Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ network, with the inaugural flight touching down on the Anatolian side of Istanbul on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
The new route between London Heathrow (LHR) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) will operate four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays on a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft.
Increasing connectivities from Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen Airport has become a hub adding three more destinations this June to its extensive network. These include London Heathrow (LHR), Rhodes (RHO) and Mytilene (MJT), Greece.
Sabiha Gökçen serves 154 destinations located across 51 countries via flights operated by 45 airlines. The first four months of 2023 saw the City Airport handle almost 14 million passenger movements.
To celebrate the airport’s namesake, the world’s first female fighter pilot, Ms. Sabiha Gökçen herself, British Airways opted for an all-female flight crew, with Captain Jessica Telford and First Officer Kerry Bennett operating the inaugural flight.
Over the summer season, Norse Atlantic will serve London Gatwick from seven US destinations, with inaugural services from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston commencing soon.
The first Norse Atlantic flight from Washington, D.C. to London (courtesy Norse Atlantic Airways)
On June 1, 2023,Norse Atlantic Airways celebrated the start of service from Washington, D.C. to London Gatwick. Flights will operate six times a week with fares for only $205 one-way including all taxes.
The Washington Dulles to London Gatwick flight departed at 8:25 p.m. EDT and arrived at 8:45 a.m. local time the following day. The return flight will depart London Gatwick at 3:00 p.m. local time and arrive at 6:20 p.m. EDT.
Norse Atlantic exclusively operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience. Our Premium cabin offers an industry leading 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.
Vistara on June 1 launches a new route from Mumbai to London Heathrow.
The airline announced its schedule:
Flights To London
We are thrilled to announce direct flights to London from the City of Dreams, Mumbai!
The capital and heritage city of England, London is the perfect amalgamation of old and new cultures blending together. One of the most visited cities in the world, this glittering metropolis is the epicentre of anything art, commerce, education, fashion, theatre, and music.
When travelling to London, the round-trip all-inclusive fares for Mumbai-London-Mumbai start at INR 57799 and round-trip all-inclusive fares for London-Mumbai-London start at GBP 459.
Please find the flight details for the route below:
Flight No.
Start Date
End Date
Days of Operation
From
Departure
To
Arrival
UK 15
01-June-2023
30-June-2023
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
Mumbai
14:35
London
19:55
UK 16
01-June-2023
29-June-2023
Thursday
London
21:50
Mumbai
11:00
UK 16
02-June-2023
30-June-2023
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun
London
21:55
Mumbai
11:00
All timings are in the respective city’s local time. Schedule is subject to regulatory approval.
Virgin Atlantic is restarting its much-anticipated flights to Shanghai, re-establishing essential business and leisure connections between the United Kingdom and China. The daily service resumed on May 1, 2023.
The move comes following a relaxation in travel restrictions between the two countries, which sees the borders reopening to foreign nationals for the first time since December 23, 2020. Shanghai is Virgin Atlantic’s final route to be re-instated following the global pandemic, having been impacted by suspensions and closures since February 1, 2020.
Virgin Atlantic’s Shanghai flights will continue to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The return to China will complement the rest of Virgin Atlantic’s global route network which includes the USA & Caribbean, South Africa, Nigeria and India. The airline’s Tel Aviv service has doubled capacity this summer, operating a double daily service. New routes to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos will also commence later this year.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-VNYL (msn 37981) SEA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104713.
Norse Atlantic Airways is adding four new routes this winter, three from London Gatwick to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay and from Oslo to Bangkok.
Norse Atlantic Airways made this announcement:
New winter sun routes to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay will provide customers with lower fares while increasing competition to these traditionally expensive holiday destinations.
The three new routes from London Gatwick join, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood which are already on sale for the winter.
In total Norse Atlantic will serve 10 destinations from London Gatwick in winter 2023 and become the second largest long haul operator by seat capacity.
From today customers can book direct Norse Atlantic Airways flights between London Gatwick to Barbados, Kingston and Montego Bay from only £449 return including taxes.
Flights to Barbados will operate daily from October 29, 2023 with fares starting from £449 return including all taxes.
Flights to Kingston will operate three times a week from October 31, 2023 with fares starting from £579 return including all taxes.
Flights to Montego Bay will operate four times a week from October 29, 2023 with fares starting from £559 return including all taxes.
Norse Atlantic exclusively operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience. Our Premium cabin offers an industry leading 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.
