For people who are intending shopping in the United Kingdom, or who are purchasing goods and services, it's that time - Value Added Tax (VAT) will be going up from 15% to 17.5% from 1st January 2010.
Most of you will notice it - thankfully most over the counter reatailers will inculde the VAT directly into the price you pay or the price ticket (unlike some countries where you're guessing the final price until you get to the till)
Happy new Year from Her Majesty's Government and Alistair Darling.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
The TSA opens a new line... in the war against Bloggers
It seems with bomb threats that the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security has something better to do - harass Bloggers and pump them for information.
Both Christoper Elliot and Steven Frischling have had visits from TSA and DHS "Homeland Security Special Agents", issuing subpoenas on disclosure of the actual source that these bloggers got their information from.
In the case of Christopher Elliot - the exact wording from his blog is:
"So if I’m reading this correctly, the TSA wants me to tell them who gave me the security directive.
I told Flaherty I’d call my attorney and get back to him."
With Steven Frischling, the TSA seems to have gone one better, by threatneing to use a criminal search warrant if he did not reveal the name of his source, as well as threatening to get him fired from his job blogging for KLM - and indicated they could get him designated a security risk, which would make it difficult for him to travel and do his job.
In addition, the agents then said they wanted to take an image of his hard drive. Frischling said they had to go to WalMart to buy a hard drive, but when they returned were unable to get it to work. Frischling said the keyboard on his laptop was no longer working after they tried to copy his files. The agents left around 11 pm but came back Wednesday morning and, with Frischling’s consent, seized his laptop, which they promised to return after copying the hard drive, even though the mail was received from a Gmail address, and thus in the cloud.
The TSA confirms it is investigating how this security directive was leaked.
Quote "The Office of Inspection is investigating how the security directive was published by parties who shouldn't have been privy to the document"
This smacks of heavy handedness of the TSA, and a reaction to the wrong problem - rather than dealing with the leaks internally (of a document that has gone worldwide), it has gone after bloggers who received it in good faith and published it when there was nothing but confusion over what directive was in force at that juncture by what airline.
Coverage on this is growing on web, and I can only urge you to read and support these bloggers who it seems the only thing they have done wrong is to post a document (which Air Canada did in the first play as well as WestJet and JetBlue)
I'll be monitoring this over the next few weeks - suffice to say more directives will head our way, and hopefully the TSA might learn something about themselves in the meantime.
Or not.
Sources and References:
Wired: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/dhs-threatens-blogger/
Gadling: http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/29/government-harassing-blogger-for-source-of-tsa-directive-leak/
Airline Reporter: http://www.airlinereporter.com/?p=2677
Runway Girl: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/runway-girl/2009/12/paying-a-price-for-setting-the.html
Seattle PI: http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/189547.asp
Upgrade: Travel Better - http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/12/30/the-chilling-effect-tsa-tries-to-plug-a-leak-by-slapping-travel-bloggers-with-subpoenas/
One Mile at a time: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2009/12/29/blogger-gets-subpoena-for-posting-security-directive/
Both Christoper Elliot and Steven Frischling have had visits from TSA and DHS "Homeland Security Special Agents", issuing subpoenas on disclosure of the actual source that these bloggers got their information from.
In the case of Christopher Elliot - the exact wording from his blog is:
"So if I’m reading this correctly, the TSA wants me to tell them who gave me the security directive.
I told Flaherty I’d call my attorney and get back to him."
With Steven Frischling, the TSA seems to have gone one better, by threatneing to use a criminal search warrant if he did not reveal the name of his source, as well as threatening to get him fired from his job blogging for KLM - and indicated they could get him designated a security risk, which would make it difficult for him to travel and do his job.
In addition, the agents then said they wanted to take an image of his hard drive. Frischling said they had to go to WalMart to buy a hard drive, but when they returned were unable to get it to work. Frischling said the keyboard on his laptop was no longer working after they tried to copy his files. The agents left around 11 pm but came back Wednesday morning and, with Frischling’s consent, seized his laptop, which they promised to return after copying the hard drive, even though the mail was received from a Gmail address, and thus in the cloud.
The TSA confirms it is investigating how this security directive was leaked.
Quote "The Office of Inspection is investigating how the security directive was published by parties who shouldn't have been privy to the document"
This smacks of heavy handedness of the TSA, and a reaction to the wrong problem - rather than dealing with the leaks internally (of a document that has gone worldwide), it has gone after bloggers who received it in good faith and published it when there was nothing but confusion over what directive was in force at that juncture by what airline.
Coverage on this is growing on web, and I can only urge you to read and support these bloggers who it seems the only thing they have done wrong is to post a document (which Air Canada did in the first play as well as WestJet and JetBlue)
I'll be monitoring this over the next few weeks - suffice to say more directives will head our way, and hopefully the TSA might learn something about themselves in the meantime.
Or not.
Sources and References:
Wired: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/dhs-threatens-blogger/
Gadling: http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/29/government-harassing-blogger-for-source-of-tsa-directive-leak/
Airline Reporter: http://www.airlinereporter.com/?p=2677
Runway Girl: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/runway-girl/2009/12/paying-a-price-for-setting-the.html
Seattle PI: http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/189547.asp
Upgrade: Travel Better - http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2009/12/30/the-chilling-effect-tsa-tries-to-plug-a-leak-by-slapping-travel-bloggers-with-subpoenas/
One Mile at a time: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2009/12/29/blogger-gets-subpoena-for-posting-security-directive/
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Paddy Power takes bets... Monarch gets pissed.
The thing with the British is that we love a flutter on anything - from the Grand National (a horse steeplechase), the winner of Strictly Come Dancing (Dancing with the Stars for our US viewers) to the Christmas Number 1 Record (or sticking one in the eye for Simon Cowell).
It seems there also seems to be the question of "Which airline will go bust next?"
To which according to people betting on PaddyPower appears to be Monarch Airlines from 50/1 to 4/1. Which has displeased Monarch by a long shot.
Tim Jeans, Monarch managing director says "For people to make a game out of betting when an enterprise that's been around for 40 years will go bust is irresponsible," he said. "It's not funny either because we employ nearly 3,000 people and they don't want to be reading this."
He also stressed that Monarch is profitable (£8.52 million at the last figures avalible), and it's ownership secure.
However, lets have a look at the list from PaddyPower....
4/1 Monarch
11/2 Wizz Air
11/2 Finnair
13/2 Malev
9/1 Aer Arann
10/1 Spanair
10/1 Jet2
11/1 BA
14/1 Aer Lingus
14/1 Thomson Airways
16/1 Vueling Airlines
18/1 Bmibaby
20/1 Qantas
20/1 Air Berlin
25/1 Scandinavian airlines
33/1 United Airlines
33/1 Aegean Airlines
33/1 Air One
40/1 Thomas Cook Airlines
40/1 Germanwings
40/1 Flybe
50/1 LOT
50/1 JetBlue
66/1 Czech Airlines
80/1 easyJet
80/1 Virgin Atlantic
80/1 Ryanair
100/1 Lufthansa
100/1 Air France-KLM
100/1 Aeroflot
100/1 Turkish Airlines
100/1 Singapore Airlines
500/1 Vatican Airlines
1000/1 Air Force One
Put it like this: I'm glad I'm not a betting man at all. Although anyone who is putting money on Air Force One going under has better things to do at night...
Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/6907590/Monarch-Airlines-blasts-irresponsible-Paddy-Power-for-running-book-on-carrier-going-bust.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8434710.stm
It seems there also seems to be the question of "Which airline will go bust next?"
To which according to people betting on PaddyPower appears to be Monarch Airlines from 50/1 to 4/1. Which has displeased Monarch by a long shot.
Tim Jeans, Monarch managing director says "For people to make a game out of betting when an enterprise that's been around for 40 years will go bust is irresponsible," he said. "It's not funny either because we employ nearly 3,000 people and they don't want to be reading this."
He also stressed that Monarch is profitable (£8.52 million at the last figures avalible), and it's ownership secure.
However, lets have a look at the list from PaddyPower....
4/1 Monarch
11/2 Wizz Air
11/2 Finnair
13/2 Malev
9/1 Aer Arann
10/1 Spanair
10/1 Jet2
11/1 BA
14/1 Aer Lingus
14/1 Thomson Airways
16/1 Vueling Airlines
18/1 Bmibaby
20/1 Qantas
20/1 Air Berlin
25/1 Scandinavian airlines
33/1 United Airlines
33/1 Aegean Airlines
33/1 Air One
40/1 Thomas Cook Airlines
40/1 Germanwings
40/1 Flybe
50/1 LOT
50/1 JetBlue
66/1 Czech Airlines
80/1 easyJet
80/1 Virgin Atlantic
80/1 Ryanair
100/1 Lufthansa
100/1 Air France-KLM
100/1 Aeroflot
100/1 Turkish Airlines
100/1 Singapore Airlines
500/1 Vatican Airlines
1000/1 Air Force One
Put it like this: I'm glad I'm not a betting man at all. Although anyone who is putting money on Air Force One going under has better things to do at night...
Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/6907590/Monarch-Airlines-blasts-irresponsible-Paddy-Power-for-running-book-on-carrier-going-bust.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8434710.stm
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
JAL edges closer to the edge....
It seems that JAL is edging step by step closer to the edge of its current existence as the Japanese governments will no longer provide any bailouts or extra loans for it as last week - the Finance Minister Hirohisa Fujii said the state would not give the airline any more loans, thus JAL would need to file for the Japanese equivalent of Chapter 11 - with stock becoming worthless.
As we all know, American and Delta are pawing after JAL (with if the rumours to be believed, JAL going with Delta and exiting OneWorld for SkyTeam - unconfirmed as of yet mind)
Its stock value has shrunk 60% this year, with a debt pile of 1.5 trillion yen of debt.
Of course, if it goes to bankruptcy - things get an awful lot complex for everyone - with the Delta/American fund injection really up in the air.
Whilst the staff and travellers will be ultimately affected by this (and the ones who will pay the price if JAL goes belly up), the management have not been lucky at all - and with recent events worldwide not making life easy at all for them.
Put it like this: From this standpoint, if JAL wishes for partnership from American or Delta, it can't afford to head to bankruptcy unless it was finally pushed...
As we all know, American and Delta are pawing after JAL (with if the rumours to be believed, JAL going with Delta and exiting OneWorld for SkyTeam - unconfirmed as of yet mind)
Its stock value has shrunk 60% this year, with a debt pile of 1.5 trillion yen of debt.
Of course, if it goes to bankruptcy - things get an awful lot complex for everyone - with the Delta/American fund injection really up in the air.
Whilst the staff and travellers will be ultimately affected by this (and the ones who will pay the price if JAL goes belly up), the management have not been lucky at all - and with recent events worldwide not making life easy at all for them.
Put it like this: From this standpoint, if JAL wishes for partnership from American or Delta, it can't afford to head to bankruptcy unless it was finally pushed...
The continuing fallout of NW253 - IFE is back on ... but...
Well with the massive changes happening, it seems that now this could hurt operators, with shares in Delta and AMR (American) dropping by about 4%, UAL (United) down 3.4% and US Airways down 6.7%, with fears that this incident will depress air travel further than it is at the moment, and that the extra costs of implementing security changes will affect the back pocket - let alone the experience in the ground or the air.
Meanwhile there seems to be some libraliation of the knee jerk reaction, with the following in the TSA Directives:
TSA Directive SD-1544-09-06 has been posted at http://www.elliott.org/blog/full-text-of-sd-1544-09-06-authorizing-pat-downs-physical-inspection/ which is the initial response.
President Obama has requested a full review of airline security. In other words, Napoli and the DHS/TSA will have to get their ass out of gear and work for once.
The message for travellers alas is clear as crystal. Arrive early, Expect delays and expect everyone to be twitchy.
More advice and commentary:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2009/12/28/tsa-modifies-sd-1544-09-06-who-will-fix-the-broken-system/
http://www.elliott.org/blog/full-text-of-sd-1544-09-06-authorizing-pat-downs-physical-inspection/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8432947.stm
Meanwhile there seems to be some libraliation of the knee jerk reaction, with the following in the TSA Directives:
- Extended security wait times, allow at least two hours for security at the gate.
- A physical pat down by security at the gate prior to boarding all flights to the United States
- A complete physical inspection of all bags being carried on flights to the United States
- Flight crew may make no announcements or reference to position or landmarks while flying over US airspace
- IFE shutdown T -1 hour before landing
- Access to carry on items T -1 Hour
- Blankets
- Satalite Phones
- Moving Maps
TSA Directive SD-1544-09-06 has been posted at http://www.elliott.org/blog/full-text-of-sd-1544-09-06-authorizing-pat-downs-physical-inspection/ which is the initial response.
President Obama has requested a full review of airline security. In other words, Napoli and the DHS/TSA will have to get their ass out of gear and work for once.
The message for travellers alas is clear as crystal. Arrive early, Expect delays and expect everyone to be twitchy.
More advice and commentary:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2009/12/28/tsa-modifies-sd-1544-09-06-who-will-fix-the-broken-system/
http://www.elliott.org/blog/full-text-of-sd-1544-09-06-authorizing-pat-downs-physical-inspection/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8432947.stm
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Airplane p0rn Special - Virgin Atlantic 747-400 taking off
Well it's Sunday - and a Christmas Sunday to boot, so as a present to all, it's a trip special of a Virgin Atlantic 747-400 taking off from Las Vegas on the long trek back to London Gatwick
More Airplane p0rn.... next year ;)
(it's only a few days away!! ;) )
More Airplane p0rn.... next year ;)
(it's only a few days away!! ;) )
Taking extreme changes...
It seems the airlines are taking deep action after the NW253 incident.
