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Ethiopian Airlines to offer high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its upcoming Airbus A350-1000s

Ethiopian Airlines will offer advanced, high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with GX Aviation provided by Inmarsat, recently acquired by Viasat, and selected through the Airbus Airspace Link HBCplus program. 

As one of the launching airlines for inflight connectivity (IFC) through Airbus’ HBCplus program, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit from a more streamlined, efficient order process that will ensure its latest aircraft meet the rapidly growing passenger demand to stay connected while flying. 

Inmarsat’s latest Passenger Experience Survey found out that 97% of respondents use their personal devices on flights for entertainment, such as streaming movies and TV shows, keeping up with work, and to stay in touch with family and friends. In addition, 82% of passengers are more likely to rebook with an airline that offers quality inflight Wi-Fi. 

The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is set to be delivered in the Third Quarter (Q3) of 2024, with passengers able to benefit from GX Aviation’s world-class connectivity technology. This supports the airline’s Vision 2035 Strategy which focuses on expanding its fleets, enhancing its passenger experience and maintaining its leading position in the airline industry. 

Nolinor Aviation uses AI to revolutionize its safety system

Nolinor Aviation, a specialized charter airline, has unveiled an innovative new safety management system. Nolinor Aviation is the first airline in Canada to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into a safety management system (SMS) to manage incident reporting.

To the left : Olivier Richer, Safety Management Systems Director at Nolinor Aviation To the right : Mathieu Duschene, Manager & Partner, P3F (CNW Group/Nolinor Aviation)

20 years ago, Nolinor Aviation was the first airline in Canadian civil aviation history to receive full Transport Canada approval for its Safety Management System. Today, the Mirabel-based carrier continues to innovate by implementing AI in the management of its SMS reports. This innovation enables the automation of several processes related to SMS reporting.

“Processing reports has always represented a significant workload for our team. We worked with P3F to study our processes and come up with practical solutions to automate a significant part of the process by integrating various AI solutions. The new solution enables us to process reports faster and more efficiently. As a bonus, the system now produces recommendations that we can draw on to further improve our flight operations and strengthen our safety mission”, stated Olivier Richer, Safety Management Systems Director at Nolinor Aviation.

This partnership between P3F and Nolinor Aviation opens the door to larger projects. The carrier is already thinking of adding other functions to its system thanks to AI. ” The results are very promising, and we now want to add additional resources to take things even further. That’s why our company recently became a partner of the Institut québécois d’intelligence artificielle (MILA) to add additional resources and talent.”, commented Marco Prud’homme, President of Nolinor Aviation.

These initiatives reflect Nolinor Aviation’s commitment to passenger and crew safety, while providing a secure and comfortable flying experience. As an airline, Nolinor Aviation will continue to look for new ways to use technology to innovate safety in its industry.

Frontier Airlines begins nonstop service from Cleveland to San Diego and San Francisco

Frontier Airlines on June 8 launched nonstop service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Additionally, on June 21, Frontier will launch nonstop service from CLE to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). With the new service, Frontier serves a total of 17 nonstop destinations from CLE.

Service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE):

SERVICE TO: SERVICE START: SERVICE FREQUENCY: INTRO FARE: 
San Diego (SAN) June 8, 2023 3x/week $119* 
San Francisco (SFO) June 21, 2023 4x/week $119* 

Frequency and times are subject to change.

TAP Portugal launches flights from Porto to Luanda, Angola

TAP has launched direct flights to Luanda from Porto, starting the airline’s second service to the capital of Angola. 

The new intercontinental route from Portugal’s second biggest city will connect the two destinations, with a twice a week service via TAP’s fleet of next generation Airbus A330neos.

TAP first launched flights to Luanda from its Lisbon base in 1957, flying customers to the then Portuguese colony, on the west coast of Southern Africa.  

Now the new TAP service will double the routes from Portugal to Angola and offer even more flexibility for the airline’s business and growing leisure customers.

