsoring Programme | Issuer | Type | Fee | APR | Signup bonus | Earn Methods |
| BMI Amex | BMI Diamond Club | MBNA | American Express | Nil | 15.9% | 20,000 | 3 miles/pound on BMI Spend, 1.5 miles/pound on all other spend |
| BMI Plus Amex | BMI Diamond Club | MBNA | American Express | £60 | 17% (27.1) | 24,000 + BMI Blue+ or 3000 Status Miles | 4 miles/pound on BMI Spend, 2 miles/pound on all other spend |
| BA Amex | British Airways Executive Club | American Express | American Express | Nil | 19.9% | 1000 | 1 mile / Pound with Companion voucher over £20k spend |
| BA Amex + | British Airways Executive Club | American Express | American Express | £150 | 20.1% (46.1%) | 6,000 | 1.5miles/Pound with Companion voucher over £10k spend |
| Miles and More | Lufthansa Miles and More | MBNA | American Express | Nil | 15.9 | 6,000 (M&M miles now no longer expire) | 3 miles/Pound first 6 months 2 miles/Pound thereafter. |
| Virgin Atlantic White | Virgin Atlantic Flyign Club | MBNA | American Express | Nil | 17.9 | 3,000 | 2 miles/ Pound on VS, Virgin Holidays 1 mile / Pound on other spend |
| Virgin Atlantic Black | Virgin Atlantic Flyign Club | MBNA | American Express | £115 | 18.9 (37.1) | 6,000 | 4 miles/ Pound on VS, Virgin Holidays 2 miles/Pound on other spend |
| United | United Mileage Plus | MBNA | American Express | Nil | 15.9 | None | 1 mile/Pound |
Ok, Lets do some weeding. The Virgin cards whilst attractive are very poor value for money unless you're after a specific award. In addition the £115 fee for a card does take the biscuit. The United card is also really isn't worth a lot in terms of gifts.
For Lufthansa/Austrian/Swiss/LOT fliers then the Miles and More Card will be very attractive - least for its signup bonus (which isn't too shabby) but for the non-expiry of miles which towards an end of year - could be very important.
Now the BA Credit Cards with the 20k/10k "241" vouchers. Depending how you use this, could be good value. The core thing to remember that booking these into World Traveller/World Traveller is a waste of cash, and should be used for longhaul Club World and First tickets to achieve maximum value.
And Finally - the BMI/BMI Plus Credit cards. As can visibly seen, the highest miles giveaway (20k on the basic card), and if you go with the Plus version - elevation of status or 3000 status miles). You can waste these on a shorthaul return, or if you're creative, how does Russia in business class sound with Cash and Miles? Another 17500 miles, and its a cash+miles return to the USA...
If you've noted above, MBNA are the major issuers of credit cards for travelling with, so if you have an MBNA card - be prepared for a low limit or refuseal.
It REALLY helps to understand the program you're signed up to - or considering signing up to to see if you can exploit
Next time: LCC Credit cards - use them and cancel them or keep?
Friday, 21 August 2009
The Aussies... they're tugging at the heart strings again
Qantas in the middle of cuts and tourtures have gone out for the heartstrings with this one - the Relaunch of "I Still Call Australia My Home"
Just click and watch it. I swear they're punishing me for not booking an A380 seat for next week
http://www.qantas.com.au/flash/miniSites/iscah/tvc/QANTAS_2009_TVC.html
Youtube linky will appear when I can get it!
Just click and watch it. I swear they're punishing me for not booking an A380 seat for next week
http://www.qantas.com.au/flash/miniSites/iscah/tvc/QANTAS_2009_TVC.html
Youtube linky will appear when I can get it!
The Friday News Roundup
It's Friday again, so it must be time for me to look at the news for the week:
Ryanair takes its balls away...
Ryanair pulls aircraft and services from Manchester - Analysis on here on why O'Liar is talking once again out of his back side.
BBC News, GhettoIFE.com
Korean Air - Profit!
Korean Air posted a net income of 78.5b won ( or about $62.4 million) for Q2/2009 - with their profit comes on the back of exchange rates working in their favour. Loads for cargo are of course still down, whilst passenger loads are static.
Korean air should be able to ride this out - however reliance on currency to make a profit is a bad idea....
(Flight)
SIA - Traffic Down
Singapore airlines are feeling the downturn at the moment with a 13% drop in traffic - From 79.7% from 81%.
Hard times are hitting this proud airline now - what is SIA's plan for getting out of this mess? With the withdrawal of 747's, the costs will drop slightly, but they will still need to deliver new capacity to replace these beasts....
(Flight)
Air AsiaX breaths down Eithad and Middle Eastern Carriers - Launches Abu Dhabi Service.
The Longhaul Ryanair of Asia - Air Asia X is extending its reach with a new service to Abu Dhabi commencing 23rd October, 5 times a week with a single A340.
This is an interesting play as it could mark the beginning of the expansion of Air Asia X into a Middle Eastern Virtual Hub. Certainly with the A350 order, they're starting to turn into a force not to be underestimated...
(Flight)
Qantas Profits 87% down...
But still in profit. Blames the usual suspects (H1N1, Ressesion, Flying Pigs, etc)
(Flight)
Virgin Atlantic considering NOT going it alone - considering Star Alliance Membership
And about bloody time. Whilst the CEO of VS, Steven Ridgway said that Virgin will “fight this right to the end,” while responding to the increased competition, they're "We know that Lufthansa now owns BMI and it would make a lot of sense to work more closely,” he said.
Virgin are on the brink of being a small fish in a big sea after cherry picking routes. Time to grow up possibly?
(Travel Blackboard via the BMI Diamond Club Forum)
Brown Goes Red... Once only though. Pretty much dumping your date after you've... (do I need to go on?)
According to different sources, the Virgin charter of a B747 is for ONE TRIP ONLY. Well talk about shouting out of ones backside. NEXT!
Wizz Air Wizzes into Bratislava - Declares Time up for SkyEurope
Just as Ryanair is decimating the Western European aviation sector, Wizz Air are doing the same in Eastern Europe. After dispatching of LOT's CentralWings (which is still flying in name, but is being slowly folded back into LOT), it's now time to deal with Sky Europe.
SkyEurope has been suffering (least of all having some of its aircraft repossessed by the lessor) and is currently in creditor protection. Therefore, WizzAir is going for broke in this sector, and to break the remains of SkyEurope.
Ryanair... WizzAir... The two big bloc controllers of the LCC market?
Ocean Air (Brazil) Comes out of near to nowhere and goes for broke...
Here's another airline I've never heard of - Ocean Air. Based in Brazil and currently running a Foker F100 fleet, they're branching out into A319's... and from 2015 - A350XWB-800's.
A quick look at the colour scheme gives away who owns Ocean Air - Columbian based airline Avianca who will be running 787's, citing different countries - different aircraft - different missions.
Well variety is the spice of life isn't it?