Companies have updated their travel advice to include:
Companies have updated their travel advice to include:
- Only one item of hand luggage, including items bought airside (British Airways and Virgin will not charge extra)
- If your presents are wrapped, check them in
- Passengers subject to "pat-down" searches before boarding, on top of usual security checks
- Customers to remain seated during final hour of flight
- No access to hand luggage and a ban on leaving possessions or blankets on laps during this hour
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Changes due to NW253 Incident
British Airways
BA has imposed an immediate bag restriction on it's US flights, restricting one bag per person only from Heathrow or Gatwick. Expect security checkpoints to have increased as well as well as other airlines following suite .
BAA is reporting (Heathrow Airport)
"Travelling to the USA? Passengers travelling to the United States should expect their airline to carry out additional security checks prior to boarding. To support this process, which will take time, please allow extra time to check in and limit the amount of hand baggage taken on to the plane."
Air Canada has modified its restrictions too
"Air Canada advises passengers travelling to the U.S. that due to enhanced government security measures air travellers should arrive early at airports to allow extra time to clear security screening. Passengers should also expect flight delays, cancellations and missed connections, and limit themselves to a single piece of carry-on baggage.
Air Canada recommends passengers travelling to the U.S. to arrive early at the airport for their flight in order to allow adequate time for additional personal searches. Under new rules enacted by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, passengers and their carry-on baggage will be subject to full searches both at airport screening points and prior to boarding at the aircraft gate area.
As a result of the added security precautions, passengers should also expect delayed and cancelled flights as well as missed connections. Air Canada will endeavour to transport passengers to their destination as quickly as possible and rebook passengers who miss their connections at no charge.
While these measures directly affect only flights from Canada to the United States, domestic and international flights may also experience delays due to airport congestion and delayed aircraft. For information on a flight's status please consult www.aircanada.com.
In addition, new rules imposed by Transport Canada will limit the amount of carry-on baggage to one item per person travelling on flights from Canada to the United States."
Expect more changes as the story develops
BA has imposed an immediate bag restriction on it's US flights, restricting one bag per person only from Heathrow or Gatwick. Expect security checkpoints to have increased as well as well as other airlines following suite .
BAA is reporting (Heathrow Airport)
"Travelling to the USA? Passengers travelling to the United States should expect their airline to carry out additional security checks prior to boarding. To support this process, which will take time, please allow extra time to check in and limit the amount of hand baggage taken on to the plane."
Air Canada has modified its restrictions too
"Air Canada advises passengers travelling to the U.S. that due to enhanced government security measures air travellers should arrive early at airports to allow extra time to clear security screening. Passengers should also expect flight delays, cancellations and missed connections, and limit themselves to a single piece of carry-on baggage.
Air Canada recommends passengers travelling to the U.S. to arrive early at the airport for their flight in order to allow adequate time for additional personal searches. Under new rules enacted by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, passengers and their carry-on baggage will be subject to full searches both at airport screening points and prior to boarding at the aircraft gate area.
As a result of the added security precautions, passengers should also expect delayed and cancelled flights as well as missed connections. Air Canada will endeavour to transport passengers to their destination as quickly as possible and rebook passengers who miss their connections at no charge.
While these measures directly affect only flights from Canada to the United States, domestic and international flights may also experience delays due to airport congestion and delayed aircraft. For information on a flight's status please consult www.aircanada.com.
In addition, new rules imposed by Transport Canada will limit the amount of carry-on baggage to one item per person travelling on flights from Canada to the United States."
Expect more changes as the story develops
DL/NW Flight 253 Terror Incident. Merry Christmas...
It seems that Delta/Northwest Flight 253 Amsterdam to Detroit had a little "fun" on it, with an attempted terrorism attempt on it.
A 23-year-old Nigerian man was trying to ignite an explosive device as the A330 begun it's 20 minute approach to Detroit. He was overpowered by some of the 278 passengers and 11 crew.
Reports say he burnt his leg. No-one else was hurt. The suspect was in a database indicating "a significant terrorist connection" although it did not appear on a "no-fly" list (so much for intelligence eh?)
President Obama, has ordered increased security for air travel. Reports are indicating that security is being increased at all ports heading to America especially at LHR.
Reporting:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8430699.stm
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/26/336620/passenger-attack-aboard-delta-a330-fails.html
A 23-year-old Nigerian man was trying to ignite an explosive device as the A330 begun it's 20 minute approach to Detroit. He was overpowered by some of the 278 passengers and 11 crew.
Reports say he burnt his leg. No-one else was hurt. The suspect was in a database indicating "a significant terrorist connection" although it did not appear on a "no-fly" list (so much for intelligence eh?)
President Obama, has ordered increased security for air travel. Reports are indicating that security is being increased at all ports heading to America especially at LHR.
Reporting:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8430699.stm
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/26/336620/passenger-attack-aboard-delta-a330-fails.html
Friday, 25 December 2009
Merry Christmas from GhettoIFE!
Well it's Christmas day in GhettoIFE land.
May you day be peaceful with your IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) working - be it inbuilt, custom made or a television in your front room with you and yours safely.
May you day be peaceful with your IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) working - be it inbuilt, custom made or a television in your front room with you and yours safely.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
The Miracle of Flight AA331
This was going to be published yesterday - but I honestly was in superranty mood after the laughable misoperation of the ID Cards. Plus it's given me more time to write this entry with a few more facts, so all the better really..
American Airlines Flight AA331 was a simple Washington DC (Regan National) to Jamaica Service via Miami service, served by a Boeing 737-800 (N977AN) - much like the Ryanair 737-800 that skidded off the taxiway later on.
Whilst on approach, it seems the weather was very poor, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the region.
On landing, it appears that the aircraft aquaplaned on contact, and skidded off the end of the runway, breaking into 3 segments and coming to a rest near of the runway 15ft (thats 3 meters or so away) from the sea
The frame itself is 8 years old at the time of the incident, however, in three bits (fractured aft of the wing of the fuselage, the right hand engine has become separated from the body, and the left wing-tip has snapped clean off, along with the nose crushed and a couple of other breaks as well as the landing gear collapsing) -the frame it's a write off.
Thankfully, and perhaps more important is that whilst 44 people were injured - 4 seriously, there were no fatalities at all from the 154 people aboard the plane (148 passengers + 6 crew).
For those 154 people - please enjoy your Christmas Miracle.
American Airlines Flight AA331 was a simple Washington DC (Regan National) to Jamaica Service via Miami service, served by a Boeing 737-800 (N977AN) - much like the Ryanair 737-800 that skidded off the taxiway later on.
Whilst on approach, it seems the weather was very poor, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the region.
On landing, it appears that the aircraft aquaplaned on contact, and skidded off the end of the runway, breaking into 3 segments and coming to a rest near of the runway 15ft (thats 3 meters or so away) from the sea
The frame itself is 8 years old at the time of the incident, however, in three bits (fractured aft of the wing of the fuselage, the right hand engine has become separated from the body, and the left wing-tip has snapped clean off, along with the nose crushed and a couple of other breaks as well as the landing gear collapsing) -the frame it's a write off.
Thankfully, and perhaps more important is that whilst 44 people were injured - 4 seriously, there were no fatalities at all from the 154 people aboard the plane (148 passengers + 6 crew).