The new flights from Porto will leave Francisco Sá Carneiro airport on Wednesdays and Sundays at 1:30pm, arriving in Luanda at 9:35pm after a ADD TIME journey.

In the opposite direction, the service will depart from Quatro de Fevereiro airport at 11:20pm for its overnight flight, arriving into Porto at 7:45am the following day.

TAP’s flights between Porto and Luanda are operated by a next generation Airbus A330neo model, with capacity for a total of 298 customers, with 34 fully flat beds in Executive Class and 264 seats in Economy Class.

Transat builds on its momentum and enters a summer of robust activity

For the second quarter:

  • Revenues of $870.1 million
  • Adjusted operating income1 (adjusted EBITDA) of $56.1 million
  • Operating income (EBIT) of $18.7 million

Financial position:

  • Unrestricted liquidity1 of $723.6 million as at April 30, following strong cash flow generation of $155.9 million
  • Customer deposits for future travel of $867.1 million, a 38% increase compared with April 30, 2019
  • Maturities for secured loans totalling $198.0 million extended from April 2024 to April 2025

Transat A.T. Inc., (Air Transat) a holiday travel reference worldwide, particularly as an air carrier under the Air Transat brand, announces its results for the second quarter ended April 30, 2023.

“For the second quarter of 2023, Transat reported a solid performance, with an adjusted operating income of $56.1 million, nearly 40% higher than in the same quarter of 2019. At mid-year, and based on current booking trends, we are raising the target for the adjusted operating income margin from the initially set range of 4% to 6% to a target of 5.5% to 7% for the fiscal year.”+

“Several factors contributed to the Corporation’s favourable results. Firstly, the demand for leisure travel, which is Transat’s primary niche, is holding steady. This high volume of activity is driving prices up, resulting in 15% increases at the beginning of the quarter, and almost 24% at the end of the quarter, compared with the same period in 2019. In addition, Transat actively continued its fleet optimization plan, deploying in winter 2023 a capacity comparable to winter 2019 with 20 fewer aircraft in service. Better price management, thanks to improved practices and new tools, has also helped to maximize revenues and seize market opportunities. Transat also relied on continuous improvement in its operational efficiency throughout the quarter.”

“With more than 60% of our capacity sold, the stage is set for a dynamic summer. Transat will deploy for the summer a capacity representing 89% of its 2019 level, with Europe comprising 80% of the activity, leveraging the most profitable routes for Transat,” stated Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.

Second-quarter highlights

  • For the second quarter, the Corporation generated $870.1 million in revenues, up $512.0 million from $358.2 million for the corresponding period of 2022. In 2022, the Corporation had to cancel nearly 30% of flights scheduled as a result of the sharp decline in demand and massive booking cancellations following the emergence of the Omicron variant.
  • Transat recorded operating income of $18.7 million, an improvement of $106.3 million compared with the $87.5 million loss in 2022.
  • Adjusted operating income1 amounted to $56.1 million, an improvement of $107.2 million, compared with an adjusted operating loss1 of $51.0 million in 2022.
  • Net loss amounted to $29.2 million ($0.76 per share), compared with $98.3 million ($2.60 per share) for the corresponding quarter of last year.
  • Excluding non-operating items, Transat reported an adjusted net loss1 of $8.0 million ($0.21 per share) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with $111.6 million ($2.95 per share) in 2022.

Financial position

As at April 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $623.6 million, an increase of $112.4 million compared with $511.2 million at the same date in 2022. Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved resulting from travel package sales also increased; the balance stood at $262.2 million as at April 30, 2023, compared with $191.9 million at the same date in 2022.

Customer deposits for future travel stood at $867.1 million, up 38% from pre-pandemic levels as at April 30, 2019, reflecting the rebound in demand and higher average selling prices.

During the second quarter, Transat renegotiated secured loans totalling $198.0 million, extending the maturity dates from April 2024 to April 2025. “These amendments provide us greater flexibility in repaying debt and attest to our financial partners’ trust in our recovery plan,” stated Patrick Bui, Chief Financial Officer of Transat.