As part of the airline’s winter program Norse Atlantic will also launch flights between Oslo and Bangkok twice weekly from November 2, 2023.
Top Copyright Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner LN-FND (msn 38788) LGW (Robbie Shaw). Image: 959452.
Delta Air Lines starts daily nonstop flights to New York-JFK. Delta is returning to London Gatwick after 15 years absence and the return of the airline’s service coincides with its 45thanniversary of serving the UK-US market.
“Delta started flying to the UK 45 years ago this month at Gatwick and so it is fitting that we are restarting our operations from Gatwick to the United States,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s vice president Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. “On board, customers will discover an elevated service and special touches to make their journey memorable.”
Delta people commemorate their airline’s return to London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).
With daily flights, customers will enjoy convenient connections to destinations across North America via Delta’s New York-JFK hub. Exciting cities including New Orleans, Nashville and Miami are waiting to be discovered, while customers can connect to California’s breath-taking beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego and world-class wine region near San Francisco. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy one-stop service to Salt Lake City and Seattle, from where some of America’s most famous national parks are within easy reach for hiking, biking, and rafting.
STEWART WINGATE, CEO, GATWICK AIRPORT SAID:
“We are thrilled to welcome Delta Air Lines back to Gatwick. It means that we will expand furthermore our connectivity to the US. This trust from such a network carrier as Delta underlines the competitiveness and the operational capabilities of Gatwick.
“Delta is a huge name in the transatlantic market and being able to offer passengers across London and the South East the opportunity to travel with them between Gatwick and New York City is fantastic, providing not only wider choice, but further competition. It also demonstrates the strong pull of Gatwick as an airport for big name, long-haul airlines.”
And it’s not only travellers flying from London Gatwick who will benefit from more nonstop flights to the United States. Delta’s schedule is good news for the British economy, offering more opportunities for American tourists to visit popular destinations such as London, Brighton, Cambridge – all within easy, direct, and quick reach of Gatwick by train – and beyond in what is an exciting year ahead given the King’s upcoming coronation.
A SEAT FOR EVERY TRAVEL STYLE
A Delta Boeing 767 lands at London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).
There’s an upgraded travel experience waiting for Delta customers when flying from London, with recently refurbished Boeing 767-300 aircraft featuring Delta cabin experiences to suit our customers’ needs. From the luxury of a fully flat-bed seat in Delta One to Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin, customers will find an elevated onboard experience on board.
Customers in every cabin enjoy seat-back screens featuring hours of complimentary premium entertainment via Delta Studio, in-seat power, high-speed Wi-Fi (for purchase, with free Wi-Fi coming by the end of 2024) and free mobile messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. All flights between UK and the US will be operated in cooperation with Delta’s joint venture partners Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and KLM.
Loganair has announced it is now connecting Dundee with the south and north of the UK like never before with the launch of its new London to Orkney route.
For the first time ever, passengers will be able to fly from Kirkwall to London City with a stop-off in Dundee thanks to a new, twice-weekly service taking off today (Tuesday, April 4, 2023).
Photo: Loganair
The new same-flight service operates via the City of Discovery, giving passengers the option to split up their journeys in Dundee or stay on board for a seamless, unrivalled connection from either end of the country.
The three-and-a-half-hour service is ideal for those looking to explore the famous archipelago of Orkney off the north-east coast of Scotland or visit Dundee, famed for jute, jam and journalism. The tourism-boosting connection also offers business commuters a seamless route into the heart of the UK’s capital.
Virgin Atlantic is connecting New Yorkers like never before. To celebrate the arrival of its state of the art and most fuel-efficient aircraft – the A330neo – on its popular New York City to London route, for 24 hours only the airline will be launching a bright red hackney carriage. The taxi will bring to life touches of the airline’s renowned premium service, leading innovation and customer experience design and connected features. Here for a limited time, Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” will roam the streets of NYC delivering passengers to their destinations within Manhattan.
The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” features elements of the personalized service New Yorkers seek out from the airline. Its iconic cabin crew and a surprise guest or two, will greet passengers with a Ruby Slipper mocktail and afternoon tea, served on board in every cabin on daytime flights from London to the US. The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” will feature wireless charging pads and a large seatback screen to enjoy “in flight” entertainment, in a nod to the amazing experience on board the A330neo.
Two round trip tickets from New York City to London will be up for grabs, along with an exclusive invitation to Virgin Atlantic’s ruby 40th birthday celebrations in 2024, for those who spot Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff.” Just snap a photo or video of the cab and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.