For those 154 people - please enjoy your Christmas Miracle.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Got a UK ID Card? Don't expect to get out of the country on it....
If you're one of the 1736 fools citizens people victims users of the UK National ID Card (Manchester Area), one of it's esteemed promises from The Home Office was.
"The Home Office said these ID cards could be used for travel in Europe, as well as being a means of identity in opening up bank accounts and the like."
Well. A lot of travel companies are really playing ball with this. Not.
In an investigation by the Manchester Evening News (as well as earlier reports of people being denied access to board ferries from Hull, and trying to check in for flights at Stansted for Bonn), 9 travel providers stated they could not use an ID card as the sole travel document. 8 companies later redacted the statements (bar Eurostar who are still unhappy to state if it's a valid travel document) to state it is possible to travel on an ID card. Only 4 companies in the initial questioning phase got it "right"
However, this is good in theory, but when you're at the border trying to leave the UK on an ID card, you'll get odd looks and confusion as the trial hasn't seemed to be communicated well enough to travel providers.
In particular, Air Berlin and GermanWings have refused point blank to accept this as a valid travel document as it has been not been recognised by the German Federal Authorities.
Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said “The National Identity Card is a valid document for travel and is as good as a passport in Europe.
“We expect all carriers in the UK to accept National Identity Cards for travel as a legal duty and we are confident that the vast majority of travellers will have no problems using their Identity Card as a travel document.
The fact of the matter is this however: UK borders controls, carriers and their agents - as well as foreign governments are not recognising this card as a valid travel document. In other words, you need a passport to travel aboard no matter what IPS say.
Credit: Manchester Evening News
Editors Note: As you might have guessed from the tone of writing - personally I do not support the NIR as well as the National ID Card - something that was done away with in the 1950's, with the costs of the project being funded by Passport fees and an additional fee. The fact that there are few readers about of the device and that to detect one without an reader requires a distinct sound when twanged is quite frankly laughable. The fact it will also contain biometric details, held in a government database also freaks me slightly too.
"The Home Office said these ID cards could be used for travel in Europe, as well as being a means of identity in opening up bank accounts and the like."
Well. A lot of travel companies are really playing ball with this. Not.
In an investigation by the Manchester Evening News (as well as earlier reports of people being denied access to board ferries from Hull, and trying to check in for flights at Stansted for Bonn), 9 travel providers stated they could not use an ID card as the sole travel document. 8 companies later redacted the statements (bar Eurostar who are still unhappy to state if it's a valid travel document) to state it is possible to travel on an ID card. Only 4 companies in the initial questioning phase got it "right"
However, this is good in theory, but when you're at the border trying to leave the UK on an ID card, you'll get odd looks and confusion as the trial hasn't seemed to be communicated well enough to travel providers.
In particular, Air Berlin and GermanWings have refused point blank to accept this as a valid travel document as it has been not been recognised by the German Federal Authorities.
Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said “The National Identity Card is a valid document for travel and is as good as a passport in Europe.
“We expect all carriers in the UK to accept National Identity Cards for travel as a legal duty and we are confident that the vast majority of travellers will have no problems using their Identity Card as a travel document.
The fact of the matter is this however: UK borders controls, carriers and their agents - as well as foreign governments are not recognising this card as a valid travel document. In other words, you need a passport to travel aboard no matter what IPS say.
Credit: Manchester Evening News
Editors Note: As you might have guessed from the tone of writing - personally I do not support the NIR as well as the National ID Card - something that was done away with in the 1950's, with the costs of the project being funded by Passport fees and an additional fee. The fact that there are few readers about of the device and that to detect one without an reader requires a distinct sound when twanged is quite frankly laughable. The fact it will also contain biometric details, held in a government database also freaks me slightly too.
Ice and Snow still causing trouble - Ryanair 737-800 skids off the taxiway
One word: Ouch.
Picture - BBC News
It seems that everywhere is a bit of a skidpan at the moment - especially at Glasgow Prestwick Airport were a Ryanair 737 that arrived from Dublin skidded off a taxiway after landing safely.
No injuries thankfully amongst the 129 passengers and 6 crew, and were evacuated normally. Whilst the aircraft has been deemded safe to fly again, the airport remains shut until they get the aircraft off the taxiway.
Picture - BBC News
It seems that everywhere is a bit of a skidpan at the moment - especially at Glasgow Prestwick Airport were a Ryanair 737 that arrived from Dublin skidded off a taxiway after landing safely.
No injuries thankfully amongst the 129 passengers and 6 crew, and were evacuated normally. Whilst the aircraft has been deemded safe to fly again, the airport remains shut until they get the aircraft off the taxiway.
Monday, 21 December 2009
A smattering of snow, and everything goes wrong...
Snow and ice are still playing up in the UK, so here's a few things to be aware of:
- All London Airports, Bristol, Manchester and in fact - the majority of UK Airports are showing delays.
- Eurostar is still suspended, pending testing of the new snow defence systems installed on the trains.
- Roads are still chaotic
- Also the East Coast of the USA is suffering major snow issues with delays going into days now.
- And will someone grit my road please. It's like walking on an icerink....
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Airplane p0rn - Aer Lingus A320
It's that time of the week again and it's more airplane p0rn!
This week - an Aer Lingus A320 parked up at Dublin on a very cold winters morning.
This week - an Aer Lingus A320 parked up at Dublin on a very cold winters morning.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Expect more brinkmanship between BA and Unite...
Unite has signalled it wishes to reballot it's members for another attempt at strike action.
Whilst not unexpected, personally - I would still be considering other carriers over the next few weeks. For any strike to happen there much be a consultation period, ballot and actual notice to the company.
That puts it +4 weeks away, and pushing it into February.
For that matter, if you rebooked and are thinking of switching back to BA, there is still the strong possibility that a lot of cabin crew could phone in "sick" throwing the schedulde in the air.
Lets be careful out there!
Whilst not unexpected, personally - I would still be considering other carriers over the next few weeks. For any strike to happen there much be a consultation period, ballot and actual notice to the company.
That puts it +4 weeks away, and pushing it into February.
For that matter, if you rebooked and are thinking of switching back to BA, there is still the strong possibility that a lot of cabin crew could phone in "sick" throwing the schedulde in the air.
Lets be careful out there!
Snow trouble ahead.
If you're travelling today (Saturday 19th), expect
- Delays at LHR due to snow
- LGW appear to be fine
- Some Delays at LCY
- Issues with UK immigration in other countries - Strike action alas
- And major issues with Eurostar not due to strikes, but due to the cold snap.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
**BREAKING ** British Airways Cabin Crew Strike ruled illegal - STRIKE IS OFF.
I repeat in large letters
More follows.
THE BRITISH AIRWAYS CREW STRIKE HAS BEEN RULED ILLEGAL AND THUS CANNOT GO AHEAD.
Unite are annoyed, and is planning on holding fresh ballots. BA on the other hand is bedding into its positition and are pressuring Unite to "understand it's position"
More follows.