In total, available financing amounted to a maximum of $963.3 million, of which $863.2 million was drawn down ($858.6 million as at April 30, 2022), for unrestricted liquidity1 of $723.6 million.

Outlook

To date, although load factors for this summer are 2.6 percentage points lower than in 2019, airline unit revenues, expressed in yield, are 29% higher than four years ago. The combination of strong demand and upward pricing will allow the Corporation to cope with a cost environment that remains generally higher and volatile.

In light of the mid-year indicators, the Corporation is raising the target for adjusted operating incomemargin from the initially set range of 4% to 6% to a target of 5.5% to 7% for fiscal 2023. In making these forward-looking statements, the Corporation adjusted its assumptions for the full year, including moderate growth in Canada’s GDP, an exchange rate of C$1.35 to US$1 and an average price per gallon of jet fuel of C$4.25. 

Additional Information

The results were affected by non-operating items, as summarized in the following table: 

Highlights and non-IFRS financial measures
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)Second quarterFirst six-month period
2023202220232022
Revenues870,111358,1571,537,568560,595
Operating income (loss) 18,740(87,513)(19,363)(161,354)
Restructuring costs (reversal)(557)2,343
Depreciation and amortization42,76336,49983,87173,971
Premiums related to derivatives that matured during      the period(4,802)(7,376)
Adjusted operating income (loss)56,144(51,014)59,475(87,383)
Net loss (29,180)(98,276)(85,790)(212,621)
Restructuring costs (reversal)(557)2,343
Change in fair value of derivatives 13,9491,19223,8701,720
Revaluation of liability related to warrants(3,234)3536,905809
Gain on long-term debt modification(22,191)(22,191)
Gain on asset disposals(66)(2,511)(4,018)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss15,8677,425(6,962)29,421
Premiums related to derivatives that matured during      the period(4,802)(7,376)
Adjusted net loss1(7,957)(111,563)(69,521)(206,880)
Diluted loss per share(0.76)(2.60)(2.25)(5.63)
Restructuring costs (reversal)(0.01)0.06
Change in fair value of derivatives 0.360.030.630.05
Revaluation of liability related to warrants(0.08)0.010.180.02
Gain on long-term debt modification(0.59)(0.59)
Gain on asset disposals(0.07)(0.11)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss0.410.20(0.18)0.78
Premiums related to derivatives that matured during      the period(0.13)(0.19)
Adjusted net loss per share1(0.21)(2.95)(1.82)(5.48)
As at 
April 30, 2023
As at
October 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents623,562322,535
Undrawn funds from credit facilities100,000100,000
Unrestricted liquidity1723,562422,535

Cirium data: Gatwick’s 65th anniversary

With Gatwick celebrating its 65th anniversary tomorrow, Cirium has revealed the extent of the airport’s post-pandemic recovery.

From aviation analytics firm, Cirium.

Cirium Data

  • This June, Gatwick Airport is scheduled to see 12,281 departures – equating to over 3.2 million seats
  • The number of scheduled departures this June is just 5% short of June 2019 levels, as the airport continues to recover from the pandemic
  • Gatwick Airport is recovering faster than the UK average – which currently sees departures down 11% this month vs June 2019
  • London’s secondary airport is currently the UK’s second-busiest airport by scheduled departures, just behind Heathrow
  • This month, the airport has scheduled flights to 184 destinations – down from 208 in June 2019
  • For a look at Gatwick’s annual departure numbers, see below – note 2023 is projected and subject to change.
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2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS during May

2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS in May, an increase by 19 percent compared to the same period last year. SAS’ capacity increased 17 percent and RPK increased by 26 percent, compared to the same period last year. The flown load factor for May was 77 percent, an improvement by almost 6 percentage points compared to May last year.  

Photo: SAS. May 17 was Norway’s national day.