Norwegian up, SAS Suffering.
Norwegian is doing very well at the moment with an $11m profit (well for these conditions anything with a plus must be good). SAS on the other hand lost $251m. SAS is trying to recover, but is slowly turning into yet another European basket case airline - and implementing CoreSAS as reported last week.
Cut too close to the Core SAS and you'll loose it....
JAL Cargo to Merge... what lies ahead?
Japan Airlines s in talks to merge its cargo business Nippon Yusen citing falling cargo loads.
Ominously, there is a warning of further consolidation down the line...
BBC News, Flight
SouthWest - Mass WiFi deployment
Well someone had to do it - and hopefully this will kick start WiFi in the air competition into overdrive. SouthWest airlines is equiping its entire fleet of 737's (300/500/700's) - 545 aircraft with Row 44's KU based BroadBand/WiFi System.
This is very big news as it make the econmics of depolyment very cheap, and hopefully the cost of it to be cheap too.
And if other companies want to go with Row 44, this is simply going to mean the cost will fall for the equipment.
Flight
----------
Right - thats your bite sized news for this week.
I'm not sure there will be news next week as I'll be 35000ft or so in the air at publishing time - more to come!
Ryanair takes its balls away...
Ryanair pulls aircraft and services from Manchester - Analysis on here on why O'Liar is talking once again out of his back side.
BBC News, GhettoIFE.com
Korean Air - Profit!
Korean Air posted a net income of 78.5b won ( or about $62.4 million) for Q2/2009 - with their profit comes on the back of exchange rates working in their favour. Loads for cargo are of course still down, whilst passenger loads are static.
Korean air should be able to ride this out - however reliance on currency to make a profit is a bad idea....
(Flight)
SIA - Traffic Down
Singapore airlines are feeling the downturn at the moment with a 13% drop in traffic - From 79.7% from 81%.
Hard times are hitting this proud airline now - what is SIA's plan for getting out of this mess? With the withdrawal of 747's, the costs will drop slightly, but they will still need to deliver new capacity to replace these beasts....
(Flight)
Air AsiaX breaths down Eithad and Middle Eastern Carriers - Launches Abu Dhabi Service.
The Longhaul Ryanair of Asia - Air Asia X is extending its reach with a new service to Abu Dhabi commencing 23rd October, 5 times a week with a single A340.
This is an interesting play as it could mark the beginning of the expansion of Air Asia X into a Middle Eastern Virtual Hub. Certainly with the A350 order, they're starting to turn into a force not to be underestimated...
(Flight)
Qantas Profits 87% down...
But still in profit. Blames the usual suspects (H1N1, Ressesion, Flying Pigs, etc)
(Flight)
Virgin Atlantic considering NOT going it alone - considering Star Alliance Membership
And about bloody time. Whilst the CEO of VS, Steven Ridgway said that Virgin will “fight this right to the end,” while responding to the increased competition, they're "We know that Lufthansa now owns BMI and it would make a lot of sense to work more closely,” he said.
Virgin are on the brink of being a small fish in a big sea after cherry picking routes. Time to grow up possibly?
(Travel Blackboard via the BMI Diamond Club Forum)
Brown Goes Red... Once only though. Pretty much dumping your date after you've... (do I need to go on?)
According to different sources, the Virgin charter of a B747 is for ONE TRIP ONLY. Well talk about shouting out of ones backside. NEXT!
Wizz Air Wizzes into Bratislava - Declares Time up for SkyEurope
Just as Ryanair is decimating the Western European aviation sector, Wizz Air are doing the same in Eastern Europe. After dispatching of LOT's CentralWings (which is still flying in name, but is being slowly folded back into LOT), it's now time to deal with Sky Europe.
SkyEurope has been suffering (least of all having some of its aircraft repossessed by the lessor) and is currently in creditor protection. Therefore, WizzAir is going for broke in this sector, and to break the remains of SkyEurope.
Ryanair... WizzAir... The two big bloc controllers of the LCC market?
Ocean Air (Brazil) Comes out of near to nowhere and goes for broke...
Here's another airline I've never heard of - Ocean Air. Based in Brazil and currently running a Foker F100 fleet, they're branching out into A319's... and from 2015 - A350XWB-800's.
A quick look at the colour scheme gives away who owns Ocean Air - Columbian based airline Avianca who will be running 787's, citing different countries - different aircraft - different missions.
Well variety is the spice of life isn't it?
Norwegian up, SAS Suffering.
Norwegian is doing very well at the moment with an $11m profit (well for these conditions anything with a plus must be good). SAS on the other hand lost $251m. SAS is trying to recover, but is slowly turning into yet another European basket case airline - and implementing CoreSAS as reported last week.
Cut too close to the Core SAS and you'll loose it....
JAL Cargo to Merge... what lies ahead?
Japan Airlines s in talks to merge its cargo business Nippon Yusen citing falling cargo loads.
Ominously, there is a warning of further consolidation down the line...
BBC News, Flight
SouthWest - Mass WiFi deployment
Well someone had to do it - and hopefully this will kick start WiFi in the air competition into overdrive. SouthWest airlines is equiping its entire fleet of 737's (300/500/700's) - 545 aircraft with Row 44's KU based BroadBand/WiFi System.
This is very big news as it make the econmics of depolyment very cheap, and hopefully the cost of it to be cheap too.
And if other companies want to go with Row 44, this is simply going to mean the cost will fall for the equipment.
Flight
----------
Right - thats your bite sized news for this week.
I'm not sure there will be news next week as I'll be 35000ft or so in the air at publishing time - more to come!
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Airplane p0rn Extra - BA A318 taking off
Today, we have some Airplane p0rn extra - and we'd like to welcome one of the pair of British Airways A318's that will be running the London City Airport - New York JFK which completed it's first flight recently.
Image from Imageshack - credit unknown, but seeming to be widely published. - Source: http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4363/pict0009b800.jpg. Additional coverage at Airliners and JetPhotos.
A bit small for those who are used to the larger members of the A320 family, but as this will have 32 seats only in a Club Worldeseque configuration, it should meet the mission requirements nicely.
Lets wish BA some luck with this service - it'll be good to hear good news about the airline and not the constant stream of bad news....
(For those who are REALLY paying attention - yes the plane has German markings (D-AUAC and a little German flag in the top corner of the tail - once the plane is transfered onto a CAA register, it will become G-EUNA, so they're like delivery plates on a car)
Image from Imageshack - credit unknown, but seeming to be widely published. - Source: http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4363/pict0009b800.jpg. Additional coverage at Airliners and JetPhotos.
A bit small for those who are used to the larger members of the A320 family, but as this will have 32 seats only in a Club Worldeseque configuration, it should meet the mission requirements nicely.
Lets wish BA some luck with this service - it'll be good to hear good news about the airline and not the constant stream of bad news....