Let's Strike! Who Else is heading into a Strike action over this "Festive" season?
Apart from British Airways, who else is out on strike over the festive period?
Eurostar - The Anglo-French-Belgium Consortium has workers walking on 18/19 and 26/27 (unless resolved) over pay and conditions. About 70 drivers and 20 on-board staff are to walk out over pay for 48 hours. Eurostar is confident of running a service with it's French/Belgium workers, however - expect disruption
Unite - Baggage Handlers at LHR and ABZ - Unite members working for SAS Ground Services are schedule to walk out 22 December, with further strikes from Boxing Day and 3 January for 48 hour periods.
At LHR Expect Emirates, Turkish and Thai to be affected.
At ABZ expect Air France, KLM and Wideroe/Atlantic to be affected.
Further breaking news on the BA Strike ruling by Court action will be posted here as and when it happens...
Eurostar - The Anglo-French-Belgium Consortium has workers walking on 18/19 and 26/27 (unless resolved) over pay and conditions. About 70 drivers and 20 on-board staff are to walk out over pay for 48 hours. Eurostar is confident of running a service with it's French/Belgium workers, however - expect disruption
Unite - Baggage Handlers at LHR and ABZ - Unite members working for SAS Ground Services are schedule to walk out 22 December, with further strikes from Boxing Day and 3 January for 48 hour periods.
At LHR Expect Emirates, Turkish and Thai to be affected.
At ABZ expect Air France, KLM and Wideroe/Atlantic to be affected.
Further breaking news on the BA Strike ruling by Court action will be posted here as and when it happens...
FlyGlobespan goes into administration (Duh Duh Duh.. Another one bites the dust )
Well this annualas horiblas seems to coming to an end for the civil avation sector, but it's taken another casualty this year, in the form of FlyGlobespan.
It seems that a funding injection failure took Globespan to the brink and pushed it over. This hasn't been helped with rumors going around that it was heading for the wall since the middle of this year.
PriceWaterhouseCoopers has been appointed as the administrators (with both the airline and the tour operations company). Customers who booked through Globespan as part of a package are protected via ATOL, however those who booked direct with the airline are formally up a creak sans paddle.
Both EasyJet and Ryanair has also issued rescue fares too to assist (on overlapping routes) with Thomas Cook laying on extra flights from Glasgow, however ~4500 people have been stranded by this collaspe, with 1100 people covered by ATOL. The remaining 3400 people may qualify for reduced rescue fares issued by the CAA/ATOL.
Obviously, it's fleet of 2 737-700s, 3 737-800 and Boeing 737-700 and 767-300ER's are grounded, pending disposal - with its 2 orders for 787's reverting back to ILFC (Steven Udvar-Hazy's International Lease and Finance Company)
The emergency contact number is 0871 271 9000
It seems that a funding injection failure took Globespan to the brink and pushed it over. This hasn't been helped with rumors going around that it was heading for the wall since the middle of this year.
PriceWaterhouseCoopers has been appointed as the administrators (with both the airline and the tour operations company). Customers who booked through Globespan as part of a package are protected via ATOL, however those who booked direct with the airline are formally up a creak sans paddle.
Both EasyJet and Ryanair has also issued rescue fares too to assist (on overlapping routes) with Thomas Cook laying on extra flights from Glasgow, however ~4500 people have been stranded by this collaspe, with 1100 people covered by ATOL. The remaining 3400 people may qualify for reduced rescue fares issued by the CAA/ATOL.
Obviously, it's fleet of 2 737-700s, 3 737-800 and Boeing 737-700 and 767-300ER's are grounded, pending disposal - with its 2 orders for 787's reverting back to ILFC (Steven Udvar-Hazy's International Lease and Finance Company)
The emergency contact number is 0871 271 9000
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Boeing's 787 takes to the skies... so what next?
Firstly, lets have some take off movies
From KOMO News.
from Jon at Flightblogger
and it landing....
from 2WheelFever, Youtube.
For Boeing, this is the beginning of a long road to getting FAA and JAA certification, in which FlightBlogger covers in extenstive length. But soon enough, we'll reach the point of "first delivery" and "first service."
What are looking towards in terms of interior? The aim is to make it look bigger, with overhead bins, big windows (with the famed dimmer), a more open space, and all sorts of fun stuff (except this one and the flight test). Expect Panasonic and Thales to bring their top-of-the-line IFE systems.
Whilst some internals haven't been released, in the back, we're looking at 3 x 3 x 3 realsiticly, with the more mad airlines going for 3 x 4 x 3. Business and First Class products will vary - with probable 2 x 2 x 2 or 1 x 2 x 1 depending on how they feel. A lot of airlines are going to have to examine carefully how they're going to implement this product, as this is 767 replacement (with a lot of airlines going to use it as a 767 replacement) in terms of range, load, and will be using it between primary (hub to hub) as well and secondary (hub to non hub/point to point) location.
Of course ANA will be the first company to take delivery of the 787 (ZA002 is already in ANA Livery for the test campaign).
The first part of the work is now complete. Now to get this production ready...
From KOMO News.
from Jon at Flightblogger
and it landing....
from 2WheelFever, Youtube.
For Boeing, this is the beginning of a long road to getting FAA and JAA certification, in which FlightBlogger covers in extenstive length. But soon enough, we'll reach the point of "first delivery" and "first service."
What are looking towards in terms of interior? The aim is to make it look bigger, with overhead bins, big windows (with the famed dimmer), a more open space, and all sorts of fun stuff (except this one and the flight test). Expect Panasonic and Thales to bring their top-of-the-line IFE systems.
Whilst some internals haven't been released, in the back, we're looking at 3 x 3 x 3 realsiticly, with the more mad airlines going for 3 x 4 x 3. Business and First Class products will vary - with probable 2 x 2 x 2 or 1 x 2 x 1 depending on how they feel. A lot of airlines are going to have to examine carefully how they're going to implement this product, as this is 767 replacement (with a lot of airlines going to use it as a 767 replacement) in terms of range, load, and will be using it between primary (hub to hub) as well and secondary (hub to non hub/point to point) location.
Of course ANA will be the first company to take delivery of the 787 (ZA002 is already in ANA Livery for the test campaign).
The first part of the work is now complete. Now to get this production ready...
The BA Strike - Rebooking and Generic Advice
NOTE - BA Strike is OFF as of 17/12.
So lets quickly recap the Unite/BA Cabin Crew Strike
Turnout: 80% with a 9:1 favour in Strike.
Strike Dates: 22nd December 2009 for 12 days until 2nd January 2010
BA Rebooking Policy -See http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_gb?p_faqid=3917, but in simple terms:
"Customers who are booked to travel between 22 December 2009 and 2 January 2009 and for 48 hours on either side of those dates who would like to take their flight at a different time can change to another BA flight departing in the next twelve months at no charge."
"If a customer’s flight is cancelled because of industrial action, we will offer them the option to refund their ticket, rebook on to a different flight or reroute their journey on another BA flight"
- Fully-Flex can change bookings via Manage My Booking
- Bookings Made Through BA.com - Contact the BA Call Centre
- Bookings via Travel Agent - Contact Travel Agent where the booking was made.