“We are pleased to see that the demand for travel continues to increase. 2.2 million passengers traveled with SAS in May, up 19 percent compared to the same month last year. We have ramped up to meet the increased demand for the summer season, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers on board. Over the past couple of months, Air Traffic Control capacity issues in Copenhagen have caused considerable problems for airlines, airports and, not the least, our passengers. We expect all parties to take their responsibilities and make sure our passengers can travel where they want and when they want this summer. We will seek compensation for the irregularity costs caused by the situation”, says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
 

SAS total traffic (scheduled and charter)May23Change1Nov22- May23Change1
ASK (Mill.)3,77716.9%21,27220.8%
RPK (Mill.)2,91326.3%15,49539.0%
Load factor77.1%5.7 pp72.8%9.5 pp
No. of passengers (000)2,17219.0%12,09336.8%

1 Change compared to same period last year, pp = percentage points

Geographical development, scheduleMay23           vs.          May22Nov22-May23   vs.   Nov21-May22
RPKASKRPKASK
Intercontinental48.5%31.2%70.3%33.5%
Europe/Intrascandinavia20.0%12.3%30.3%18.0%
Domestic5.0%2.9%21.5%11.1%
Preliminary yield and PASKMay23Nominal change1FX adjusted change
Yield, SEK1.08-1.9%-2.8%
PASK, SEK0.836.4%5.4%
May23
Punctuality (arrival 15 min)74.2%
Regularity98.5%
Change in total COemissions 37.3%
Change in COemissions per available seat kilometer, 2.8%
Carbon offsetting of passenger related emissions39.0%

WestJet takes partnership with the Calgary Stampede to new heights

WestJet celebrated a five-year renewed commitment with the Calgary Stampede.

Over the next five years, WestJet will be the official airline of the Calgary Stampede, serving as a Champion Level sponsor of the outdoor event with the airline sponsoring the bull riding rodeo events, the iconic WestJet Skyride and an on-site activation rewarding Stampede guests with exciting prizes like free flights.

Established in 2003, WestJet and the Calgary Stampede’s partnership was founded on a mutual connection of bringing the world to Western Canada to experience all it has to offer. With a shared commitment to community, the two Calgary based brands are proud to come together to provide neighbours and visitors with an exceptional experience not only from July 7-16, but all year round.

Southwest Airlines extends its flight schedule through January 7, 2024

Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule into early next year, allowing Customers to begin booking their travel for the 2023 holiday season.

“Our Summer operational performance is off to a strong start with Customers taking much-needed vacations and important business trips,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines®. “We know some already are thinking about holiday plans and we want them to know we’re ready. Ahead of winter, we are delivering on our plans to add capabilities, tools, and equipment to reliably connect Customers to people and places that matter most in their lives.”

However the pilots may interupt the planned schedule, threathening to strike if a new contract is not signed.

Meanwhile SWAPA issued this statement:

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) will be conducting a 24-hour informational picket June 15-16 outside Southwest Airlines’ headquarters starting at 8 a.m. CT.

SWAPA has become increasingly frustrated with Southwest’s lack of commitment to meet during this negotiation cycle. SWAPA leaders have repeatedly requested more frequent bargaining dates in order to reach an agreement, but so far, SWA Labor Relations has committed to just 15 days of negotiations between now and Labor Day. 

This 24-hour picket is meant to symbolize that just as Southwest leaders depend on our pilots both day and night, weekday and weekend to get our passengers from point A to point B, we depend on our company to earnestly come to the table — day or night, weekday or weekend — to reward the most productive pilots in the industry. Our pilots stand ready to work and to negotiate any time.

SWAPA and Southwest have been in negotiations for a new contract for more than three years and in federal mediation since September 2022. 

PLAY breaks passenger record, announces new destinations

PLAY carried 128,894 passengers in May which is the highest monthly passenger count in the airline’s history. The number of passengers in May is almost 26% higher compared to April when PLAY carried 102,499 passengers. The load factor for May was 85% and 87.3% of flights arrived on schedule. 

