Qantas have been ordered to resume flights after it grounded all aircraft over the weekend following an industrial dispute with three unions following rows over restructuring plans including moving some operations to Asia.
The FWA Fair Work Australia ruled Qantas to get its planes back in the sky which experts say is a victory for the airline over the unions.
Planes were grounded by Qantas early Saturday morning as a result of industrial action by union members. This meant 108 planes were grounded leaving thousands of passengers stranded costing the airline $13 million a day.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Manchester Airport Gets Re-Certified - Carbon Footprint
Manchester airport has again been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard, the award recognises the efforts Manchester airport make to reduce their carbon footprint which they have been doing since 2006.
The airport wants all ground operations to be carbon neutral by 2015 this vision was set out back in 2006 and looks set to be met. The airport was awarded the carbon trust in 2008 and has played a big role in getting other airports to follow its initiative which led to the re-certification this year.
How has the airport gone green?
Neil Robinson explains, all electricity bought by the airport is from renewable resources, it launched the carbon challenge a five-year programme aimed at engaging service partners and businesses based on site to target the main areas of the carbon journey and has replaced up to 10,000 lights with LED’s to reduce CO2 and electric usage.
Harry Morrison the director of certification for the carbon trust said any company that has been certified has taken genuine action to reduce their carbon footprint and the effect it has on the environment.
The airport wants all ground operations to be carbon neutral by 2015 this vision was set out back in 2006 and looks set to be met. The airport was awarded the carbon trust in 2008 and has played a big role in getting other airports to follow its initiative which led to the re-certification this year.
How has the airport gone green?
Neil Robinson explains, all electricity bought by the airport is from renewable resources, it launched the carbon challenge a five-year programme aimed at engaging service partners and businesses based on site to target the main areas of the carbon journey and has replaced up to 10,000 lights with LED’s to reduce CO2 and electric usage.
Harry Morrison the director of certification for the carbon trust said any company that has been certified has taken genuine action to reduce their carbon footprint and the effect it has on the environment.
Friday, 23 September 2011
False Alarm At Manchester Airport
A Bomb disposal team was called to Manchester airport earlier in the week amid fears from a suspicious bag belonging to a man who is thought to have a false passport, the man believed to be 59 remains in police custody.
1800 passengers and 500 staff were evacuated from Terminal 1 around 10.30am after inspection the police confirmed it was a false alarm. Supt Phil Davies said the safety of passengers and staff was their primary concern.
11 flights were grounded in total though no arriving flights were affected.
1800 passengers and 500 staff were evacuated from Terminal 1 around 10.30am after inspection the police confirmed it was a false alarm. Supt Phil Davies said the safety of passengers and staff was their primary concern.
11 flights were grounded in total though no arriving flights were affected.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Bomb Threat At Kansas Airport
Kansas City International Airport called in the bomb squad to blast a passengers bag as it feared it was a bomb. The incident took place whilst the ceremonies for remembering the 3000 victims of 9/11 were taking place.
The bag was intercepted at the South West checkpoint and shut down Terminal B while the bomb squad arrived with a robot in tow which aided in destroying the item which was believed to have bomb making equipment inside it minus the explosives and detonators.
The man was taken into custody, early reports suggest the man is a former New York City Police Officer though this has yet to be confirmed. As like all US airports Kansas was on high alert over the weekend and no chances could be taken
The bag was intercepted at the South West checkpoint and shut down Terminal B while the bomb squad arrived with a robot in tow which aided in destroying the item which was believed to have bomb making equipment inside it minus the explosives and detonators.
The man was taken into custody, early reports suggest the man is a former New York City Police Officer though this has yet to be confirmed. As like all US airports Kansas was on high alert over the weekend and no chances could be taken
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Stelios Wants Director Removed
Stelios Haji-Ioannou the founder of easyjet has launched an attempt to remove Rigas Doganis from the board. Doganis is charged with voting in favour of ordering 35 new aircraft before a profit warning was announced. Stelios has called for a meeting of shareholders to vote on the removal of Doaganis.
Stelios was fuming that the order was placed and that Doganis should have foreseen the projected profit warning. The removal vote comes after Stelios had Sir David Michaels last month removed from the board last month.
He also said it was about time directors started paying for mistakes they make with other people’s money.
