Air travel cancelled

With the winter timetable starting next weekend there has been a rush of route cancellations (and new routes).  We are grateful to OAG for their help, but they too are not always told of changes, and information from AERBT readers is much appreciated. info@aerbt.co.uk

Whilst technically just terminal changes, British Airways is very much on the move at Heathrow.  Its 13 daily flights to Barcelona and Madrid will be jumping from to T3 to T5.  In the other direction Bucharest, Budapest, Larnaca, Prague and Warsaw move from T5 to T3.  The airline has a dedicated check-in area at Terminal 3 as well as a luxurious 550-seat lounge complex and spa facility for premium customers to use before their flights.

Ryanair has dropped Luton and Stansted to what it calls Barcelona (Girona) for the winter at the same time that Monarch has introduced direct flights from Gatwick to the main Barcelona airport, El Prat.

OAG notes 20 further route cancellations at the end of the month.  Most of these are in Turkey.  Moscow Domodedovo loses a number of holiday destinations to the Eastern Mediterranean.  Also suffering are services from Syria to Iran with four routes lost. www.oag.com

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Boeing Dreamliner goes into service

ANA will finally put the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into commercial service on Wednesday (26 October) with a charity flight from Narita Airport, 40 miles outside Tokyo, to Hong Kong.  The original schedule called for the plane to be introduced just before the Beijing Olympics.  However it can be justifiably called the first 21st century passenger aircraft, competing for the title the Airbus A380 with a heritage that dates back to the 1990s and lacking some of the advanced concepts of the new plane.

The winning bid for two Business Class seats aboard the maiden flight was for US$32,000.

The aircraft is expected to take off at 12.20 local time for the 4hrs 30mins flight leaving plenty of daylight available for what is bound to be an emotional arrival in Hong Kong.

Whilst it has faced a number of high profile cancellations the advance order book for the 787 still stands at around 800 with just two aircraft delivered to ANA.  Passengers will straight away notice the very large windows (but not as large as the Vickers Viscount we are told) and the futuristic cabin.  The pressurisation is such that travellers are expected not to notice any atmospheric changes, even at 35,000ft. www.boeing.com/commercial/787family

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Edinburgh Airport for sale

BAA has acknowledged that its Edinburgh Airport operation is for sale following a Competition Commission order to sell Stansted (now subject to legal delays) and either Edinburgh or Glasgow.  Whilst this surprised many in the industry, it seemed to AERBT that the Scottish capital would be the one offered on the market, easier to dispose of than its rival, and short-term at least, generating a far better price.

The airport proprietor, itself owned by Spanish infrastructure firm Ferrovial, said in a statement last week, "BAA is now commencing preparations for a sale and expects to formally approach the market in the New Year with a view to agreeing a sale (of Edinburgh airport) by Summer 2012." www.baa.com

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Howard Hotel London closes - auction follows

London has lost the luxury Howard Hotel, a Swissotel owned property on the Embankment close by The Savoy.  It ultimately has the same proprietor, the Fairmont Group.  No explanation has been given by the owners, who have spent a considerable sum on the property getting it ready for the Olympics. 

AERBT has to admit that the first it was made aware of the hotels demise was an announcement by Pro Auction of Bath declaring an auction of the entire contents this coming Tuesday/Wednesday 25/25 October 2011.  Everything will go under the hammer from the 189 luxury bedroom suites to the designer inspired guest areas, including the bar, foyer areas, library and the fully fitted award winning restaurant.

Mark Flynn of Pro Auction commented: “The auction allows operators to trade up when aspiring to five star standards, the sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire quality assets quickly and cost effectively given such a large newly refurbished 5 star hotel, only becoming available because of site redevelopment”.  Online bidding is possible. www.bidSpotter.co.uk www.proauction.ltd.uk

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Stansted gateway

Pegasus Airlines, which claims to be Turkey’s leading low-cost airline, is now welcoming passengers to Stansted as the airport’s new “welcome site” partner site.  Pegasus chose this high impact site due to its substantial reach, which is visible to 100% of passengers who travel to the airport by car or bus.

Each year 19m passengers fly through Stansted and 69% of these arrive via car, taxi or bus.  Pegasus Airlines, who are promoting flights to Turkey and Northern Cyprus, will be very visible until at least July 2012.

The launch of the new welcome site coincides with the introduction of several new routes for the airline: Donetsk (Ukraine), Skopje (Macedonia), Erbil (Iraq) and Pristina (Kosovo); it will be increasing its Istanbul services to 10 weekly flights from the start of the winter timetable.  These connect to North Cyprus and other points on the network.  During the summer it also flies to several holiday destinations. www.flypgs.com

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Transport Committee advisor

Parliament is looking for a special aviation advisor for its Transport Select Committee. 

An important condition is quick accessibility to London but clearly a very deep knowledge of all the nuances and aspects of commercial aviation is necessary.  The requirements include having a profound understanding of public policy issues relating to aviation and good contacts with the main players in the industry. 