The airline began flights to two new destinations, Athens and Amsterdam.

These are very positive results given the fact that May is typically a challenging month for airlines as they increase their capacity in preparation for the summer season ahead of demand as summer holidays have not yet commenced. 

The traffic data for May also demonstrates significant growth from the same period last year, when PLAY flew 56,601 passengers and the load factor was 69.6%. This means that passenger numbers for May 2023 more than doubled year-on-year.  

In May, PLAY operated flights to 26 destinations, compared to 17 in May last year. Routes to and from London, Copenhagen, Paris, Boston, and Berlin had an impressive load factor of well over 90% and sunny destinations in southern Europe remain very popular.  

PLAY continued to see an increase between years in the number of passengers traveling to Iceland in May, signifying increasing international awareness and trust in the airline. Of all passengers flying with PLAY in May 2023, 27% were departing from Iceland, 25% were traveling to Iceland, and 48% were connecting passengers (VIA). PLAY is experiencing very strong demand from the USA to Europe with average yields significantly higher than last year.

28% increase in average ancillary revenue year on year and a positive outlook

May showed ongoing growth in ancillary revenues with the highest average ancillary revenue ever recorded in one month. Average ancillary revenue per passenger has grown by 28% compared to May 2022. Several factors play a role in this growth, such as various enhancements in the online booking engine and other modifications in the sales and distribution process. These factors and modifications are expected to have an even more significant impact in the coming months, driving further revenue growth.

The second quarter began on a very positive note for PLAY, with April’s financial results surpassing management’s expectations. The airline holds a positive outlook for the coming months, particularly for the summer season. PLAY enters June with a 15% higher load factor compared to June last year and a healthy increase in average revenue. 

Birgir Jonsson, PLAY’s CEO: 

“May was a very  robust month for PLAY, as we achieved the highest monthly passenger count in our history. A load factor of 85% further solidifies our position in a challenging month where demand is typically not very strong. We also reached a major milestone when we received a brand-new A321neo bringing our fleet of A320neo family aircraft to ten. Currently, we have the youngest fleet of any airline in Europe, which is very important as this contributes to lower maintenance costs, improved fuel efficiency, and a great experience for our passengers. We have been welcoming many new staff members and now have a team of around 550 highly motivated and professional people that are ready to show the world what we can do.      

We are pleased to report ongoing growth in ancillary revenues. May witnessed the highest average ancillary revenue ever recorded in a single month for our airline. Compared to the same period last year, our average ancillary revenue has increased by an impressive 28%. This was a revenue stream that we were not able to get to an optimum level last summer for various reasons and seeing our ongoing efforts and tech investments delivering this growth was particularly pleasing.  

Looking ahead, we are quite optimistic. The second quarter is looking promising with April’s financial results being better than anticipated. The strong demand and revenue growth we are experiencing bode well for the upcoming summer season and the year in general. Reaching the milestone of having ten aircraft in operation gives us the scale we need to match our revenue generation with our cost base. In the steep ramp-up period since operating our first flight two years ago, the cost base has been relatively higher than the revenue that three to six aircraft can generate. Now that we have ten aircraft in full operation, we see the positive benefits of this scale come into effect and the balance between cost and revenue reaching a more natural stage. We appreciate the support and trust of our passengers, and we remain committed to giving them exceptional services as well as great fares. I want to thank the entire PLAY team for their commitment and contribution as they have made this all possible while having fun at the same time.”

Spirit Airlines starts flights from San Jose, CA

Spirit Airlines on June 7 launched its new, nonstop service from its seventh California airport, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) with two daily flights to Las Vegas (LAS) and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and San Diego (SAN).

Spirit Airlines Routes at SJC
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)DailyJune 7, 2023
Las Vegas (LAS)2x DailyJune 7, 2023
San Diego (SAN)DailyJune 7, 2023

JetBlue to launch first ever nonstop service from Los Angeles to Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) welcomes the announcement by JetBlue to launch its first-ever nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Nassau.

