Once upon a time in 2000, Virgin entered the Australian airline market as a low cost carrier challenger. Months after its arrival, it found itself in a unique position as one of the country’s two main airlines (Ansett) collapsed in the wake of 11 September 2001. Qantas expanded to fill the vacuum left by Ansett. Virgin Blue nipped at their heels for over a decade. Qantas even started a new discount airline Jetstar in 2003, to take on Virgin in the low cost market. In 2010, Virgin Blue became Virgin Australia, repositioning itself as a…
What is happening to Your Favourite Airline? [Updated]
Six months ago, the airline industry was facing a bumper year. While a small number of airlines were struggling, it seemed that most would do well. Take away most of the global passengers because of COVID19, and we have already seen some airlines collapse and we face losing more airlines. Governments have taken very different approaches to their airlines with some offering cash injections or loans with a variety of conditions, some offering nothing and some wanting to nationalise. Company by company, this is what is happening across the globe: Aegean- March 26, Aegean Airlines…
An Empty Seattle- evocative video
Incredible drone footage of Seattle devoid of people and cars. It is like a science fiction movie.
Three Million Infections
The next “milestone” has, sadly, been reached. It took from December to April to reach one million official infections. It then took 12 days to reach the grim milestone of two million. The next million has also taken 12 days which suggests that the virus has been slowed down by the intense lockdowns we see globally. Three million people have in total been officially infected with COVD19. Sadly 208,468 have died. The good news is that 889,876 have recovered. The term recovery, for many, is a misnomer, however. It appears to be a long slow process…
I’ve been to 80 countries- Here’s My Top Ten
Having been to so many amazing, wonderful places, whittling down my list to my top ten has taken quite a bit of work and thought. Out of all my 80 countries I have been to, there are just five I would never go back to again. I am sometimes reluctant to share my favourites, because it can lead to a war of words on why I chose one place and not another! My criteria are based around culture, food, ease of travel, safety and peace, great nature and people. So with that caveat, here are…
American Airlines Feel Good Video: You Are Why We fly
AA has a video to tug the heart strings pointing out that the most disruptive event n their 94 year history is upon them: American Airlines: You Are Why We Fly No mention that the only reason they are surviving this storm is because of a massive $5.8 billion government fund injection. Four billion is in the form of grants and the remaining $1.7 billion as a low-interest loan. The airline also plans to apply for a further $4.8 billion loan from The US Treasury Department. American is one of my least favourite airlines in …
Rainy season arrives in Bangkok
It has not rained for months in Bangkok. After weeks of build up the #first #rains of the rainy season hit this week. , In one day, the city received 13.9mm (just over half an inch) with most of the rain falling in just two hours Humidity reached 97%. Having grown up for part of my life in Africa, there is a deep longing for those heavy rains. Makes me want to go run in them!
Two Million Official Infections
It took from December to April to reach one million official infections. It has taken 12 days to reach the grim milestone of two million. Sadly 126,839 have died. May their memory be a blessing and may their loved ones know comfort. The good news is 485,827 have recovered. Although recovery does not look pleasant for some. Stay safe. Virus Information WHO information on the virus CDC: People at Higher Risk Communication Resources for Travel Related Posts CoronaVirus- Health Info Country by Country One Million
Have you been to Thailand?- Help out!
The whole world has been impacted by COVID19. Economically, socially, every single person is having some impact. We think of those who have died from the virus and those currently struggling to overcome it. Some people have been impacted wore than others. In Thailand, many people have had already meager incomes vanish. A coalition of groups in Thailand have formed COVID19 AID to help vulnerable groups across Thailand during COVID-19 through: 8,000 Care Packages for seniors, low-income families, refugees and people in need 12,500 Meals for the homeless Emergency supplies for professionals battling the virus…
Lifemiles -no refund on booking fee for COVID19 cancelled flights
So Avianca airlines has detected that my two trips booked with points are “non operational”. As all of Avianca’s flights are grounded and much of their Star Alliance partners, then the chances of me getting on a plane this month are very low. Can you imagine? I have had no plane flights for a month! Last year I flew seven times a month so it is a shock! The good news is that Lifemiles have offered to refund both the air taxes and the LifeMiles points. That is nice. Appreciated. BUT they will still charge…
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