(For those who are REALLY paying attention - yes the plane has German markings (D-AUAC and a little German flag in the top corner of the tail - once the plane is transfered onto a CAA register, it will become G-EUNA, so they're like delivery plates on a car)
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Openskies has another fare sale....
That wonderful experiment is having yet another fare sale between NYC and ORY (New York Airports - Paris Orly)
Dates: 01/10/09 - 31/03/10
Book by: 08/09/09
Valid: from NYC to ORY, not reversible
Books into: Biz Seat
Cost: $499 each way + taxes
Now, whilst good value, if Openskies does it its rug pulled from under it, expect a reroute via LHR in Club World - so if you do fancy speculating - this could be a good time too....
Dates: 01/10/09 - 31/03/10
Book by: 08/09/09
Valid: from NYC to ORY, not reversible
Books into: Biz Seat
Cost: $499 each way + taxes
Now, whilst good value, if Openskies does it its rug pulled from under it, expect a reroute via LHR in Club World - so if you do fancy speculating - this could be a good time too....
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Brown goes Red... does it REALLY matter?
Our beloved Prime Minister, Gordon Brown (MP for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath) has decided that a new contract to save the taxpayers money is needed, and is ditching the British Airways contract for a Virgin Atlantic contract.
Whilst Virgin might crow until the cows come home about this, lets take a little step back
Original Source: The Times
Whilst Virgin might crow until the cows come home about this, lets take a little step back
- Idle planes don't earn money - therefore slicing 30% off a plane bill means you're trying to make money at least which will hurt some way.
- Refit of a plane - the plan is to install a conference room. That'll knock the plane out of semi-regular traffic even further....
- The Green Government - Well - the only thing that comes out of this are both Yellow and Brown. VS are selecting a B747-400.. which are a bit less fuel efficient than a twinjet of any sort (~7%). So nice own-goal there on THAT Policy.
- And remember... in year or so there will be an election. Things change...
Original Source: The Times
Monday, 17 August 2009
Ryanair partially pulls out of MAN...
However, it isn't the end of the world.
Job losses: If there is one thing O'Leary loves, its hyping numbers - in this case the job lossses shouldn't be that many (and if anything - it's mostly ground handling crews so they should get redeployed by the handling company)
Services: Well well well. Lets look at these hotspots and work out whats happening Barcelona (Girona), Bremen, Brussels (Charleroi), Cagliari, Dusseldorf (Weeze), Frankfurt (Hahn), Marseille, Milan (Bergamo) and Shannon - all withdrawn. Wow. Top the line airports there - and lots of them I should add RyanAirports too..
Ryanairs Tactics: I'm sorry to say this, but they HAVEN'T paid off this time. Ryanair loves to bully airports into lowering cost base down, and thus played LBA, MAN and LPL against each other. Whilst Ryanair is one hell of a force, someone has stood up and said NO to O'Leary. Lets hope other airports can say no to him - and stop the pay as you go and get conned style of transport that is existing.
It's interesting to not that certain services (such as DUB) haven't been affected. Funny that. Cash cows are fine - yet services that are slightly under-performing are having the chop... and lets face it... heading over to Jimmy Savlie International or John Lennon International.
And so what if a few aircraft go into stores.. Ryanair can flog them on as part of the main profit drivers of the company...
Not a lot to see here alas
Job losses: If there is one thing O'Leary loves, its hyping numbers - in this case the job lossses shouldn't be that many (and if anything - it's mostly ground handling crews so they should get redeployed by the handling company)
Services: Well well well. Lets look at these hotspots and work out whats happening Barcelona (Girona), Bremen, Brussels (Charleroi), Cagliari, Dusseldorf (Weeze), Frankfurt (Hahn), Marseille, Milan (Bergamo) and Shannon - all withdrawn. Wow. Top the line airports there - and lots of them I should add RyanAirports too..
Ryanairs Tactics: I'm sorry to say this, but they HAVEN'T paid off this time. Ryanair loves to bully airports into lowering cost base down, and thus played LBA, MAN and LPL against each other. Whilst Ryanair is one hell of a force, someone has stood up and said NO to O'Leary. Lets hope other airports can say no to him - and stop the pay as you go and get conned style of transport that is existing.
It's interesting to not that certain services (such as DUB) haven't been affected. Funny that. Cash cows are fine - yet services that are slightly under-performing are having the chop... and lets face it... heading over to Jimmy Savlie International or John Lennon International.
And so what if a few aircraft go into stores.. Ryanair can flog them on as part of the main profit drivers of the company...
Not a lot to see here alas
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Airplane p0rn - Etihad A330
Its Sunday, so whilst the soapbox is around somewhere, it's time for Airplane p0rn. An Etihad Airbus A330 at Dublin, pushing back before it journey to Abu Dhabi.
More next week!
More next week!
Friday, 14 August 2009
The News: A New base, Cuts, Profits causing trouble...
Continental: Joins Star Alliance 27th October (Official)
Continental have confirmed they are to leave SkyTeam on the 24th October and formally join Star Alliance on the 27th October.
Expect trouble if things go wrong - and knowing how other airlines have handled integrations before - trouble isn't fare off.
(Continental)
Ryainair Opens a new base a Jimmy Savile International - I mean Leeds Bradford Airport
The odious little man is doing some good this week, and has announced the opening of a new base at LBA, where 2 aircraft will be based. Estimated 1000 jobs to come in. Whilst this is good for the area (as BMI pulled out earlier this year), this could spell trouble for Jet2 and FlyBe. New routes are: Carcassonne, Malta, Faro, Montpellier, Ibiza, Murcia, Knock, Nantes, Krakow,Palma, Limoges, Pisa, Malaga,Venice Treviso.
Yes, there's a fare sale, but in Ryanair land - every day is a fare sale!
(BBC News/Ryanair)
SAS... cutting to the core
SAS is going from bad to worse alas, with another net loss of kr1.05bn, and is cutting another 1000 jobs in the process under it's coreSAS programme. In addition, they'll be asking for paycuts from crew as well.
At the rate SAS are going, there not be much left to cut soon
(BBC News/Flight)
Gol hits the Goal and in the profit
Brazilian Carrier Gol is doing the impossible and actual has posted a rather tidy R$354 profit in Q2, whilst managing and reducing costs... and selling R$104 million worth of miles to institutions to sell on.
Hey.. that's the United business model isn't it? ;)
(Flight)
Asiana - Profit...
Again devil is in the detail, with Asiana selling off their IT unit - with weak numbers all around
(Flight)
Virgin Blue cancels all United Codeshares
Wholey expected as Virgin Blue and V Australia is snuggling up to Delta, and telling UA to find a partner to dance with in Australia to feed into their SYD services. Whilst Virgin Blue is happy to tart with other carriers, it wants no part of a global alliance. UA fliers heading to Australia had better open up a QF OneWorld Account to start throwing those spare miles into....