When:
Beginning Monday April 3, 2023 at 9:00 am EDT Closes 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, April 4, 2023
How to Enter:
Snap a photo or video of Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.Winners will be selected on April 6, 2023. They will be contacted directly via Instagram.
Disclaimer:
This contest/giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Instagram. This giveaway is sponsored by @virginatlantic. The giveaway will run from 9:00 am EDT 04/03/23 until 11:59 pm EDT 04/04/23. Giveaway is open only to residents 18 years of age, or older where required, of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. The winner will be contacted via DM and must respond within 24 hours or prize will be re-allocated at random.
Virgin Atlantic offers six daily flights from JFK to London Heathrow, including one daytime flight. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, the joint venture partners operate nine flights daily from NYC to London.
More on the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330neo:
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330-900neos, reaffirming our commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.
From wingtip to tailfin, we’ve used inspiration and innovation to make this aircraft brilliant on every level. From a brand new social space and wireless charging, even more storage and stylish design touches, through to a huge 11% less fuel burn andcarbon emissions, it’s a game changer. Virgin Atlantic style.
A crucial step in our fleet transformation programme, the A330neo’s are designed to deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour. We have one of the youngest fleets in the skies with an average age of just under seven years.
Introducing the A330neo
Our A330neo’s are exclusively powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine, drawing on more than 50 million flying hours of experience from the Trent 700, which powers the original version of the A330.
Customers will be able to enjoy all Virgin Atlantic cabins onboard; Upper Class, Premium and our three tiers of Economy; Delight, Classic and Light. Continuing the evolution of our award-winning customer proposition, we’re introducing a beautiful new addition to our Upper Class cabin, known as The Retreat Suite, alongside brand- new suites for the entire cabin and an enhanced social space in the form of The Loft.
Social space – The Loft
Our award-winning social space, the Loft, is an exclusive spot for our Upper Class customers to come together. With space for eight people, and four comfy seats, customers can sit and chat, grab a drink or snack from the self-service fridge-freezer, connect Bluetooth headphones to the touchscreens – or just enjoy a change of scene mid-flight. There’s a brand-new self-service fridge and we’ve raised the height of the seats, so it’s easier for customers to interact with our award-winning cabin crew.
▪ The space features dual 27” touchscreens and eight Bluetooth audio jacks to enable our customers to view content together.
▪ Customers will have access to a self-service fridge-freezer and snack dispenser for all their grazing needs
▪ Seating features seatbelts so that customers can safely occupy the Loft even during turbulence.
▪ Wireless charging and AC, USB-A and USB-C ports are available.
Introducing the A330neo The Retreat Suite – our most spacious suite yet
A brand new addition to our Upper Class cabin, The Retreat Suite consists of two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin, with lots of extra space, huge storage, bigger screens, and the ability for customers to create their own private onboard social space.
With ottomans that double up as extra seats, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat, play games and more. Customers can have an intimate dinner or settle into a movie for some private time, the possibilities are endless. It’s a unique space for ourcustomers to travel the way they choose.
Comfort
▪ Kitted out with a 6ft 7” fully flat bed, customers can recline into the increased suite space for maximum comfort throughout their journey.
Privacy
▪ Customers will experience optimum privacy in The Retreat, with electronic privacy dividers and fully closing aisle privacy doors. There’s also a ‘do not disturb’ light, so customers can get that all important beauty sleep without being interrupted.
Entertainment
▪ With a 27” touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth audio; customers will have access to hours’ worth of inflight entertainment at their fingertips. We’re also keeping customers fully connected with brand new wireless charging and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a feature we have added to every seat in every cabin on this beautiful aircraft.
A330neo Upper Class – an evolution of luxe space and style
We’ve added more space, some enhanced storage, and even more style to our incredible Upper Class suite. The flexible space allows customers the opportunity to personalise their journeys to how they choose, whether that’s to work, rest or socialise. Customers can relax on the 6.4” seat to fully flat bed or watch one of hundreds of films
on the 17.3” screen. There’s a place for everything – even shoes – and even a mirror. Not to mention a fully closing privacy door, wireless charging and personal in-suite mood lighting.
