In contrast to the gloom that emanates from Qantas, Jetstar continues to announce growth. Its first international Boeing 787 Dreamliner service commenced from Melbourne to Bali, accompanied by announcements of Jetstar operating 787s from Sydney to Bali in January, 2014, Sydney to Phuket in February and Brisbane to Bali route from April. They will replace their A330 fleet with 787s. Their eleven 330s will cascade back to Qantas which will use them to replace their aging and fuel hungry 767s by early 2015. Sadly, Qantas has still not made a decision on their future deployment…
Singapore ups Low Cost ante
In a move that will add pressure to the Asian low fares market, two Singapore International Airlines (SIA) subsidaries have announced joint ventures. Nok Air (Thailand) and Scoot (Singapore) have joined forces to form a new low cost airline: NokScoot. Nok Company secretary Panya Chutisiriwong revealed that the Nok Air Board approved the decision on December 16, 2013. The joint venture carrier will fly under the name NokScoot from the second half of 2014. It will fly medium- and long-haul routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang international airport. NokAir will own 51 per cent stake and Scoot…
110 years today
On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered aircraft six metres (20 feet) above Kitty Hawk, a wind-swept beach in North Carolina. The conditions were perfect for flight – high, consistent winds blowing from the north. At about 10:30am, Wright lay down on the plane’s wing surface and brought its engine to life. Five minutes later, he was airborne. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Three more flights were made that day with their plane: at 11 o’clock Will made the second trial at 1140am. The fourth and final flight…
Belle Air Belly Up
Belle Air and their subsidiary Belle Air Europe have both ceased operations at the end of November. Belle Air (code LZ) based in Tirana, Albania shut down on November 25, stranding hundreds of passengers. Prior to closure, they flew passengers to destinations across Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Switzerland and the UK. In a message on its website, Belle Air stated: “Following eight years of successful operations from Albania towards European destinations, Belle Air is obliged to temporarily suspend its operations due to the general economic situation, the decline of the purchasing power, recession…
Airport -Wildlife Refuge!
A small alligator found under an escalator at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has left authorities puzzled. A maintenance worker discovered the alligator, which is about 30cm long, on Friday in Terminal 3, Chicago Police spokesman Jose Estrada says. An officer captured the reptile by putting a rubbish bin over it. “We don’t know where it came from or how long it’d been residing in the airport facilities,” Estrada said. “It’s one of those random incidents.” The gator is now being cared for by the Chicago Herpetological Society. “It was in pretty bad shape,” said Jason…
World’s Longest 380 route
Emirates has launched the world’s longest Airbus A380 non-stop service from Dubai to Los Angeles. The daily flight will take 16 hours and 20 minutes to cover 13,414km (8 335 miles). The airline has previously served the route with a 777 and has said demand has led them to add the 489 seat Airbus to the route. The route will take the plane across the Russian Federation, the North Pole and Eastern Canada. Related Posts Time for Thai’s A380 I wanna fly Malaysian China Southern’s Third 380 Tuesday Trip Report: Korean Airlines A380 Tuesday Trip Report: Lufthansa’s A380 Tuesday Trip…
Pre plan your way
One of the amazing things about google maps street view is that it can help you be in a place before you get fhere! For example when choosing a hotel, you can check out the area to see what it is like. You can find nearest public transportation, restaurants, ATMs etc. If you take public transport to a new area, you can use street view to pre ‘walk’ from the bus, tram or train station to your hotel or office. Seeing the street and identifying landmarks can give you a high degree of comfort you…
B & H: how not to market an airline
Would you fly an airline if you were told it’s financial situation was “alarming” and every new day at the airline is “distressing”? The CEO of B&H Airlines, Amir Jažić, told media in Sarajevo this week that “We are just waiting to see who will shut us down first”. He questioned how the airline would be able to function and for how long! These blunt words may not have encouraged passengers but they inspired the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into action. Enver Bijedić, Minister for Transport and Communication, said on Thursday…
Chinese Guidebook for Civilised Tourism
China was the biggest spender in international tourism last year, overtaking Italy, Japan, France and Britain. It is the world’s fastest-growing tourism source market, according to the latest figures from the World Tourism Organisation.Several countries have eased their visa requirements to attract rich Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists, however, have endured much criticism for their public behaviour while travelling. Wang Yang, one of China’s four Vice Premiers said in May had it “damaged the image of the Chinese people”. Yang condemned “talking loudly in public places, jay-walking, spitting and willfully carving characters on items in scenic…
Take a “Multi Plug”
Ever had the moment, where all of your electronic gadgets (smartphone, camera, laptop and iPad) have run out of battery? Whats worse, is that many hotels don’t have enough power outlets! This is my biggest frustration with modern hotels. A “multi-plug” which multiple items to be charged simultaneously can be a godsend.
Recent Comments