(Flight)
SouthWest is desperate for some Frontier LUV from the Courts... AND DOESN'T GET IT
SouthWest Airlines is seemingly desperate for Frontier and has upped it's bid to US$170m for the airline. Cranky has an excellent analysis of what it means, but it does mean an inital fleet reduction to 40 Airbus A320 Series and the possible creation of "SouthWest Express" - as well as the elimination of a competitor.
And in late breaking news, it's been confirmed that Republic Airlines have won the auction for $150m, citing management of seniority lists.
That'll set the cat amongst the pigeons... (Flight, Cranky Flier)
Branson Bleets about the AA/BA/IB tieup
See below ;) - Also his minons were out and about on Radio 5 Live. Change the tune please?
(BBC Radio 5, The Telegraph)
Air Asia X debating IFE+C
Air Asia X are to explore options in terms of connectivity for its inbound fleet of A350's... but the big question is how - it's a big out of pocked expense initially... so how is it going to be funded? Fun times.
It's also worth nothing that Air Asia (and its other LCC's Thai AirAsia and Indonesia Air Asia) have signed with OnAir to provide in flight Telephony hardware (who also provide RyanAir). I'd personally expect a similar deal along the line
(Flight)
Delta goes for Handheld IFE on it's 747 fleet whilst sticking the words "FOR SALE" on them
Meanwhile Delta 747 fans can start panicking... now. Rather than going for a complete internal refurbishment, Delta is going for Handheld IFE units for all classes. Whilst a great idea for a quick and easy deployment, this translates that Delta are no longer prepared to invest in a major upgrade for the 747 fleet (apart from painting the planes, changing seat covers, added DL product to them. However, its seen as a fill in solution until some more twinjet aircraft are located (777-200LR probably )
Now whilst you're at it Delta - any chance you can get some spares for your 767 fleet?
(Flight)
----
More of course next week!
Continental have confirmed they are to leave SkyTeam on the 24th October and formally join Star Alliance on the 27th October.
Expect trouble if things go wrong - and knowing how other airlines have handled integrations before - trouble isn't fare off.
(Continental)
Ryainair Opens a new base a Jimmy Savile International - I mean Leeds Bradford Airport
The odious little man is doing some good this week, and has announced the opening of a new base at LBA, where 2 aircraft will be based. Estimated 1000 jobs to come in. Whilst this is good for the area (as BMI pulled out earlier this year), this could spell trouble for Jet2 and FlyBe. New routes are: Carcassonne, Malta, Faro, Montpellier, Ibiza, Murcia, Knock, Nantes, Krakow,Palma, Limoges, Pisa, Malaga,Venice Treviso.
Yes, there's a fare sale, but in Ryanair land - every day is a fare sale!
(BBC News/Ryanair)
SAS... cutting to the core
SAS is going from bad to worse alas, with another net loss of kr1.05bn, and is cutting another 1000 jobs in the process under it's coreSAS programme. In addition, they'll be asking for paycuts from crew as well.
At the rate SAS are going, there not be much left to cut soon
(BBC News/Flight)
Gol hits the Goal and in the profit
Brazilian Carrier Gol is doing the impossible and actual has posted a rather tidy R$354 profit in Q2, whilst managing and reducing costs... and selling R$104 million worth of miles to institutions to sell on.
Hey.. that's the United business model isn't it? ;)
(Flight)
Asiana - Profit...
Again devil is in the detail, with Asiana selling off their IT unit - with weak numbers all around
(Flight)
Virgin Blue cancels all United Codeshares
Wholey expected as Virgin Blue and V Australia is snuggling up to Delta, and telling UA to find a partner to dance with in Australia to feed into their SYD services. Whilst Virgin Blue is happy to tart with other carriers, it wants no part of a global alliance. UA fliers heading to Australia had better open up a QF OneWorld Account to start throwing those spare miles into....
(Flight)
SouthWest is desperate for some Frontier LUV from the Courts... AND DOESN'T GET IT
SouthWest Airlines is seemingly desperate for Frontier and has upped it's bid to US$170m for the airline. Cranky has an excellent analysis of what it means, but it does mean an inital fleet reduction to 40 Airbus A320 Series and the possible creation of "SouthWest Express" - as well as the elimination of a competitor.
And in late breaking news, it's been confirmed that Republic Airlines have won the auction for $150m, citing management of seniority lists.
That'll set the cat amongst the pigeons... (Flight, Cranky Flier)
Branson Bleets about the AA/BA/IB tieup
See below ;) - Also his minons were out and about on Radio 5 Live. Change the tune please?
(BBC Radio 5, The Telegraph)
Air Asia X debating IFE+C
Air Asia X are to explore options in terms of connectivity for its inbound fleet of A350's... but the big question is how - it's a big out of pocked expense initially... so how is it going to be funded? Fun times.
It's also worth nothing that Air Asia (and its other LCC's Thai AirAsia and Indonesia Air Asia) have signed with OnAir to provide in flight Telephony hardware (who also provide RyanAir). I'd personally expect a similar deal along the line
(Flight)
Delta goes for Handheld IFE on it's 747 fleet whilst sticking the words "FOR SALE" on them
Meanwhile Delta 747 fans can start panicking... now. Rather than going for a complete internal refurbishment, Delta is going for Handheld IFE units for all classes. Whilst a great idea for a quick and easy deployment, this translates that Delta are no longer prepared to invest in a major upgrade for the 747 fleet (apart from painting the planes, changing seat covers, added DL product to them. However, its seen as a fill in solution until some more twinjet aircraft are located (777-200LR probably )
Now whilst you're at it Delta - any chance you can get some spares for your 767 fleet?
(Flight)
----
More of course next week!
I'm a photographer - not a terroist!
Time to divert from planes and trains... and move back to photography.
It seems the photographer (professional, armature or anywhere in between) is now the thought "If you have a Digital SLR you logicly must be a terrorist in police thoughts.
Lets remember a key tenant of the law: "the law does not restrict the right to photograph in the UK."
Lets examine some cases.
Medway Police Set President for a photographer "being too tall" -
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/15/tall_photographers/
related to:
Cameraman held under terror laws -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8154511.stm
Charges against London tube tourist snapper thrown out -
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/19/greek_photographer/
Photocops: Home Office concedes concern
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/07/gov_photography/
The war on photographers - you're all al Qaeda suspects now
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/19/greek_photographer/
Photographers angry at terror law
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7892273.stm
See http://photographernotaterrorist.org/ for information about the campaign which I urge you to read about - It sets out the right you have, and what to say to overzelous Police Officers and PSCO's - it's now to the point where the BBC is slowly starting to agree on one of their blogs
So yes...
It seems the photographer (professional, armature or anywhere in between) is now the thought "If you have a Digital SLR you logicly must be a terrorist in police thoughts.
Lets remember a key tenant of the law: "the law does not restrict the right to photograph in the UK."
Lets examine some cases.
