Belfast City Airport sold to ABN AMRO
The George Best Airport in Belfast was recently sold at four times the price Ferrovial paid for it five years ago, airport officials have announced. Spain’s Ferrovial, which owns UK airports operator BAA, has sold the Belfast City Airport to the ABN AMRO Global Infrastructure Fund for a reported £132.5
by Doug Smith September 7th, 2008
UK travel company collapses continue
Two more UK travel operators failed this week, meaning that thousands of British holidaymakers could potentially lose their holidays. Both companies cited the difficult economic environment as the reason for their collapse. Crawley-based Pure Flights and the Van Haydon ...
by Doug Smith September 6th, 2008
US airlines improve on time performance in July
The July 2008 on-time arrival rate for U.S. carriers was the best performance for the month of July in four years, and is being attributed to reductions in both air traffic and scheduling issues. At 75.7 percent, the on-time rate rose from the 69.8 percent performance of July in
by Doug Smith September 5th, 2008
Norwegian Cruise Line cancels Pearl sailing
The 26 October sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl has been canceled in order to carry out some necessary technical repairs. The cruise ship will enter dry-dock on 26 October for repairs to a bearing in its propulsion system. ...
by Doug Smith September 4th, 2008
United backs off from food charges on Europe routes
Customers choosing United Airlines for their flights across the Atlantic have been given a reprieve and won’t be paying for in-flight meals after all. The second-largest U.S.-based carrier announced on Tuesday that it would not be instituting its plan to charge for meals in economy class on services to Europe.
by Doug Smith September 3rd, 2008
Creditors uneasy after failure of Zoom
With the collapse last week of no-frills carrier Zoom Airlines, the spectre of more failures has risen once again, according to a report in The Financial Times. After the airline’s planes were grounded on 28 August, creditors seized two of the carrier’s leased aircraft, citing alleged non-payment of leasing fees, and
by Doug Smith September 2nd, 2008
Fuel reserve caps opposed by Ryanair pilots
Ryanair pilots have called attempts by the low-cost airline to force them to fly with low fuel safety reserves “insane.” In order to save money on fuel costs per flight, the budget carrier is restricting the discretionary rights of ...
by Doug Smith September 1st, 2008
Phuket tourism sectors pleads for flights to resume
Phuket, Thailand’s tourism sector has pleaded with anti-government protesters who are members of the PAD to allow air service to resume at the Phuket International Airport, saying that their blockade is doing damage to the resort’s reputation with tourists and ...
by Doug Smith August 31st, 2008
Thai protests broaden to air and rail closures
Thai protesters had skirmishes with police on Friday as tensions increased during the fourth day of their occupation of the government compound in Bangkok, and signs of escalating chaos across the kingdom began to test the commitment to a peaceful resolution made by the country’s prime minister. Prime Minister Samak
by Doug Smith August 30th, 2008
Zoom flights disrupted over aircraft leasing dispute
Two aircraft leased by Zoon Airlines have been grounded after the leasing company alleged that fees had not been paid, disrupting scheduled service between Glasgow and airports in Canada. A Boeing 757 that was scheduled to depart Glasgow on Thursday for Halifax and Ottawa, Canada, carrying over 200 passengers, was
by Doug Smith August 29th, 2008
Travel insurance essential for holidays at all destinations
Travel insurance is too often seen as a last minute option on the holiday agenda, but in fact is an “essential must-have” according to insurance specialist ASDA Financial Services, and Legal and General advises that adequate travel cover is also ...
by Doug Smith August 28th, 2008
Computer problem causes traffic delays at major US airports
Computer problems have grounded a large number of flight departures in the north-eastern U.S. and delays have resulted in airports across North America. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that many airports in the U.S. are experiencing major delays due to computer system problems. Reports are indicating that
by Doug Smith August 27th, 2008