18 May, 2015

Saudi Arabian Airlines Fined

Saudi Arabian Airlines has been fined some 1.4 million euros by a regional Belgian government for breaching EU carbon emissions rules, making it the first big non-EU carrier to be fined for breaking the EU aviation law.

The European Union requirement that all aircraft using its airports pay for carbon emissions caused international outcry when it was introduced at the start of 2012.

Air Malta in Talks With Turkish Airlines


Air Malta is currently in negotiations with Turkish Airlines – the fourth largest carrier in the world – regarding a strategic alliance and cash injection. 


Company sources at Air Malta have told local media that discussions are held on a regular basis with a number of airlines over alliances of some degree, however with Turkish these discussions are also including talks about a cash injection or a total buyout of the small and financially strapped Maltese airline. 

Premium Economy For Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines will officially launch its new premium economy seats this Thursday, 21st
 May, with Sydney being the first destination.

Flights to London, Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Paris will follow as the airline moves to rapidly fit the new seats across its flagship fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The leather-clad seats, created exclusively for Singapore Airlines by JPA Design, will be 19.5 inches wide with a pitch of 38 inches, compared to a 19 inch width and tighter 32 inch pitch in standard economy cabin.  In addition to a greater recline, padded legrest and more in-seat storage space, passengers will also be treated to champagne and meals from Singapore Airlines' 'Book the Cook' service.


United Hacker Controls Flight.

Worrying news breaking from the United States of America regarding in flight safety of aircraft after a cyber security hacker's claim hit the headlines that he managed to control an aircraft mid-flight through its in-flight entertainment system.

According to media reports, the FBI warrant says researcher / hacker Chris Roberts took control of a United Airlines flight briefly and caused the aircraft to fly sideways for a short time.  It is not exactly clear when the incident took place however Roberts was detained by the FBI in April after he posted this tweet claiming he had hacked into the control systems of a United Airlines flight on which he was a passenger.

Busy Summer Ahead

According to figures released this week from Airlines for America, this summer is looking set to be one of the busiest on record with an estimated 222 million travelers are expected to fly from 1st June to 31st Aug. That would be an amazing  4.5% growth from last year, the average number of 2.4 million travelers per day would include 332,000 on international flights, which the group said would also be a record.

"With 13 of the 15 busiest air travel days of the year falling in the summer months, U.S. airlines are well-prepared to accommodate the increased travel demand by adding flights and seats, and deploying new and larger aircraft, along with a boost in staffing to enhance the customer experience," said John Heimlich, chief economist for Airlines for America. Healthy air-travel demand and lower, yet still volatile, fuel prices are helping U.S. airlines close the gap to average U.S. corporate profitability,"


17 May, 2015

Bristol Airport Sussess

Passenger numbers soared to move than 500,000 last month, a new record for the South West Airport. Its the 13th consecutive month of growth at the regional airport and future growth is promised with new routes and a new winter schedule being planned.

BMI Regional saw traffic their passenger numbers increase with the launch of two new services to Paris and Düsseldorf. Other airlines including Brussels Airlines, EasyJet, Ryanair and Thomas Cook also recorded growth from Bristol.

New destinations for the summer include Bilbao, lsle of Man, Porto, Gibraltar, Catania, Cape Verde, Paphos and Hurghada.  Wizz Air is all set to make its Bristol debut in June with twice weekly flights to Katowice in Poland.

The airport management confirm a terminal extension is on schedule to open in July of this year that will increase services to passengers. Airport chief executive, Robert Sinclair, said: “Growth in passenger numbers supports investment in facilities such as the eastern terminal extension which will create additional space and seating, as well as a wider choice of shops and restaurants. It also demonstrates to airlines the strength of the market for air travel in the south-west as we work to attract exciting new routes to add to the 100-plus already on offer from Bristol.”

16 May, 2015

EasyJet Crew Injured in Turbulence.

Two flight crew were injured as turbulence hit an easyJet aircraft as it prepared to land in Milan. One of the cabin crew suffered a broken ankle and the other severe bruising, an air accident report revealed. They were both take to an Italian hospital after medical staff were called to meet the aircraft. None of the 137 passengers was injured on board the Airbus A320 flight from Gatwick on January 30, according to the report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.


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