Medway Police Set President for a photographer "being too tall" -
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/15/tall_photographers/
related to:
Cameraman held under terror laws -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8154511.stm
Charges against London tube tourist snapper thrown out -
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/19/greek_photographer/
Photocops: Home Office concedes concern
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/07/gov_photography/
The war on photographers - you're all al Qaeda suspects now
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/19/greek_photographer/
Photographers angry at terror law
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7892273.stm
See http://photographernotaterrorist.org/ for information about the campaign which I urge you to read about - It sets out the right you have, and what to say to overzelous Police Officers and PSCO's - it's now to the point where the BBC is slowly starting to agree on one of their blogs
So yes...
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Branson Makes Noise. Rest of the World Rolls eyes
Time to talk about Tricky Dicky Branson and Virgin Atlantic.
Today's subject is: BA and AA - Don't merge!
Some readers might be concerned... why am I going after Branson as opposed to O'Leary. Alas, Mr Branson likes to make a lot of noise, and time and again - fails to deliver.
- "I'll sponsor the London Eye" - that died a quiet Death
- "I'll change the Railways" - Oh yes. The Disaster that was Virgin Cross Country and some of the ongoing issues with Virgin West Coast. Nicely implemented job.
-"We'll only use Quad Engined Jets"... and orders A350's, B787, and A330's.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6017191/Dinosaurs-BA-and-AA-should-not-be-given-a-free-meal-ticket-to-merge.html
Now a valid concern is the amount of slots the jointly owned company would control between London and the USA - with control of slots a big part of the problem.
Yes - there is a lot of traffic now and people are falling over themselves to offer good fares 1) to fill capacity and 2) completion inspires this. To prove this, lets have a look
I'm comparing fares (LHR-NYC, Departing 22/10, returning 26/10):
CO - £330
DL/AF - £335
AA -£342
VS - £355
BA -£366
Source, Expedia.co.uk
So a reasonable spread of fares there... even if VS/BA are near the top of the tree.
Certainly there is a need for due diligence by the EU and the US Administrations, but in this age of competition, surely free flowing and good competition must flow?
Branson is a master of the PR exercise and stunt - alas, people are slowly wising up to this. What Virgin Atlantic needs to do is innovate - like it always has done and not blame others for its failings or frequency. Whilst the might of a BA/AA partnership may scare some people, unless you fight for corner.
As much as might hate to say it - It could be time for Virgin to acquire BMI and move into T1 and be done with it, giving them the full domestic and regional network as well as growth space (and a few aircraft as well) to really take on BA and AA - and increase the links with their Star Alliance "friends"
And actually swallowing your pride and joining an alliance won't hurt to be honest... but working with Continental and the rest of the Star Alliance - could that be a bitter pill for you to follow Richard?
Today's subject is: BA and AA - Don't merge!
Some readers might be concerned... why am I going after Branson as opposed to O'Leary. Alas, Mr Branson likes to make a lot of noise, and time and again - fails to deliver.
- "I'll sponsor the London Eye" - that died a quiet Death
- "I'll change the Railways" - Oh yes. The Disaster that was Virgin Cross Country and some of the ongoing issues with Virgin West Coast. Nicely implemented job.
-"We'll only use Quad Engined Jets"... and orders A350's, B787, and A330's.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6017191/Dinosaurs-BA-and-AA-should-not-be-given-a-free-meal-ticket-to-merge.html
Now a valid concern is the amount of slots the jointly owned company would control between London and the USA - with control of slots a big part of the problem.
Yes - there is a lot of traffic now and people are falling over themselves to offer good fares 1) to fill capacity and 2) completion inspires this. To prove this, lets have a look
I'm comparing fares (LHR-NYC, Departing 22/10, returning 26/10):
CO - £330
DL/AF - £335
AA -£342
VS - £355
BA -£366
Source, Expedia.co.uk
So a reasonable spread of fares there... even if VS/BA are near the top of the tree.
Certainly there is a need for due diligence by the EU and the US Administrations, but in this age of competition, surely free flowing and good competition must flow?
Branson is a master of the PR exercise and stunt - alas, people are slowly wising up to this. What Virgin Atlantic needs to do is innovate - like it always has done and not blame others for its failings or frequency. Whilst the might of a BA/AA partnership may scare some people, unless you fight for corner.
As much as might hate to say it - It could be time for Virgin to acquire BMI and move into T1 and be done with it, giving them the full domestic and regional network as well as growth space (and a few aircraft as well) to really take on BA and AA - and increase the links with their Star Alliance "friends"
And actually swallowing your pride and joining an alliance won't hurt to be honest... but working with Continental and the rest of the Star Alliance - could that be a bitter pill for you to follow Richard?
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Delta shows lots of Pretty planes!
Back to Deltaland - and this time they've uploaded a very nice diagram on their blog of what their fleet is comprised of:
Source: http://blog.delta.com/2009/08/05/image-delta-fleet-in-livery/#comments
Very nice indeed. Something to keep the spotters happy!
Source: http://blog.delta.com/2009/08/05/image-delta-fleet-in-livery/#comments
Very nice indeed. Something to keep the spotters happy!
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Jumping up on Status - FREE STUFF AHEAD!
Hat tip to Lucky at One Mile at a Time - But it's that time of the year - Free beanies for those who want them!!!!
Free Star Alliance Silver for 90 Days with US Airways
Ok it is US Airways, but hear me out, but if you want Star Alliance Silver on the cheap, and a way to avoid luggage fees and have the remote possibility of upgrades for 90 days, US Airways is waiving the $200 Silver Preferred fee.
The key points:
Co-Sponsor: Budget Rent-A-Car
Requirements: Must be a US Airways Dividend Miles Member (free)
Register by: 31/08/09
Valid for: 90 Days
To maintain Status: Fly 10 US Airways Segments or 7500 miles in qualifying fare buckets.
See: http://www.usairways.com/awa/profiles/dmpromotionsregister.aspx?promocode=BG09
For Info: 7500 can be as simple as a Transatlantic return. Low season US Airways fares are very cheap...
Whilst not useful for a lot - it's better than a poke in the face - it's also an excellent starting point for Gold which will allow you Star Alliance Gold.
Virgin Atlantic Free Silver!
Virgin are once again tarting Silver status for those who want it. This is good for those who like their travel Red Hot ;). It also throws in 2500 Flying Club miles and 2500 Hilton HHonours Points (thats nice and tidy!). Whilst not the greatest of programs, there are cheap redemptions in Economy for 2000 points, and in Upper Class for 7500. Could be worth a look.
The key points:
Co-Sponsor: Hilton Group
Requirements: None. Existing members need not apply.
Register by: 31/08/09
Valid for: 365 Days (1 Year)
To maintain Status: Maintain Tier Points (10 to maintain silver, 30 for Gold)
See: http://www.virginatlantic.com/corporate/micropage.view.do?id=16513
Whilst it's not a lot, its a good place to stash spare Star Alliance miles you don't want to credit for some reason, and again - there are cheapish redemptions out there. Always worth a look.