In addition space for most BA Flight have been zeroed out (no seats available) during the strike period (Confirmed through ExpertFlyer).
There is the matter that some BA flights may fly during the Industrial Action period by non-union members of staff - expect to see a heavily redrawn emergency timetable closer to the strike date.
There is a chance that the strike action may not go ahead and that BA and the Unions can come to an agreement - we can but hope..
If you're planning to travel and considering re-routing
If you're paying for your ticket
If you were considering rebooking to other carriers, be aware that it is the Christmas period and thus capacity will be stretched more than normal. Other carriers have zeroed availability in what cheaper fare buckets there were, and only release near enough full fare tickets or slightly discounted full fare tickets with strict fare conditions.
Some carriers are offering promotions to get people keep people flying (FlyBe taking full advantage and EasyJet offering free SpeedyBoarding for BA Gold/Silvers)
If you're planning a Frequent Flyer Redemption
Expect to be restricted at space maybe dedicated to full fare customers or space to book out.. In other words as warned yesterday Plan your re-routing NOW and get your redemptions in - what were wide open yesterday morning (14/12) have gone to minimal seats this morning (15/12).
I wish those you who are travelling BA during this period the best of luck getting to your destinations - BUT PLAN AHEAD NOW AND KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.
This post will be monitored and as the situation changes, updates will be made.
So lets quickly recap the Unite/BA Cabin Crew Strike
Turnout: 80% with a 9:1 favour in Strike.
Strike Dates: 22nd December 2009 for 12 days until 2nd January 2010
BA Rebooking Policy -See http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_gb?p_faqid=3917, but in simple terms:
"Customers who are booked to travel between 22 December 2009 and 2 January 2009 and for 48 hours on either side of those dates who would like to take their flight at a different time can change to another BA flight departing in the next twelve months at no charge."
"If a customer’s flight is cancelled because of industrial action, we will offer them the option to refund their ticket, rebook on to a different flight or reroute their journey on another BA flight"
- Fully-Flex can change bookings via Manage My Booking
- Bookings Made Through BA.com - Contact the BA Call Centre
- Bookings via Travel Agent - Contact Travel Agent where the booking was made.
In addition space for most BA Flight have been zeroed out (no seats available) during the strike period (Confirmed through ExpertFlyer).
There is the matter that some BA flights may fly during the Industrial Action period by non-union members of staff - expect to see a heavily redrawn emergency timetable closer to the strike date.
There is a chance that the strike action may not go ahead and that BA and the Unions can come to an agreement - we can but hope..
If you're planning to travel and considering re-routing
If you're paying for your ticket
If you were considering rebooking to other carriers, be aware that it is the Christmas period and thus capacity will be stretched more than normal. Other carriers have zeroed availability in what cheaper fare buckets there were, and only release near enough full fare tickets or slightly discounted full fare tickets with strict fare conditions.
Some carriers are offering promotions to get people keep people flying (FlyBe taking full advantage and EasyJet offering free SpeedyBoarding for BA Gold/Silvers)
If you're planning a Frequent Flyer Redemption
Expect to be restricted at space maybe dedicated to full fare customers or space to book out.. In other words as warned yesterday Plan your re-routing NOW and get your redemptions in - what were wide open yesterday morning (14/12) have gone to minimal seats this morning (15/12).
I wish those you who are travelling BA during this period the best of luck getting to your destinations - BUT PLAN AHEAD NOW AND KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.
This post will be monitored and as the situation changes, updates will be made.
Monday, 14 December 2009
** BREAKING ** British Airways Cabin CrewStrike Action - It's Go!
NOTE - BA Strike is OFF as of 17/12.
It is confirmed by the BBC that Cabin Crew have voted to strike with an high turnout.
The vote, had a greater than 80% turnout, was 92.5% in favour of a strike, says the Unite.
The action is set to begin on 22 December and run until 2 January - with major disruption over the Christmas Period.
If you're travelling over this festive period on BA, I'd get your contingency measures sorted *now*
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8411214.stm
More on this later...
It is confirmed by the BBC that Cabin Crew have voted to strike with an high turnout.
The vote, had a greater than 80% turnout, was 92.5% in favour of a strike, says the Unite.
The action is set to begin on 22 December and run until 2 January - with major disruption over the Christmas Period.
If you're travelling over this festive period on BA, I'd get your contingency measures sorted *now*
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8411214.stm
More on this later...
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Airplane p0rn - Delta 757-200
It's Sunday, so it must be time for some more airplane p0rn. This week - it's a Delta 757-200 taxing at Las Vegas International.
More of course, next week!
More of course, next week!
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Updated: Boeing 787 First Flight ** 15 December **
Boeing has officially confirmed that they aiming for first flight of their 787 aircraft on 15th December at 10am PST.
GhettoIFE whilst not there, will provide coverage on the first flight - least of all from the in-plane and IFE perspectives.
Hat tips: Boeing, Flightblogger
Image: Boeing.com
GhettoIFE whilst not there, will provide coverage on the first flight - least of all from the in-plane and IFE perspectives.
Hat tips: Boeing, Flightblogger
Congratulations to Airbus - A400M takes to the skies 2 years late...
Well, another day, another new aircraft takes to the skies. The A400M is almost as troubled as the B787, but has today taken a great step forward in it's programme by taking off over 20 months late, and heading into the sky at 10:15 from San Pablo airport near Seville, Spain
Frame MSN001 had a 3 hour and 45 minute flight, before landing back successfully, with "sparking" take off performance and extended work as things were going well.
Of course - this is an excuse for some airplane p0rn! ;)
Picture: Airbus Military 2009, L. Olivas - http://www.a400m.com/
More coverage at http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/11/336083/updated-pictures.html and video at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8407825.stm
(Sorry for the delays in posting - I'm switching laptops at the moment and am migrating from one to another. No delay vouchers or food vouchers will be issued alas due to the shortness of delay. Thank you for flying GhettoIFE.com)
Frame MSN001 had a 3 hour and 45 minute flight, before landing back successfully, with "sparking" take off performance and extended work as things were going well.
Of course - this is an excuse for some airplane p0rn! ;)
More coverage at http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/11/336083/updated-pictures.html and video at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8407825.stm
(Sorry for the delays in posting - I'm switching laptops at the moment and am migrating from one to another. No delay vouchers or food vouchers will be issued alas due to the shortness of delay. Thank you for flying GhettoIFE.com)
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Welcome to Star Alliance Brussels Airlines!
Today, Star Alliance has taken another growth, and has added Brussels Airlines into the Alliance.
But who are they?
The IATA identifier might provide a clue: SN. SN was the original identifier of Sabena, which went bankrupt in 2001. SN Brussels Airlines was reorganised to take over as the national carrier. With the merger of one of Bransons failed experiments - Virgin Express, it became Brussels Airlines. During 2008, Lufthansa went on a buying spree of basket case airlines, and acquired Brussels airlines in September 2008, brining in Miles and More, killing off the OneWorld codeshares (bar the AA BRU-JFK service which end soon) and culminating in the joining of Star Alliance.