Features:
▪ 17.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ Up to 22” seat width ▪ 6ft4” std/ 6ft7.5” front row fully flat bed ▪ Fully reclinable seat, from upright to bed ▪ Enhanced storage, including shoe stowage and lockable in-seat stowage ▪ Fully closing privacy door
▪ AC, USB-A and USB-C ports ▪ Wireless charging ▪ Do not disturb light ▪ Customer-controlled mood lighting
A330neo Premium – bigger seats and premium treats
Our already award-winning Premium cabin has been designed to be even more… well, Premium. Small stylish touches meet big differences – like calf rests on every seat. There’s intuitive touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth audio, and lots of storage. Oh, and did we mention we have an in-seat wireless charger?
Features:
▪ In-seat wireless charging ▪ 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ 38” seat pitch ▪ 18.5” seat width ▪ AC and USB-A ports ▪ There are calf rests in every seat and increased storage too
A330neo Economy – connection and comfort for everyone
Settle into beautifully designed seats with stylish new fabric. The 13.3” seatback screen is our biggest yet, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones and customers can use their phone as a controller. There’s plenty ofstorage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets going.
Features:
▪ Our economy cabin offers connections and comfort for everyone
▪ The 13.3” Bluetooth seatback screen is our biggest yet – connect your ownheadphones and use your phone as a controller
Economy Economy Economy Premium Upper Class The Retreat light classic Delight Suite
Seat dimensions
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 34”
Seat width 18.5” Seat pitch 38”
Seat width 19.2” Seat pitch 44”Bed length 6ft4”
Seat width 19.2” Bed length 6ft6”
Seat manufacturer
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Collins MIQ
Thompson Aero Seating Vantage XL
Thompson Aero Seating V antage First
Power
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB-A port
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
Inflight entertain- ment (SPI Rave OS)
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
17.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
27” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
Wi-Fi
Supplier: Viasat Speed/service – high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft Price points: £5.99 for 1-hour or £18.99 for full flight
Additional features
Calf rest in all seats and wireless charging
Fully reclinable seat, enhanced storage including shoe stowage and lockable inseat stowage, fully closing privacy door, customer- controlled mood lighting and wireless charging.
Increased suite space, ottoman seating for quad dining/ socialising, electronic privacy divider and fully closing aisle privacy door, wireless charging, multiple oversized storage and a ‘do not disturb’ light
‘Do not disturb’ light.
Wi-Fi
High speed, high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft
1-hour pass £5.99 // full flight pass £18.99
PED pairing – connect personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen inevery seat. Enables you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and activate the call bell and reading light from your own deviceBluetooth
• Bluetooth to connect your own headphones to the inflight entertainment in every seat
Additional customer benefits
▪ The Loft allows customers to meet away from their seat, self-serve drinks and snacks, and have a change of scene.
▪ The Retreat Suite converts into a private social space for up to four people.
▪ The world’s first in-seat wireless charging in both Premium and Upper Class, more USB connections throughout the aircraft, inflight Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth- enabled entertainment systems in all cabins so customers can use their ownheadphones.
▪ As well as the social space, the Upper Class suites have a few extra touches,from a spot for shoes to a mirror cabinet.Overall cabin design
▪ The design of every cabin has been considered down to the very finest detail.
▪ Throughout, there are rich, tactile fabrics in warm, inviting Virgin Atlanticsignature colours.
▪ Wehavemovedawayfromnaturalleatherthroughoutonthisaircraft,infavourof a material which is up to 50% lighter, uses no animal products in itsmanufacture, but still creates that Virgin Atlantic, premium look and feel.
▪ Inspiredbythehorizonlineseenthroughthewindow,theseatshaveabespoke aesthetic known as New Horizon, with beautifully stitched lines and contours. This aesthetic flows through all cabin classes, to tie everything together fromnose to tail, offering a premium experience throughout.
▪ In every cabin, mood lighting changes with each stage of the journey,customised to layer perfectly with the cabin colours to create a refreshing,relaxing overall onboard experience for everyone.
▪ Customers can connect their personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen in every seat onboard the aircraft. This feature allows you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and use the call bell and reading light from your own device.