The Great Alitalia Status Match - Free SkyTeam Status
Oh yes - it's back again. Cranky's "Worse Airline in the World Ever" is once again running a status match. But if you need status to avoid luggage fees with the leftover alliance (as well as lounges and all the usual jazz), you can't go wrong with this.
The key points:
Requirements: Must Hold Elite Membership of another programme (cough.. look above if you DON'T have any status. ;)) and join the AZ FFP.
Register by: 31/10/09
Valid for: 31/12/09(End of the Year)
Bonus: Get 20,000 miles for doing nothing!
To maintain Status at end of year:
If you have status with any other airline, this is a GOLDEN opportunity to double your Alliance status for nothing. Yes it is AZ... but things might have improved. Well it's nice to hope eh?
Free Star Alliance Silver for 90 Days with US Airways
Ok it is US Airways, but hear me out, but if you want Star Alliance Silver on the cheap, and a way to avoid luggage fees and have the remote possibility of upgrades for 90 days, US Airways is waiving the $200 Silver Preferred fee.
The key points:
Co-Sponsor: Budget Rent-A-Car
Requirements: Must be a US Airways Dividend Miles Member (free)
Register by: 31/08/09
Valid for: 90 Days
To maintain Status: Fly 10 US Airways Segments or 7500 miles in qualifying fare buckets.
See: http://www.usairways.com/awa/profiles/dmpromotionsregister.aspx?promocode=BG09
For Info: 7500 can be as simple as a Transatlantic return. Low season US Airways fares are very cheap...
Whilst not useful for a lot - it's better than a poke in the face - it's also an excellent starting point for Gold which will allow you Star Alliance Gold.
Virgin Atlantic Free Silver!
Virgin are once again tarting Silver status for those who want it. This is good for those who like their travel Red Hot ;). It also throws in 2500 Flying Club miles and 2500 Hilton HHonours Points (thats nice and tidy!). Whilst not the greatest of programs, there are cheap redemptions in Economy for 2000 points, and in Upper Class for 7500. Could be worth a look.
The key points:
Co-Sponsor: Hilton Group
Requirements: None. Existing members need not apply.
Register by: 31/08/09
Valid for: 365 Days (1 Year)
To maintain Status: Maintain Tier Points (10 to maintain silver, 30 for Gold)
See: http://www.virginatlantic.com/corporate/micropage.view.do?id=16513
Whilst it's not a lot, its a good place to stash spare Star Alliance miles you don't want to credit for some reason, and again - there are cheapish redemptions out there. Always worth a look.
The Great Alitalia Status Match - Free SkyTeam Status
Oh yes - it's back again. Cranky's "Worse Airline in the World Ever" is once again running a status match. But if you need status to avoid luggage fees with the leftover alliance (as well as lounges and all the usual jazz), you can't go wrong with this.
The key points:
Requirements: Must Hold Elite Membership of another programme (cough.. look above if you DON'T have any status. ;)) and join the AZ FFP.
Register by: 31/10/09
Valid for: 31/12/09(End of the Year)
Bonus: Get 20,000 miles for doing nothing!
To maintain Status at end of year:
- Fly 10,000 qualifying miles for Club Ulisse status
- Fly 25,000 qualifying miles for Freccia Alata status
- Fly 40,000 qualifying miles for Freccia Alata Plus status.
If you have status with any other airline, this is a GOLDEN opportunity to double your Alliance status for nothing. Yes it is AZ... but things might have improved. Well it's nice to hope eh?
Monday, 10 August 2009
Heathrow East - The New T2
Well it seems BAA is going to press ahead with the new Heathrow East Project to increase capacity.
T2 is old for those in the know. Those low celings and dankness hark back to the 1960's when it first opened as the Europa Building in 1955. This along with the Queens Building are being swept aside sometime this year and will be replaced with this:
Picture - BAA
Cute.
Now you've probably noticed all the Star Alliance plane renderings. Yup - it's going to be the new hub of Star Alliance at Heathrow.
This will be built in two segments - Stage one in 2013, and Stage two in 2019, allowing T1 to be closed down at that juncture.
Of course there are green creditability, saving carbon, solar panels, Hot Air collection (well - maybe not that one, but you know where I'm coming from...)
Now with this construction work - they're promising little to no disruption. And Flying Pig Airways are now starting service from LHR.
This is looking nice and exciting - but I get this feeling that 1) the project will no doubt be delayed 2) Heathrow will be a mess in 2012 when the Olympics are on and 3) there will be lots of issues ahead. But to be positive, it'll be certainly an improvement to T1 and will end the long history of The Europa Building.
T2 is old for those in the know. Those low celings and dankness hark back to the 1960's when it first opened as the Europa Building in 1955. This along with the Queens Building are being swept aside sometime this year and will be replaced with this:
Picture - BAA
Cute.
Now you've probably noticed all the Star Alliance plane renderings. Yup - it's going to be the new hub of Star Alliance at Heathrow.
This will be built in two segments - Stage one in 2013, and Stage two in 2019, allowing T1 to be closed down at that juncture.
Of course there are green creditability, saving carbon, solar panels, Hot Air collection (well - maybe not that one, but you know where I'm coming from...)
Now with this construction work - they're promising little to no disruption. And Flying Pig Airways are now starting service from LHR.
This is looking nice and exciting - but I get this feeling that 1) the project will no doubt be delayed 2) Heathrow will be a mess in 2012 when the Olympics are on and 3) there will be lots of issues ahead. But to be positive, it'll be certainly an improvement to T1 and will end the long history of The Europa Building.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Airplane p0rn -Virgin Atlantic A340
Time for some Airplane p0rn - this time - a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340 on the ground, awaiting taxi onto one of the runways at Heathrow.
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Money Saving Expert on LCCs - A few ideas to save you a few more pennies.
Note - this article is now heading to "Out of date" with the recent happenings. Check here and here.
Martin Lewis Smiths Money Saving Expert is a semi regular read of mine when I have 5 minutes to catch up. He published a very good article on trying to save money when flying some of the Low Cost Carriers (Ryanair, BMI Baby, EasyJet, WizzAir, Aer Lingus Short Haul, etc)
Have a look at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/beat-budget-airline-charges
Now he says the magic words "don't use a credit card or debit card" - try and get an Electron card.
Visa Electron is a card that doesn't allow you be overdrawn (unlike the Visa Debit/Delta card) and actually isn't hard to obtain if you know where to look.
Through the Halifax - Halifax have an EasyCash account that allow you to get an Electron card and fund the account. Obviously, a bit of planning is needed to use it, and how much to keep in it - but useful for bagging those cheap fares
Through TravelEx - Their travel currency card is a Visa Electron, and could be worth a look. However, I do urge you to look at the fees (for example, a card issued in Sterling has a 2% load fee). For short trips, they may work out more expensive in terms of load and spend fees
The Post Office - Again the Post Office has an Electron Card. It has an initial high load of £50, and various fees (including a 1.5% Sterling load fee). Investigate before hitting that buy button.