In fleet terms, it's a mishmash of Avro/BAe 146's (26 units - both RJ70/RH85), Boeing 737 Classics (5 -300's, 5 -400's with one reserved for charter use), 4 A319's and 4 A330's.
Yes - you saw that right - A330's. Brussels Airlines has a developed an extensive route network in Africa which take advantage of this with some aspirations of going for the TATL market rather than leaving it to United and American Airlines.
In operations terms we'll be seeing a lot more SN traffic at LHR as BMI is giving over the space for them to run a service (RJ-85's and 737-400's's expected). For those on RTW tickets, some intresting destinations should now show up.
But who are they?
A Boeing 737-400 in Brussels Airlines livery.
The IATA identifier might provide a clue: SN. SN was the original identifier of Sabena, which went bankrupt in 2001. SN Brussels Airlines was reorganised to take over as the national carrier. With the merger of one of Bransons failed experiments - Virgin Express, it became Brussels Airlines. During 2008, Lufthansa went on a buying spree of basket case airlines, and acquired Brussels airlines in September 2008, brining in Miles and More, killing off the OneWorld codeshares (bar the AA BRU-JFK service which end soon) and culminating in the joining of Star Alliance.
In fleet terms, it's a mishmash of Avro/BAe 146's (26 units - both RJ70/RH85), Boeing 737 Classics (5 -300's, 5 -400's with one reserved for charter use), 4 A319's and 4 A330's.
Yes - you saw that right - A330's. Brussels Airlines has a developed an extensive route network in Africa which take advantage of this with some aspirations of going for the TATL market rather than leaving it to United and American Airlines.
In operations terms we'll be seeing a lot more SN traffic at LHR as BMI is giving over the space for them to run a service (RJ-85's and 737-400's's expected). For those on RTW tickets, some intresting destinations should now show up.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Breaking apart the order - United orders 25 A350's and 25 B787's
Ok, now I'm not working on real work, its time to do an analysis.
With a mixed order of 25 of each type of aircraft (with options for 50 more of each - so a possible 75 aircraft of each class), what is United trying to achive?
Fleet Replacement - The 747's and 767's are up for the chop in this case.
Cost reduction and "greenness" - The green issue rears its head again, with alleged savings of 40% over the liftime of the frame
Both fleets also represent a chance for United to take gambles with long and thin routes - or really beef up exisit routes.
One little issue - neither fleets are due to come on stream until 2016, with delivery complete in 2019.
That is a *lifetime* away in airline terms.
So, it's a win-win for both Boeing and Airbus? Airbus should be feeling happy, however, the real looser is Boeing - in terms of not the aircraft ordered, but the aircraft lost to Airbus.
However, rather than being nationalist - United has done the right thing by buying aircraft suited to need... and knowing United - suited to it's pocket.
With a mixed order of 25 of each type of aircraft (with options for 50 more of each - so a possible 75 aircraft of each class), what is United trying to achive?
Fleet Replacement - The 747's and 767's are up for the chop in this case.
- The 747's are being replaced with Airbus A350-900's (with 11% more range than a 747-400)
- whilst the 767's are being replaced with Boeing 787-8's. (with a 32% increase in range)
- No 747-8's - Well lets be honest, who really wants this type? Apart from Lufthansa and Korean Air, United seems not to be in the 350 people plus market
- No new 777's - Unsurprising as interest in the current generation equipment is slowly waning as people look to 787/A350.
Cost reduction and "greenness" - The green issue rears its head again, with alleged savings of 40% over the liftime of the frame
Both fleets also represent a chance for United to take gambles with long and thin routes - or really beef up exisit routes.
One little issue - neither fleets are due to come on stream until 2016, with delivery complete in 2019.
That is a *lifetime* away in airline terms.
So, it's a win-win for both Boeing and Airbus? Airbus should be feeling happy, however, the real looser is Boeing - in terms of not the aircraft ordered, but the aircraft lost to Airbus.
However, rather than being nationalist - United has done the right thing by buying aircraft suited to need... and knowing United - suited to it's pocket.
** BREAKING - United orders 25 A350's and 25 B787's ***
Well it seems United seems to be as good at taking a descsion as most major organisatons with the order of intent for 25 Boeing 787-8's and 25 Airbus A350XWB-900's.
Yes - it's a 50/50 split for both Boeing and Airbus.
More analysis later with a few pictures if you're good!
Yes - it's a 50/50 split for both Boeing and Airbus.
More analysis later with a few pictures if you're good!
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Airplane p0rn - Air France Boeing 777-200ER
And it's time of the week again - time for some Airplane p0rn!
This week - an Air France Boeing 777-200ER about to take off from LAX on the long route back to Paris (along with an interloping US Airways Express (Mesa) CRJ in the background).
More airplane p0rn of course next week!
This week - an Air France Boeing 777-200ER about to take off from LAX on the long route back to Paris (along with an interloping US Airways Express (Mesa) CRJ in the background).
More airplane p0rn of course next week!
Saturday, 5 December 2009
What's in the Matching pack from Continental?
In the last waining days of Continental in SkyTeam, I found out that status matches were still being offered to all commers. As a BMI Gold with a slim chance of NOT re-qualifying for BMI Gold (it was very close at one point), I decided to make contingency plans "just in case"
Taking a punt (and in some seriousness, I am thinking to switching to Continental - least of all there is a lovely service to Newark (EWR) direct from my local airport - Birmingham BHX). And I got matched to their Gold to become SkyTeam Elite... which became Star Alliance Gold!
A few days ago.. the pack arrived. What wonders would await me? Lets find out...
Ooh. A cute envelope....
... that has definatly suffered on its way accross the pond
Now lets look inside.
Aww. A cute welcome letter. Now onto the good stuff....
The beloved card:
Well you can't exactly *miss* where it says "Star Alliance Gold" can you (unlike the BMI card), and vaild until the end of January. Not much time to use my current card - but a new card should be due for the Newly matched travel year...
Now any luggage tags and other beanies?
Oh dear. Well. The luggage tags are... umm.. two labels to stick inside your luggage. That's it. Not overly impressive.
The things on the right - are more interesting - Continental Currency - or to the rest of us... DRINK VOUCHERS!!! (for those of you who sit in the nose of the plane, most US carriers charge us for the numbing liquids that make travel bearable for those of us who sit in the back).
The good news - there are 4 of them.... This means I'm going to have to find a Continental Flight to try them out on...
But I'm hoping for something better in the New Year renewal pack... at least some pretty luggage tags.... ;)
Taking a punt (and in some seriousness, I am thinking to switching to Continental - least of all there is a lovely service to Newark (EWR) direct from my local airport - Birmingham BHX). And I got matched to their Gold to become SkyTeam Elite... which became Star Alliance Gold!
A few days ago.. the pack arrived. What wonders would await me? Lets find out...
Ooh. A cute envelope....
Now lets look inside.
Aww. A cute welcome letter. Now onto the good stuff....