Easyjet hit back by saying this was an unnecessary and costly distraction that was damaging the company’s reputation and said it would be writing to shareholders to vote against the removal order.
Stelios was fuming that the order was placed and that Doganis should have foreseen the projected profit warning. The removal vote comes after Stelios had Sir David Michaels last month removed from the board last month.
He also said it was about time directors started paying for mistakes they make with other people’s money.
Easyjet hit back by saying this was an unnecessary and costly distraction that was damaging the company’s reputation and said it would be writing to shareholders to vote against the removal order.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Heathrow To Get New £500 million Rail Link
New plans for a £500 million rail link connecting Wales to Heathrow airport is being drawn up by the transport secretary Phillip Hammond. The new route will end the need for travellers having to enter London from the West to get to Heathrow.
The new route which will include the West of England will cut 30 minutes off journey times according to the Department of Transport. The proposed plans would see a new rail station built at Heathrow that would see 4 shuttles leaving an hour.
The Government has also confirmed that plans to electrify the line between Cardiff and London set out by the previous Labour Government would go ahead, which is essential to the new spur to Heathrow.
The new route which will include the West of England will cut 30 minutes off journey times according to the Department of Transport. The proposed plans would see a new rail station built at Heathrow that would see 4 shuttles leaving an hour.
The Government has also confirmed that plans to electrify the line between Cardiff and London set out by the previous Labour Government would go ahead, which is essential to the new spur to Heathrow.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Fumes Halt Stansted Flight
An aircraft bound for Stansted airport was forced to land at Gatwick this week after passengers complained the cabin smelled of fumes. The plane had already been forced to stop at Nantes airport amid unusual smells on board the aircraft.
Engineers at Nantes airport checked the plane and gave it the green light to continue its journey which started in Barcelona, however mid air fume smells again forced the Ryanair aircraft to land at Gatwick.
The passengers were transferred from Gatwick to Stansted via a coach a Ryanair spokesmen apologised for the delay and said Ryanair engineers would be inspecting the aircraft which would be out of service until the problem was found
Engineers at Nantes airport checked the plane and gave it the green light to continue its journey which started in Barcelona, however mid air fume smells again forced the Ryanair aircraft to land at Gatwick.
The passengers were transferred from Gatwick to Stansted via a coach a Ryanair spokesmen apologised for the delay and said Ryanair engineers would be inspecting the aircraft which would be out of service until the problem was found
Monday, 1 August 2011
Gatwick Family Measures Paying Off
Gatwick airports attempt to become the airport of choice for families appears to be paying off as figures show a 10% rise in family bookings. The airport has been making an effort to become more child friendly when it joined the family friendly institute earlier this year.
Such measures included games for children and reduced retail prices in the terminals. This would seem to have paid off as an estimated 7000 children meals will be served on British Airways flights flying out of Gatwick through July and August.
The youngsters will be given a Padddington Bear skyflyer pack to keep them busy during the flight. Gatwick Chief Exec Stewart Wingate commented the airport was going out of its way to make the journey through the airport more enjoyable.
Such measures included games for children and reduced retail prices in the terminals. This would seem to have paid off as an estimated 7000 children meals will be served on British Airways flights flying out of Gatwick through July and August.
The youngsters will be given a Padddington Bear skyflyer pack to keep them busy during the flight. Gatwick Chief Exec Stewart Wingate commented the airport was going out of its way to make the journey through the airport more enjoyable.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Heathrow To Introduce Face Scanners
The UK's largest airport Heathrow will install facial recognition scanners in September in an attempt to prevent illegal immigration into the country. The passenger's face is scanned, after receiving a boarding pass and just before the security check. Before the person boards their flight, their faces are scanned again when they leave the airport waiting room.
Facial recognition scanners are to ensure that passenger board the correct flight. For example, a passenger who arrives from LA won’t be able to get hold of a domestic ticket and fly to Edinburgh.
Aurora Computer Services is the company behind the technology which is based in the UK, the company says their machines known as AIR Systems(Aurora Recognition Systems) can identify a passenger from up to 3 feet away by reading the biometric details of the passengers.
Facial recognition scanners are to ensure that passenger board the correct flight. For example, a passenger who arrives from LA won’t be able to get hold of a domestic ticket and fly to Edinburgh.