However, check where also you can get an Electron card issued. For example, you can get them issued in most of the world, except in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United States - in which case there is very few ways round on avoiding fees.
It's worth noting that some airlines (BMI Mainline, British Airways) can also impose a fee for using a Credit Card. Whilst this again stinks to high hell, sometimes the costs of the card and benefits of the card will outweigh the card fee.
Happy hunting!
Martin Lewis Smiths Money Saving Expert is a semi regular read of mine when I have 5 minutes to catch up. He published a very good article on trying to save money when flying some of the Low Cost Carriers (Ryanair, BMI Baby, EasyJet, WizzAir, Aer Lingus Short Haul, etc)
Have a look at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/beat-budget-airline-charges
Now he says the magic words "don't use a credit card or debit card" - try and get an Electron card.
Visa Electron is a card that doesn't allow you be overdrawn (unlike the Visa Debit/Delta card) and actually isn't hard to obtain if you know where to look.
Through the Halifax - Halifax have an EasyCash account that allow you to get an Electron card and fund the account. Obviously, a bit of planning is needed to use it, and how much to keep in it - but useful for bagging those cheap fares
Through TravelEx - Their travel currency card is a Visa Electron, and could be worth a look. However, I do urge you to look at the fees (for example, a card issued in Sterling has a 2% load fee). For short trips, they may work out more expensive in terms of load and spend fees
The Post Office - Again the Post Office has an Electron Card. It has an initial high load of £50, and various fees (including a 1.5% Sterling load fee). Investigate before hitting that buy button.
However, check where also you can get an Electron card issued. For example, you can get them issued in most of the world, except in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United States - in which case there is very few ways round on avoiding fees.
It's worth noting that some airlines (BMI Mainline, British Airways) can also impose a fee for using a Credit Card. Whilst this again stinks to high hell, sometimes the costs of the card and benefits of the card will outweigh the card fee.
Happy hunting!
Friday, 7 August 2009
News Roundup - Loss, Loss, Loss, Cuts, Losses... Profits? and Orders?
Its Friday, so it's time to do the news
British Airways - Bleeding Cash.
Oh it's been over the wires last week - BA managed to make a £148m loss this quarter. Not as bad as some of it's competitors, but still pretty bad. Of course, the changes they're making have been well documented in this Blog...
Air France/KLM Group -
Air France/KLM lost 496m euros (£425m) loss this quarter. The usual reasons again.
JAL (Japan Airlines) - Lost money also
.. of $1 BILLION (£618m). Cites the usual reasons (Ressesion, H1N1), and is reacting with route cuts and
ANA - Death by a few cuts
It seems that the Dreamliner launch partner is having a few more problems, and is starting to cut the little things papers in Y, free telephone calls to reservations and newspapers/magazines in economy , and offer parts of the product for sale to Y passengers that accessable only in premium cabins such as meals, drinks and lounge access. In other words... ANA PE could finally open up to th
Lufthansa - A profit
Hold the presses - someone actually made a profit! Lufthansa managed to walk away with a £8 million profit this quarter. However, with it spending money on aquiring the European avation sector and in most cases - Basket case airlines (BMI, Austrian and Brussels Airlines) and it is actually loosing in comparision 9/10's of what it was earning last year.
Cathy Pacific - Another Profit.. but the devil is in the detail.
CX also joins the profits crowd, making HK$812m (£61.8m) with drops in premium passengers and cargo. How? Fuel Hedging of course! This is the practice of betting the price of fuel, and seeing saving money if the hedge goes above a set price, or loosing money if the price of fuel drops below that price.
Fuel Hedges don't last forever though....
Wizz Air Wizz around with more A320 series aircaft
Wizz Air converts its thoughts (letter of intent) into actual orders - ordering 50 A320 aircraft (in A320 configuration). A nice boost for them.
---
More news next week!
British Airways - Bleeding Cash.
Oh it's been over the wires last week - BA managed to make a £148m loss this quarter. Not as bad as some of it's competitors, but still pretty bad. Of course, the changes they're making have been well documented in this Blog...
Air France/KLM Group -
Air France/KLM lost 496m euros (£425m) loss this quarter. The usual reasons again.
JAL (Japan Airlines) - Lost money also
.. of $1 BILLION (£618m). Cites the usual reasons (Ressesion, H1N1), and is reacting with route cuts and
ANA - Death by a few cuts
It seems that the Dreamliner launch partner is having a few more problems, and is starting to cut the little things papers in Y, free telephone calls to reservations and newspapers/magazines in economy , and offer parts of the product for sale to Y passengers that accessable only in premium cabins such as meals, drinks and lounge access. In other words... ANA PE could finally open up to th
Lufthansa - A profit
Hold the presses - someone actually made a profit! Lufthansa managed to walk away with a £8 million profit this quarter. However, with it spending money on aquiring the European avation sector and in most cases - Basket case airlines (BMI, Austrian and Brussels Airlines) and it is actually loosing in comparision 9/10's of what it was earning last year.
Cathy Pacific - Another Profit.. but the devil is in the detail.
CX also joins the profits crowd, making HK$812m (£61.8m) with drops in premium passengers and cargo. How? Fuel Hedging of course! This is the practice of betting the price of fuel, and seeing saving money if the hedge goes above a set price, or loosing money if the price of fuel drops below that price.
Fuel Hedges don't last forever though....
Wizz Air Wizz around with more A320 series aircaft
Wizz Air converts its thoughts (letter of intent) into actual orders - ordering 50 A320 aircraft (in A320 configuration). A nice boost for them.
---
More news next week!
Lufthansa catches a bit of sun: Takes responsibility for the weather!
Lufthansa is going to try an new idea, and offer travellers compensation if their holidays are washed-out, with a claim of up 20€ a day, up to a max of 200€ per trip.
The airline defines a rainy day as one having at least five millimeters of rain per square metre based on results at www.wetteronline.de.
“If the sunny stay hoped for by many is spoiled by rain, maybe 20 euros compensation … will brighten the mood,” said the airline in a statement.
Well if they want to accept blame and pay out - it suits me just fine...
The 'sunshine rate' is available until 18 August and is valid on flights departing between 1 September to 31 October to 36 destinations (which are unlisted at this time).
If you get soaked, send in your BP's and documents... and there could be a nice surprise for you...
Oh well. If LH wants to take responsibility for the weather - I'm not arguing...
The airline defines a rainy day as one having at least five millimeters of rain per square metre based on results at www.wetteronline.de.
“If the sunny stay hoped for by many is spoiled by rain, maybe 20 euros compensation … will brighten the mood,” said the airline in a statement.
Well if they want to accept blame and pay out - it suits me just fine...