The beloved card:
Now any luggage tags and other beanies?
Oh dear. Well. The luggage tags are... umm.. two labels to stick inside your luggage. That's it. Not overly impressive.
The things on the right - are more interesting - Continental Currency - or to the rest of us... DRINK VOUCHERS!!! (for those of you who sit in the nose of the plane, most US carriers charge us for the numbing liquids that make travel bearable for those of us who sit in the back).
The good news - there are 4 of them.... This means I'm going to have to find a Continental Flight to try them out on...
But I'm hoping for something better in the New Year renewal pack... at least some pretty luggage tags.... ;)
Friday, 4 December 2009
Korean Air goes for 747-8I - who else to follow(?)
The 747-8I project received a very small boost today with Korean Air plumping for a grand total of 5 frames.
You read that correct. Five. This actually takes KAL up to 12 747-8's (as they have 7 747-8F's on order)
KAL say this is to plug the hole between the 777 and the A380, and it's a logical fit for the between the 300 to 500 seat market.
I'm not overly convinced to be honest. The 747-8I project has really failed to take flight with customers, with everyone looking at twin-jets instead. Only Lufthansa firmly stood their ground and is the launch carrier - with KAL only being the second carrier to buy them (apart from a lot private frames - LH 20 frames, KAL 5 frames, Boeing Business Jet division 7 frames) taking the project to 32 frames in total..
Has Boeing missed the boat with the 747-8I? Possibly. Emirates and Singapore Airlines have voted with their feet and are pushing ahead with A380 deployments, whilst bigger airlines such as Air France have started to push their push to the same platform - with others to follow.
Could this be the momentum for other carriers to purchase the 747-8I? Again, I'm not confident - the 777, 787, A330, A350 and even the A380 are making major inroads to the 747's market - least of all down to cost. It might be a good fit for Cathay Pacific and JAL (traditional 747 operators) - but for other airlines it may not make that much sense.
Will Boeing develop the 747-8I frame is the other question... or will Boeing develop and sell it as a matter of pride and not as a revenue generator? That's the real question that's yet to be answered. I guess we will find out if the first 747-8I rolls out of the Boeing factory in Lufthansa colours.....
You read that correct. Five. This actually takes KAL up to 12 747-8's (as they have 7 747-8F's on order)
KAL say this is to plug the hole between the 777 and the A380, and it's a logical fit for the between the 300 to 500 seat market.
I'm not overly convinced to be honest. The 747-8I project has really failed to take flight with customers, with everyone looking at twin-jets instead. Only Lufthansa firmly stood their ground and is the launch carrier - with KAL only being the second carrier to buy them (apart from a lot private frames - LH 20 frames, KAL 5 frames, Boeing Business Jet division 7 frames) taking the project to 32 frames in total..
Has Boeing missed the boat with the 747-8I? Possibly. Emirates and Singapore Airlines have voted with their feet and are pushing ahead with A380 deployments, whilst bigger airlines such as Air France have started to push their push to the same platform - with others to follow.
Could this be the momentum for other carriers to purchase the 747-8I? Again, I'm not confident - the 777, 787, A330, A350 and even the A380 are making major inroads to the 747's market - least of all down to cost. It might be a good fit for Cathay Pacific and JAL (traditional 747 operators) - but for other airlines it may not make that much sense.
Will Boeing develop the 747-8I frame is the other question... or will Boeing develop and sell it as a matter of pride and not as a revenue generator? That's the real question that's yet to be answered. I guess we will find out if the first 747-8I rolls out of the Boeing factory in Lufthansa colours.....
JAL... will it be Bachelor number 1 or Bachelor Number 2?
The Battle for JAL's heart is well and truly joined, with Delta offering $1 Billon and now American offering $1.1 Billion.
Its fast turning into one heck of a battle for the Far East (as whoever wins gets a very big chuck of the network out there to integrate into their own airline or alliance)
American is part of OneWorld (which JAL is part of) whilst Delta would take JAL into Skyteam, sewing up the north Asia major alliances with Star Alliance. (Star has ANA and Asiana, Skyteam have Korean Air and JAL currently is in OneWorld)
JAL itself has slumped BADLY, requiring four government bailouts to keep going, and with a 6 month loss of $1.5 Billion - whoever does buy the share in JAL has a lot of work to turn around that airline.
I can't predict this one by a long way - however it turns out will lead to a pretty strong home at Narita and well beyond Japans borders....
Its fast turning into one heck of a battle for the Far East (as whoever wins gets a very big chuck of the network out there to integrate into their own airline or alliance)
American is part of OneWorld (which JAL is part of) whilst Delta would take JAL into Skyteam, sewing up the north Asia major alliances with Star Alliance. (Star has ANA and Asiana, Skyteam have Korean Air and JAL currently is in OneWorld)
JAL itself has slumped BADLY, requiring four government bailouts to keep going, and with a 6 month loss of $1.5 Billion - whoever does buy the share in JAL has a lot of work to turn around that airline.
I can't predict this one by a long way - however it turns out will lead to a pretty strong home at Narita and well beyond Japans borders....
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
** BREAKING - Airplane Geeks Rejoice - 787 Flight Targeted for 14/12/2009 (14 Dec)
It seems that Boeing has declared its fixes to the wing good - and that first flight for the 787 has been pushed forward from 22nd December to 14th December.
As those who have been paying some sort of attention to this ongoing mess-up that's making the A380 project look like light work - the 787 has had wing re-enforcement in the wingbox and side of the box, passing its internal "over 100%" have passed a few ago - allowing ZA001 (N787BA) being prepared for First Flight. Frame ZA002 (N787EX in ANA colours) has had it's wingfix applied and itself it being fitted out for flight.
Well. We'll see as they say - there have been many bumps in the 787 project so far - and it's too early to assume they won't be more....
Credit: FlightBlogger
As those who have been paying some sort of attention to this ongoing mess-up that's making the A380 project look like light work - the 787 has had wing re-enforcement in the wingbox and side of the box, passing its internal "over 100%" have passed a few ago - allowing ZA001 (N787BA) being prepared for First Flight. Frame ZA002 (N787EX in ANA colours) has had it's wingfix applied and itself it being fitted out for flight.
Well. We'll see as they say - there have been many bumps in the 787 project so far - and it's too early to assume they won't be more....
Credit: FlightBlogger
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
On other Kevin sites...
... yes I do have a minor web empire. And minor, it's very small - but hey - lets do some shameless self promotion.
- On Photoblog (you can access the most recent entries on the left hand bar), It's the Christmas season, so it's time for the Advent Calendar that'll be running all December. Have a look - it might put you into the semi festive spirit.
- On Raven Imaging (It's one link on the left with the letters NSFW - I'm sure you know what that means), I've been busy with my camera again. If you want to see what I do professionally, pop along and have a look.
- On GhettoIFE.com, it's the usual commentary, analysis and everything else that GhettoIFE.com does well. During Christmas and New Year, there'll be lots of Airplane p0rn to keep everyone happy (also I'll be having some personal time. The joys of automated posting.).
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