The new service connecting the United States West Coast to the Islands of The Bahamas will debut on November 4, 2023, with a once- weekly Saturday flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Nassau’s Sir Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS).

Starlux Airlines Los Angeles-Taipei route increases to daily flights, teams up with Spider-Man

STARLUX’s first intercontinental route between Los Angeles and Taipei, which launched April 26, has increased from five flights a week to daily.

In addition, travelers flying on these flights are able to experience the airline’s new, unique “Home-in-the-Air” amenities, a special series of co-branded amenity kits exclusively designed by Italian luxury brands FPM and Bric’s Milano, along with Samsonite RED. Starting this month, this new route also features a variety of sports themed amenities—LA Dodgers-themed amenities on the LAX-TPE route, and LA Clippers-themed amenities on the TPE-LAX route.

For all Asian routes, STARLUX also announced the launch of Spider-Verse-themed flights in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation’s film, Spider-ManTM: Across the Spider-Verse, which just hit theaters June 2. The “Travel Like a Superhero” campaign, which runs through August, will feature Spider-Verse goodies on board in all classes.

“With rising demand, the increased frequency of our LAX-TPE route will allow passengers to travel comfortably and conveniently to and from major cities in North America and Asia,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. “And our exclusive amenities from luxury brands, as well as our unique Dodgers and Clippers themed amenities align with STARLUX’s mission to make flying a truly memorable and luxurious experience.”

Long-haul Route “Home-in-the-Air” Amenities

The amenity kits provided on STARLUX long-haul flights are intended to make life at 38,000 feet a most pleasant and positive experience. Each amenity kit is designed to enhance the flying experience with all the comforts of home. The amenity kits include:

  • First Class: Travelers flying in First Class will find an amenity kit co-branded with FPM—Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano. The kit’s upright flip-up design combines a classic leather handle and the signature chic and straightforward appearance for which FPM is known. It includes “The Ritual of Jing” series of cosmetics from Netherlands fragrance brand Rituals. Guests also have a custom-designed blanket co-branded by century-old Italian luxury wool brand Loro Piana, which uses 100% Loro Piana Zelander fabric and Punto Cavallo piping stitching, skin-soft pajamas, and Sony’s top-of-the-line noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 wireless headset.
  • Business Class: Business Class passengers will be greeted with amenity kits designed to look like the classic Bric’s suitcase. The kit includes products from French skincare brand Huygens to help relieve the stress of long-distance travel using natural essential oils which promote deep sleep. They will also have a double-sided blanket made of 100% GRS-certified polyester featuring a short gray plush that feels gentle against the skin and skin-soft pajamas.
  • Premium Economy: Customers in Premium Economy will have earth-toned Samsonite RED series amenity kits. The kits will include Swedish beauty brand IDUN Minerals—which uses 100% plant-based and environmentally friendly materials—provide a light and comfortable high-altitude experience. Premium Economy travelers will also find special double-sided blankets.
  • Economy Class: Travelers in Economy Class will be able to enjoy eco-friendly amenity kits made by STARLUX Airlines and decorated with Taiwanese Aboriginal totems. The kits will contain essential grooming accessories for the journey.

Sports-Themed Amenities for Intercontinental Flights

Starting this month, STARLUX LAX-TPE flights will feature a variety of LA Dodgers-themed amenities and TPE-LAX flights will feature an array of LA Clippers-themed amenities. The amenities include such things as themed meal packaging (paper placemats, napkins, towelettes, inflight meal foil covers, mini food flags, burger wrapping paper), playing cards, eye masks, luggage tags, and boarding passes.