The 'sunshine rate' is available until 18 August and is valid on flights departing between 1 September to 31 October to 36 destinations (which are unlisted at this time).
If you get soaked, send in your BP's and documents... and there could be a nice surprise for you...
Oh well. If LH wants to take responsibility for the weather - I'm not arguing...
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
What does it take to run a flight from ZRH to JFK?
For those of us who are intrested in such things like what is going through and what happens when you get in that metal tube and head into the sky NZZ Folio has an excellent article
http://www.nzzfolio.ch/www/d80bd71b-b264-4db4-afd0-277884b93470/showarticle/a30b6288-f01e-405a-9663-21d6d8a28d50.aspx
Highly worth a read.
http://www.nzzfolio.ch/www/d80bd71b-b264-4db4-afd0-277884b93470/showarticle/a30b6288-f01e-405a-9663-21d6d8a28d50.aspx
Highly worth a read.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Incidents, Crashes and Bird Strikes
Some more additions to this anualuas horriblas for the commercial aviation sector
British Airways - Slides... Deploy!
On Sunday, a BA 757 landed at BCN, and reports of smoke in the cabin appeared. Not to run any risks, the slides were deployed, and the plane evacuated safely.
All passengers (176) made it safely off with only minor injuries.
Continental 128 - Hits Bad Turbulence
Turbulence - we all know it can either make for a fun ride or it can be very very dangerous. Hitting the dangerous side is Continental Flight 128 from Rio to Huston which had 26 injured with 4 with dangerous injuries. The 767 diverted to Miami and landed safely.
To be cruel... in safety videos they advise you keep your seatbelt on at all times. It isn't the worst idea in the world to be honest
(There will be a full on rant about the coverage about this later)
Ryanair - Bird Strikes!
One of the more common incidents is bird strikes (and much more common if you were to look at the stats), however, Ryanair flight FR1109 from Derry to Birmingham had a birdstrike during takeoff. The plane made it safely to Dublin where all passengers were safely transferred onto a later flight.
It seems those birds just love airfields...
Bangkok Airways - ATR incident
However in sadder news, a Bangkok Airways Flight PG266 - an ATR72 - crashed at Ko Samui Airport in Thailand, ramming into the old control tower - killing the pilot and making evacuation difficult. From the looks of things, there were bad weather conditions prevailing, and it is likely that the plane slid off the runway. Reports suggest there maybe a mix of nationalities abroad the plane, and injured passengers have been taken to hospital for broken legs.
--
What a few days eh? :(
British Airways - Slides... Deploy!
On Sunday, a BA 757 landed at BCN, and reports of smoke in the cabin appeared. Not to run any risks, the slides were deployed, and the plane evacuated safely.
All passengers (176) made it safely off with only minor injuries.
Continental 128 - Hits Bad Turbulence
Turbulence - we all know it can either make for a fun ride or it can be very very dangerous. Hitting the dangerous side is Continental Flight 128 from Rio to Huston which had 26 injured with 4 with dangerous injuries. The 767 diverted to Miami and landed safely.
To be cruel... in safety videos they advise you keep your seatbelt on at all times. It isn't the worst idea in the world to be honest
(There will be a full on rant about the coverage about this later)
Ryanair - Bird Strikes!
One of the more common incidents is bird strikes (and much more common if you were to look at the stats), however, Ryanair flight FR1109 from Derry to Birmingham had a birdstrike during takeoff. The plane made it safely to Dublin where all passengers were safely transferred onto a later flight.
It seems those birds just love airfields...
Bangkok Airways - ATR incident
However in sadder news, a Bangkok Airways Flight PG266 - an ATR72 - crashed at Ko Samui Airport in Thailand, ramming into the old control tower - killing the pilot and making evacuation difficult. From the looks of things, there were bad weather conditions prevailing, and it is likely that the plane slid off the runway. Reports suggest there maybe a mix of nationalities abroad the plane, and injured passengers have been taken to hospital for broken legs.
--
What a few days eh? :(
Monday, 3 August 2009
The state of rail transportation in the UK - a mini-report
I'd thought I'd stick to the "travel" theme a bit more and look back at this weekend in terms of rail travel.
Yes. Rail. Don't worry - I won't do too much of this. Well maybe a bit more.
This weekend, I went to visit the parentals - and also to do a model shoot. Here are a few observations from the weekend:
Here's a few sample costs
Yes. Rail. Don't worry - I won't do too much of this. Well maybe a bit more.
This weekend, I went to visit the parentals - and also to do a model shoot. Here are a few observations from the weekend:
- Bar one train - everything was on time (and that train was late by a minute) in terms of departure times and booked arrival times.
- Loads were... variable. On the long distance services (Birmingham - London, London Birmingham) it was pretty much grab a seat if you can,
- Medium Distance (London Outer Commuter Zone - think Essex, Deep south South East area) Evening loads were the usual mixed bag. Sunday Morning loads were big (as it turned out there was an Arsenal match going on with Rangers)
- London commuter services - the usual weekend emptiness with a fair smattering of passenger
- London Underground was its usual unreliable self, and at 17:30 on Sunday evening, packed to the gallows.
Here's a few sample costs
- London to Potters Bar return - £8 (just outside the Zone 6 boundary)
- London to Chelmsford £17 (30 minute ride)
- Birmingham to London - £42 (Virgin), £32 (Chilterns)
Hyatt Status Promotion.
Hyatt hotels - lovely as they are - are very overpriced except when on conference rates or when you've got them via alternative means.
However, Hyatt are trying to ween us in with a Status Match (which has been going on since July) where you can do the following:
Well no actually. You DO need to phone up customer service (and for those outside the USA - it is alas a Toll Free number - Skype is your friend for this as they don't charge for 800 numbers) and you can ask customer service to match you to either Platinum of Diamond with the same T&C's as newbies.
If you're in and out of Hyatts, or you're in conference land, this could be a useful boon - least of all the 15% point bonus....
See:
Offer ends of August - So activate it when you need it.
However, Hyatt are trying to ween us in with a Status Match (which has been going on since July) where you can do the following:
- Enroll online - get upgraded to Platinum for 120 days (4 months)
- 5 stays/nights to keep Platinum until Feb 2011
- or 15 stays/night to go to Diamond until Feb 2011
Well no actually. You DO need to phone up customer service (and for those outside the USA - it is alas a Toll Free number - Skype is your friend for this as they don't charge for 800 numbers) and you can ask customer service to match you to either Platinum of Diamond with the same T&C's as newbies.
If you're in and out of Hyatts, or you're in conference land, this could be a useful boon - least of all the 15% point bonus....
See:
Offer ends of August - So activate it when you need it.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Airplane p0rn - Embraer ERJ 145
Time for some RETRO airplane p0rn - from a good 3 years ago
A BA Connect ERJ 145 climbing out of BHX... when BA had a service in the regions.
A BA Connect ERJ 145 climbing out of BHX... when BA had a service in the regions.