Aurora Computer Services is the company behind the technology which is based in the UK, the company says their machines known as AIR Systems(Aurora Recognition Systems) can identify a passenger from up to 3 feet away by reading the biometric details of the passengers.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Court Allows TSA Use Of Body Scanners
An appeal court in the US gave the Transportation Security Administration(TSA) the green light to carry on using full body scanners, but stated passengers should have been made aware before using them.
The court ruled the machines known as Advanced Imaging Technology(AIT) were not an unconstitutional search and allowed the TSA to continue using them.
All passengers have the option to opt out of the scanner search and opt for the traditional pat-down instead. Something which many passengers were not aware of, the ruling has been sent back to the TSA with a call for action.
The TSA hit back by saying they do seek customer input and that AIT’s were a major part of their multi layered security for detecting non metallic explosive devices.
The court ruled the machines known as Advanced Imaging Technology(AIT) were not an unconstitutional search and allowed the TSA to continue using them.
All passengers have the option to opt out of the scanner search and opt for the traditional pat-down instead. Something which many passengers were not aware of, the ruling has been sent back to the TSA with a call for action.
The TSA hit back by saying they do seek customer input and that AIT’s were a major part of their multi layered security for detecting non metallic explosive devices.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Ryanair Brings New Service To Corfu
Ryanair will begin a new service this morning from Stansted airport with flights bound for the Greek Island of Corfu, the new service will be running every Monday and Thursday in an attempt to entice family travellers with the lure of sun and sand.
The scheduled service to Corfu adds to the current Greek destinations from Stansted including Rhodes and Thessaloniki. Nick Barton Stansted Managing director said the airport offered more scheduled flights to European destinations than any other airport and was delighted to add Corfu to that list.
Other new routes announced earlier in the year was a new service to Malmo, Sweeden which will operate every day starting on the 2nd November.
The scheduled service to Corfu adds to the current Greek destinations from Stansted including Rhodes and Thessaloniki. Nick Barton Stansted Managing director said the airport offered more scheduled flights to European destinations than any other airport and was delighted to add Corfu to that list.
Other new routes announced earlier in the year was a new service to Malmo, Sweeden which will operate every day starting on the 2nd November.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Airport Delays Expected
Delays are expected tomorrow at Uk airports as immigration and customs officers join 750,000 teachers and civil servants in strike action over pension reforms. The Uk border agency is warning travellers the walkout will cause mass delays and travelling on different dates if possible is advised.
BAA have confirmed there airports will be delayed after receiving confirmation from the border agency stating the strike intentions. Thousands of teachers who go on strike tomorrow has will cause heartache for parents who will be forced to have the day off work or make arrangements with child minders.
David Cameron the English prime minister has called the strikes unnecessary as the pension reforms were fair. A poll carried out by the Sun newspaper has the country divided with backing slightly in favour of the strikers
BAA have confirmed there airports will be delayed after receiving confirmation from the border agency stating the strike intentions. Thousands of teachers who go on strike tomorrow has will cause heartache for parents who will be forced to have the day off work or make arrangements with child minders.
David Cameron the English prime minister has called the strikes unnecessary as the pension reforms were fair. A poll carried out by the Sun newspaper has the country divided with backing slightly in favour of the strikers
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Ryanair to refund Irish tourist tax
Good news for travellers who have booked cheap flights or plan to do so with Ryanair. In line with the abolition of the €3 tourist tax, Ryanair confirmed last month that it will refund travellers who paid this charge on advance bookings.
Ryanair welcomes this initiative partly designed to encourage tourism in Ireland, which had been stunted by this damaging tax.
According to the Head of Communications at Ryanair, Stephen McNamara, customers who purchased a flight to travel to or from an Irish airport can apply for a refund as soon as the abolition comes into effect.
Ryanair welcomes this initiative partly designed to encourage tourism in Ireland, which had been stunted by this damaging tax.
According to the Head of Communications at Ryanair, Stephen McNamara, customers who purchased a flight to travel to or from an Irish airport can apply for a refund as soon as the abolition comes into effect.