A330neo essential information
The order
▪ Virgin Atlantic has ordered up to 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
▪ We are taking delivery of the first aircraft in Q3 2022 and expect to receive allaircraft by the end of 2026
▪ The order is worth $4.7billion list priceThe configuration▪ 2 seats in The Retreat Suite ▪ 30 seats in Upper Class (32 Upper Class in total) ▪ 46 seats in Premium ▪ 184 seats in Economy ▪ 262 total seat countRoutes▪ The aircraft will fly from our base at London Heathrow ▪ Operating on business and leisure routes worldwideDelivery Schedule first 4 aircraftArrival Date Reg Icon
September 2022
G-VJAZ
October 2022
G-VTOM
November 2022
G-VLDY
February 2023
G-VMER
Typical operating characteristics
▪ The A330neo has a typical range of 13,334km (7200 nautical miles)
▪ Overall length 63.66m (208ft 10in)
▪ Tail height 16.79m (55ft)
▪ Maximum cargo payload of 44,000kgs with the maximum volume of 126cbm(subject to pax/baggage volumes)
▪ Maximum take-off weight of 251ts
▪ Typical cruising speed of M0.82Latest generation propulsion▪ Latest Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines▪ Patented nacelle & pylon design to reduce drag and noise ▪ 68-72klbf – Take-off thrust (VAA option is 72k) ▪ 11% lower fuel burn than the A330ceo ▪ Incorporating the latest Trent XWB technologyHigh-span wing
▪ Innovative ‘sharklet’ wingtip design
▪ Span expansion to 64m (+4m vs 787)
▪ New shape – Faster, re-twisted high-aspect ratio wing shape
▪ The neo wing has overall greater aerodynamic efficiency with lower induceddrag and higher lift at all speedsAdvanced materials▪ Extensive use of composite & titanium Other airlines operating the A330neo
▪ Virgin Atlantic is the only UK airline to operate the neo.
▪ Other notable customers include Delta, Lion Air, TAP and Condor.
▪ 19 operators of the A330neo currently, with 77 aircraft delivered to-date,operating 155 routes on 44,000+ revenue flights.
▪ 273 orders globally to date flying across all six continents.
Sustainability
▪ Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, we operate the youngest, cleanest fleet in the sky, with an average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68% next generation. This increases to 100% next generation by the beginning of 2027.
▪ This means our aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state- of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions. This has so far delivered a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions.
▪ The new planes are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they replace and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.
▪ Leather free. It features durable and stylish faux-leather seating in our Upper and Premium cabins as well as within our social space and economy headrests. Replacing our traditional leather offering, the material is lighter weight in comparison saving on average 1.5kgs per double seat.
▪ We’re using a faux leather from a company called Douglass called Luxaire. Delta use this across some of its newer Delta One seats. Weighs less and saves ~3000 cows across the entire neo fleet.
▪ We’llcontinuetorolloutthisalternativematerialacrossnewandexistingaircraft where feasible.
▪ Pre-order and pre-select meals are available in Upper Class cabins, allowing customers to select their meals in advance, helping to reduce waste onboard.
During the Easter school holidays (31 March – 16 April), 44,074 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports – equating to nearly 7.8 million seats
14 April is scheduled to be the busiest day across the holiday period, with 2,776 flights departing UK airports
The most popular international destinations for UK departures will be Dublin, followed by Amsterdam, Malaga, Palma and Alicante
easyJet is projected to be the busiest airline during the holidays, with over 9,000 departures from the UK, followed by British Airways, Ryanair Loganair, and Jet2
Heathrow Airport will see the largest number of departures, 10,696, followed by Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Easter weekend:
During the Easter weekend 2023 (7 – 10 April), 10,286 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports – equating to over 1.8 million seats
Easter departures from UK airports remain 12% down compared to the Easter weekend in 2019 when there were 11,743 departing flights
Departures are up 12% compared to Easter 2022, and 655% up compared to 2021, showing the continued recovery of the industry
The most popular international destinations for UK departures will be Dublin, followed by Amsterdam, Palma, Malaga and Alicante
easyJet is projected to be the busiest airline throughout the weekend, with 2,151 departures from the UK, followed by British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2
Heathrow Airport will see the largest number of departures, 2,493, followed by Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
*Easter weekend dates:
19-22 April 2019 / 2-5 April 2021 / 15-18 April 2022 / 7-10 April 2023
Heathrow Terminal 5 security strike:
During the strike period (31 March – 9 April inclusive), Heathrow is scheduled to see 6,253 departures – equating to over 1.3 million seats
British Airways had been scheduled to operate 3,185 departures from Heathrow Airport* during the strike period (51% of LHR services) – equating to nearly 650,00 seats
However, in the last week, this figure has dropped to 3,106 departures (excluding last minute cancellations) – equating to a loss of over 12,700 seats
Edinburgh is projected to see the highest number of BA flights during the strike period (103 departures), followed by Glasgow (78), Barcelona (75), Amsterdam (72), and New York JFK (70).
