The single piece of news that has dominated the aviation-world these days is the supention of operations by the Spanish-based airline Spanair. This carrier officially ceased its flight on January 27, 2012.
The news came certainly as an unpleasant surprise to some 22,000 affected passengers. Those unlucky passengers who have booked flights with Spanair or a travel agency may still get a refund for their tickets. Spanair is finalizing an agreement with IATA which should facilitate such a solution.
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent, Spanair
The flag carrier of Spain, Iberia, has announced date of the inaugural flight of its new low-cost subdivision. Iberia Express commences flights on March 25, 2012.
Although the establishing of the new low-cost subsidiary is seen upon as a necessary step for Iberia to be able to compete with such low-budget airlines as Vueling, the plans have been vehemently opposed by the airline’s staff.
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, Iberia, News by Continent
While Iberia permanently deals with stike threat, another Iberian carrier – the low-cost airline Vueling is continuously expanding. Recently Vueling annouced good news concerning its base in Barcelona.
Its flights network from Barcelona will be extended with around 20 new routes reaching the number of 70 destinations in the summer schedule. Let us have a look at some of the new services:
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, New Routes, News by Continent, Vueling
Everyone knows the marketing slogan of the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair – «The world’s favourite airline» which is more than just a little smug. The airline’s business model with additional charges for every conceivable service and its questionable marketing style is well-known to everybody as well.
But there are things about the functioning of the company few know and it such things that a fascinating documentary entitled «Low cost, journey to the land of wild capitalism» deals with.
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent, Ryanair
Christmas holiday is a busy period in air traffic when air travellers are particularly vulnerable both because it is essential to come home on time and because of the precarious weather conditions. An airline strike is the last thing we need.
Unfortunately we are in for a strike. The threat comes from Iberia, a part of the merged holding company with British Airways. Recently flight crew warned they will walk out on strike for two days on December 18 and 29, 2011.
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, Iberia, News by Continent
It happened again – the spectre of strike looms over travellers. Passengers flying to or via London Airport (LHR) will probably face major disruptions on Wednesday November 30, 2011 when even as much as 2.6 million public sector employees are due to walk out in protest over pension changes.
The problem for travellers is that among them are UK Border Agency employees. The British authorities are taking measures in order to minimize the impact of the strike by training volunteers and fetching help from other departments.
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Slawomir Budziak Aviation news, bmi, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Europe, London Heathrow, News by Continent, Virgin Atlantic
A month without a PR-stunt from Ryanair is a wasted month. As is always the case with this budget carrier, it is about getting attention and money. And as always, the way of getting both is somewhat embarrassing. This time round it is about a new and smelly source of income – on-board toilets.
This Irish low-cost airline has already made an attempt to earn money on on-board toilets. The proposal, which later on was dropped, was to introduce charges for using toilets. Now Ryanair’s O’Leary comes up with a new twist on his toilet business.
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent, Ryanair
We have already touched on the subject of sleeping at airports in some of our previous posts, but today we hasten to inform about a new and refreshing take on this hot issue: in-terminal sleep facility called «sleep box»
Recently, Russia has been subject to criticism following yet another plane crash on its territory, but it is none other country than Russia that this innovation comes from.
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Slawomir Budziak Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent
The popular Iberian low-cost airline Vueling was named as the most innovative budget carrier of the year 2011 at Budgie Awards. Vueling received recognition from representatives of the aviation industry for a number of reasons.
So, what distinguishes this Spanish low-budget airlines from its competitors, among which the most important were easyJet, Germanwings and Wizz Air?
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Slawomir Budziak Airlines, Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent, Vueling
Last Sunday it had been ten years since one of the most spectacular terrorist attacks which struck at the financial heart of the USA and left scars in the collective American psyche.
In these attacks, aircraft was not only the scene of the drama but also weapon. After 10 years many ask about the impact of September 11 on aviation.
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Slawomir Budziak Aviation news, Europe, News by Continent, North America