Monday, 20 June 2011
Stansted Parking Dispute Goes Public
A BAA airport car parking customer was left feeling disgruntled after coming back from holiday to find his car scratched after leaving it in the official valet car park at Stansted airport. This was made worse by BAA’s view on the matter that they were not liable for the damage.
The incident occurred in September 2010 after the customer had exchanged numerous letters with BAA he wrote to the Guardian who raised the subject with BAA only to be told the same thing, on reading the terms and conditions it is clear that the airport operator is only liable for damage caused by their drivers.
But as this damage was caused whilst the car was parked up they avoid any responsibility, which the customer was not happy about. After the Guardian published the whole debacle BAA offered to renew contact with the customer to see if they could come to some kind of agreement and the Guardian warned other travellers that the official airport car parks don’t necessarily mean total security.
The incident occurred in September 2010 after the customer had exchanged numerous letters with BAA he wrote to the Guardian who raised the subject with BAA only to be told the same thing, on reading the terms and conditions it is clear that the airport operator is only liable for damage caused by their drivers.
But as this damage was caused whilst the car was parked up they avoid any responsibility, which the customer was not happy about. After the Guardian published the whole debacle BAA offered to renew contact with the customer to see if they could come to some kind of agreement and the Guardian warned other travellers that the official airport car parks don’t necessarily mean total security.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
HIA Staff In Strike Threat
Over 150 staff at 10 Scottish airports are threatening to go on strike over a row over pay, the staff work for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and the first strike date has been earmarked for the 4th July right in the middle of the busy summer period and is also the same week the Scottish Open is taking place.
A 1% pay rise has been severely rebuffed as some staff are only on £6.85 at the moment, security staff are not even entitled to sick pay, shift pay or any pension benefits. Whilst other HIA staff they work alongside get all of the previous benefits.
To make matters worse there are reports the airport is recruiting strike-breakers to cover the absence of staff and even paying them a higher wage than they pay there own workers. This has caused outrage among strikers however the airport denies this is taking place.
A 1% pay rise has been severely rebuffed as some staff are only on £6.85 at the moment, security staff are not even entitled to sick pay, shift pay or any pension benefits. Whilst other HIA staff they work alongside get all of the previous benefits.
To make matters worse there are reports the airport is recruiting strike-breakers to cover the absence of staff and even paying them a higher wage than they pay there own workers. This has caused outrage among strikers however the airport denies this is taking place.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
In-flight calls
The controversial issue of in-flight calls is one which is being discussed more and more these days.
There are increasing numbers of airlines which are signing up with OnAir, a system which enables flyers to use their mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices to communicate via voice or data connections during a flight. At present, only some airlines, for example, Air New Zealand, Emirates, TAP Air Portugal and Malaysia Airlines allow passengers to make voice calls using their mobile telephones, while others only permit communication via text or e-mail.
The good news for passengers who like to stay connected with those on the ground is that this initiative will most likely be adopted by many airlines. Companies can decide whether they will allow calls to be made during flights. The more airlines that accept this plan, the more that will follow along the same line.
There are increasing numbers of airlines which are signing up with OnAir, a system which enables flyers to use their mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices to communicate via voice or data connections during a flight. At present, only some airlines, for example, Air New Zealand, Emirates, TAP Air Portugal and Malaysia Airlines allow passengers to make voice calls using their mobile telephones, while others only permit communication via text or e-mail.
The good news for passengers who like to stay connected with those on the ground is that this initiative will most likely be adopted by many airlines. Companies can decide whether they will allow calls to be made during flights. The more airlines that accept this plan, the more that will follow along the same line.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Monarch Undergoes Brand Change
Monarch is undertaking its biggest rebrand for years and is going from a chartered airline to scheduled routes in an attempt to snatch business from rival airlines Easyjet and Ryanair. As well as positioning itself as a scheduled airline it also undergoing cosmetic changes to its brand image including a new slogan “Fly your way every day”
The planes will feature the new purple and yellow themes along with print, media and digital marketing all featuring the new slogan. Milton Bayer and Flourish were some of the agencies used in the creation of the new brand.
Apart from the fresh look new services will allow passengers to customise their flight with such options as booking allocated seats, meal options and if you want extra leg room. CEO Conrad Clifford said it was a key milestone that Monarch was moving towards scheduled flights and there tailoring service would entice customers.