Spider-Man Themed Amenities for Asia Flights

The Spider-Man movie themed flights will have an exclusive boarding pass featuring the film’s main character, Miles Morales, and other Spider-People, along with Spider-Verse-themed stickers and luggage tags. The curated themed amenities create an immersive onboard environment. Spider-Verse can be found on amenities such as paper cups, napkins, and children’s meal boxes. A special edition of STARLUX Airlines’ popular playing cards will also be available onboard.

Kenmore Air to fly to Victoria International Airport

Kenmore Air, the leading seaplane operator in the Pacific Northwest, has announced the expansion of its land-based plane service from Seattle’s Boeing Field and Everett’s Paine Field to now include Victoria International Airport.

With this expansion, Kenmore Air now provides the only scheduled international transportation link between Friday Harbor and YYJ, offering 2 round trips per day, making it the fastest, most scenic, and most convenient connection to both Victoria’s Inner Harbor and Victoria International Airport.

British Airways announces plans for an exclusive Whispering Angel lounge bar

  • British Airways has announced plans for an exclusive Whispering Angel rosé bar, inviting customers to enjoy the refreshing French tipple ahead of their flight from Heathrow Terminal 5
  • Opening this summer, the bespoke bar will be located in the British Airways lounge near the B gates at London Heathrow Terminal 5 (Terminal 5B)
  • The airline will also be refreshing this lounge over the coming months

British Airways has announced plans for an exclusive Whispering Angel lounge bar, becoming the first airline to have a bespoke bar dedicated to the famed rosé wine.

The bespoke bar, which will exclusively offer Caves d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel rosé, will be located in the airline’s lounge at Terminal 5 B at London Heathrow – often referred to as one of Heathrow’s best kept secrets.

The bar, colored pale pink to emulate the light tones of the rosé served, is expected to open this summer. The opening will coincide with a refresh of the airline’s B gates lounge which will include new and reupholstered furniture, as well as a refreshed layout.

Across the rest of the airline’s Club (business class) lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick, eligible British Airways’ customers can enjoy The Pale rosé, which is produced by the same winemakers as Whispering Angel. Whispering Angel is currently available in British Airways’ First and Club (business class) lounges.

Château d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel boasts a delicate Provençal pink hue, spoiling customer with sun-kissed creamy flavours of peach and raspberries, with refreshing citrus undertones and a smooth, dry finish.

The bar is part of British Airways’ continued elevation of its drinks offering, following the appointment of a full time Master of Wine – one of only 415 Masters of Wine in the world and believed to be the only one appointed by an airline. March 2023 saw the introduction of four new English sparkling wines served on board. The four English Sparkling wine options are available on a quarterly rotation, changing every three months. Rich in variety, customers will be able to choose from two sparkling options when travelling in Club World, including the current Champagne resident Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne, and now an exclusive English Sparkling wine option.

On board, the current English Sparkling is Digby Fine English Brut NV, and from July the airline will serve the Balfour Rosé de Noirs, grown on the Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent, and made only from red grapes. This lighter rosé sparkling wine is an exclusive blend for British Airways, making it only available at 35,000ft for customers in the airline’s Club World cabin.

From October, Simpsons Chalklands Cuvee Brut NV, also from Kent will be available for three months, so customer can end the year with a toast. Looking to the new year, from January 2024, customers can try Wiston Estate Brut NV from the South Downs, is refreshing in flavour, with citrus and toasty notes.

airBaltic carries 53% more passengers in May 2023

During May 2023, the Latvian national airline airBaltic has carried 437,000 passengers or by 53% more than during the same period last year. In the previous month, airBaltic performed 4,180 flights, marking a 20% increase from May 2022.

As it has already been announced, during the tournament only (May 12 to 28, 2023), airBaltic carried 26,000 passengers between Latvia and Finland. It is by 42% more than for the same period in April. Specifically, 42 flights between Riga and Tampere, were performed (33 in April), carrying close to 12 000 passengers – marking a 73% increase from the previous (regular) month.

 May, 20231May, 20222Change
Number of passengers437 000284 700+53%
Number of flights4 1803 490+20%