British Airways is set to cancel over 300 flights to and from London Heathrow Airport during the Easter holiday period due to strikes by airport security staff.
Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANT (msn 36291) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 957139.
Air India is expanding its UK presence in a move which reinforces the strong links between the UK and India, as it undergoes a massive modernization program to transform into a world-class, premium airline.
The Indian flag carrier is launching four new services from London Gatwick to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kochi and Goa, switching them from London Heathrow, and flying on each route three times a week.
Each of the four new services will be operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flights to Ahmedabad and Amritsar started on Sunday, March 26, with services to Kochi starting today (Monday, March 27), and to Goa on Tuesday, March 28.
From London Heathrow, Air India is adding five additional weekly frequencies, with flights to Delhi increasing from 14 to 17 times a week, and to Mumbai from 12 to 14 times a week, effective as of yesterday (Sunday, March 26).
Photo: Air India
Air India also plans to upgauge the equipment on its London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai routes with Boeing 777 aircraft, expected to be added from May 2023, initially on the Delhi route. This will enable First Class service to be reinstated for passengers.
Air India also flies from Birmingham to Amritsar and Delhi three times a week on each route. In total, there are 49 Air India flights a week between the UK and India.
The flag carrier, which has 126 aircraft currently, has embarked upon a major transformation, having recently placed the largest-ever firm orders for a total of 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, with deliveries starting later in 2023.
The orders for new aircraft are in addition to 36 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft that the airline had leased in late 2022, which are already being inducted into its fleet. The airline has also committed over USD $400 million in a project to fully refurbish its entire legacy wide-body fleet, comprising 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and 13 Boeing 777 aircraft, which will see a complete overhaul of existing cabin interiors.
This will include the addition of latest generation seats and best in-class inflight entertainment across all classes. In addition, the refurbishment will see the introduction of a Premium Economy cabin on both fleets.
As part of the firm orders for 470 new aircraft, Air India has selected 250 new Airbus aircraft, consisting of 40 A350s and 210 A320/A321neos, as well as 220 Boeing aircraft, consisting of 190 Boeing 737 MAX, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 Boeing 777X.
The first six Airbus A350s are due to arrive by the end of 2023. The fleet order, and expansion at Gatwick, will see an expected 500 new jobs created in the UK due to Air India’s ambitious transformation.
The fleet order, and expansion of its network, signals the swift return of one of the most iconic carriers worldwide. Air India became part of the Tata Group in 2022. The transformation will include major changes to its brand, world-class customer service offerings on the ground and in the air, and more dynamic digital products.
Top Copyright Photo: Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANT (msn 36291) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 957139.
Norse Atlantic Airways has launched the sale of two new routes, London Gatwick to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
Norse Atlantic Airways logo
The flights to Orlando will begin on May 25, 2023 and to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood on May 26, 2023, with fares starting from £409 return including taxes. The new routes will be in addition to the current daily London to New York service that began in August 2022.
Flights to Orlando will operate four times a week in May and June and then a daily service in the height of the summer peak season.
Norse Atlantic exclusively operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium.
Norse Atlantic route map:
Norse Atlantic Airways route map
Top Copyright Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways (Air Europa) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner EC-NVX (LN-LNO) (msn 38779) PMI (Ton Jochems). Image: 958106.
ITA Airways Airbus A320-216 EI-DTG (msn 3921) (Friuli Venezia Giulia) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960029.
ITA Airways has introduced a special livery promoting Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the 20 regions of Italy and one of five autonomous regions with special statute. The capital is Trieste on the Gulf of Trieste, a bay on the Adriatic Sea.
Ski area in the region
According to the region’s website, “A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.”
Top Copyright Photo: ITA Airways Airbus A320-216 EI-DTG (msn 3921) (Friuli Venezia Giulia) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960029.
American Airlines has announced its largest schedule ever to London Heathrow Airport for next summer.
The carrier will operate 26 daily flights to LHR from 11 different U.S. cities.
AA will operate four flights daily from its New York (JFK) hub, Chicago (O’Hare) hub and Dallas/Fort Worth hub.
The airline will also operate three flights daily from its Charlotte hub and Los Angeles hub.
Twice-daily flights will also be operated from the Miami and Philadelphia hubs along with daily service from Boston, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham and Seattle/Tacoma (fed by partner Alaska Airlines).
Top Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 777-323 ER N730AN (msn 31554) LHR (SPA). Image: 931582.
American Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):