The planes will feature the new purple and yellow themes along with print, media and digital marketing all featuring the new slogan. Milton Bayer and Flourish were some of the agencies used in the creation of the new brand.
Apart from the fresh look new services will allow passengers to customise their flight with such options as booking allocated seats, meal options and if you want extra leg room. CEO Conrad Clifford said it was a key milestone that Monarch was moving towards scheduled flights and there tailoring service would entice customers.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Bank Holiday Weekend To Escape Ash Cloud
Further disruptions from the Icelandic ash cloud appear unlikely after forecasts suggest the Grimsvötn volcano has ceased to emit ash into the atmosphere, this will be welcome news to Scottish airports along with airlines British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet.
The cloud had caused disruptions to 250 flights earlier in the week but further disruption are not expected for the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The president of the United States Barrack Obama made his visit to the UK earlier to avoid the cloud when he arrived at Stansted airport late on Monday night.
Other travellers opting to go early were the Barcelona football team who face Manchester United in the Champion league final on Saturday night. They weren’t scheduled to fly to London until Thursday but opted to arrive on Tuesday amid fears of ash cloud disruptions.
The cloud had caused disruptions to 250 flights earlier in the week but further disruption are not expected for the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The president of the United States Barrack Obama made his visit to the UK earlier to avoid the cloud when he arrived at Stansted airport late on Monday night.
Other travellers opting to go early were the Barcelona football team who face Manchester United in the Champion league final on Saturday night. They weren’t scheduled to fly to London until Thursday but opted to arrive on Tuesday amid fears of ash cloud disruptions.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Monarch Airlines connects the UK and Spain
Monarch Airlines has added two new connections per week between Malaga and London Luton, just in time for the summer holidays.
The airline has also added two extra flights per week between London Luton and Alicante and Mallorca; two flights between London Gatwick and Mallorca; and one extra between London Gatwick and Manchester to Tenerife.
The total number of routes that Monarch Airlines will be operating this summer between the United Kingdom and Spain is 35. The Managing Director of the airline, Kevin George, stated that they were impressed with the demand for flights with Monarch Airlines to Spain and it is for this reason that they have added new routes.
This summer there will be 2.5 million seats available on flights between the United Kingdom and Spain. The service with this low cost airline enables passengers to pre-book their seats and request extra leg room for an additional fee.
You can book cheap flights with Monarch Airlines between the main airports in the United Kingdom, Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester, and Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Mallorca, Malaga, Menorca and Tenerife.
The airline has also added two extra flights per week between London Luton and Alicante and Mallorca; two flights between London Gatwick and Mallorca; and one extra between London Gatwick and Manchester to Tenerife.
The total number of routes that Monarch Airlines will be operating this summer between the United Kingdom and Spain is 35. The Managing Director of the airline, Kevin George, stated that they were impressed with the demand for flights with Monarch Airlines to Spain and it is for this reason that they have added new routes.
This summer there will be 2.5 million seats available on flights between the United Kingdom and Spain. The service with this low cost airline enables passengers to pre-book their seats and request extra leg room for an additional fee.
You can book cheap flights with Monarch Airlines between the main airports in the United Kingdom, Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester, and Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Mallorca, Malaga, Menorca and Tenerife.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
EasyJet Record Double Losses
The high cost of fuel and increased passenger taxes are being blamed by easyJet for a its pre-tax loss doubling in the last year to £153 million up from £74 million. While passenger numbers actually increased by 12% to 23.9 million losses were recorded due to a rise in fuel costs amounting to £43 million and a further £21 million in passenger taxes.
Chief Executive Carolyn McCall explained the last six months had been tough what with rising fuel costs and cautious behaviour from consumers due to the economy. Though she insisted progress had been made in implementing the strategy set out after the review of business last year.
Mrs McCall remained confident highlighting they had optimised business routes via offering attractive routes at a better frequency and that cash generation remained strong and steps taken were having a positive effect.
Chief Executive Carolyn McCall explained the last six months had been tough what with rising fuel costs and cautious behaviour from consumers due to the economy. Though she insisted progress had been made in implementing the strategy set out after the review of business last year.
Mrs McCall remained confident highlighting they had optimised business routes via offering attractive routes at a better frequency and that cash generation remained strong and steps taken were having a positive effect.
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