Applicants should be prepared to provide expert advice to committee members on aviation matters on request, both in writing and in oral presentations.  Advice may be requested generally (for example, to help explain the economic regulation of airports) or in relation to a specific committee inquiry (eg, to read and comment on written evidence, suggest witnesses for oral evidence and help with the preparation of briefing notes and draft reports).

The ever increasing complexity of air travel makes the appointment of the right person difficult as there is a need to know the airport background, business jets, airlines, and the European/EU/EASA fundamentals.  A business rather than academic background would seem more plausible. www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-archive/transport-committee

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Victoria Station work complete

Gatwick Airport users, and commuters in general, at Victoria Station will be pleased to learn that the work on the three escalators which descend to the Victoria Line platforms has been completed.  They are reputed to be the second most-used escalators in the world with 21m customers hopping on and off each year.

Over a period they have been out of service in sequence, one at a time, causing huge bottlenecks and the introduction of what some called a questionable and inconvenient one-way system.  To be fair to Transport for London there was probably no way around the problem.  In any event the work has been completed three months ahead of schedule.  The full upgrade of the Victoria Station Underground complex, including the Circle/District line operation and further escalators, will not be completed until 2018. www.tfl.gov.uk

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ON TOUR: New York - New York

Figures published by Hotels.com Hotel Price Index for the first six months of the year show that New York is still the favourite travel destination for UK travellers despite the average hotel room price in the city hitting £160.  Of course you can stay for a lot less, and a great deal more.

With that in mind, and World Travel Market starting Monday 7 November, AERBT thought it important to take a look at Big Apple,  Contributing Editor Jane Stanbury offering the following and Editor in Chief Malcolm Ginsberg himself finding his way across the Atlantic just before Christmas for a 2012 New York preview that readers will see early next year.

“Live like a local” says the lift notice, wise words as exploring the city as an alternative tourist has to be one of the best ways to experience New York.  Situated at 11th Avenue and 48th Street, this former printing press is one of the latest additions to New York’s hip hotels.  Part of the expanding Kimpton Group which features boutique hotels in 23 cities across the USA, Kimpton has applied their re-use policy and stayed loyal to its print past.  Spa treatments are named after type fonts – and the hotel logo is “Make your Mark”. Its hip roof bar is known as the Press Lounge and has quite possibly one of the best views in Manhattan with the Hudson to the left and Times Square to the right.  Print Restaurant serves modern American cuisine, and Felip the manager takes the legendary New York service standards to a different level as he actually seems to care about whether you are having a good time.  Rooms by NY standards are expansive with two double beds, a couch and a bathroom with large wet room shower the norm.  Swinging a cat is perfectly possible unlike many of the central mid-town trendy hotels.

Eleventh Avenue is better known for its car dealerships that extend up from Hells Kitchen, but like elsewhere on the New York skyline the landscape is changing.  Eleventh Avenue is beginning to satisfy the growing trend for modern, luxury apartments.  Enticing ultra high net-worths to this neighbourhood these desirable abodes feature private gyms, cinemas available only to occupants and shuttle buses to the heart of Manhattan, or down to Wall Street – the nearest subway is a three-block walk away.  The post-industrial landscape is gradually being populated by trendy galleries, stylish eateries and chic bars.  Ink stands alone however as the coolest hotel on the West side.

Just behind the hotel is Manhattan’s Cruise Terminal which welcomes a whole host of cruise liners, heading to and from the Caribbean, or further afield to Europe.  The hotel is often busy with guests who are choosing to extend their cruise trip and with media agency Ogilvy just opposite a mixed clientele creates a lively atmosphere.

Ink 48 is also the perfect place to experience New York like a local as the vicinity still belongs to New Yorkers.  Visitors can soak up the Sunday Brunch atmosphere offered by nearby 9th Avenue.  Visit Renaissance at 9th and 52nd where the slightly shabby informal diner serves great American brunches from a vast eight-page menu as cosmopolitan as the clientele.  Alternatively head to 24-hour Moonstruck at 9th and 23rd where the 1930s décor transports you to times past as you tuck into corn beef hash or Americanised Italian standards whilst sipping a martini and making the most of the free wi-fi.  If you don’t like what you see on the menu, then do what the locals do and customise your meal, anything is pretty much possible.

Moonstruck is also a great place from which to begin a walk along New York’s latest attraction – The High Line which runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meat-packing District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. The High Line was built in the 1930s and raised freight traffic 30 feet in the air.  Trains stopped running in 1980 and Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition.  Working in partnership with the City of New York and landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, they created the raised park.  The walkway features talking water fountains extolling the virtue of re-hydration, a selection of foliage, grasses and plants and seating areas framed by stainless steel, and modern lighting.  Whilst those living in the apartments at eye level are now struggling for privacy, for many New Yorkers and visitors this beautiful walk brings a little calm and peace to the bustle of the city.

At the end of the High Line jump on a 10 bus to the Lincoln Centre which stretches across 16.3 acres on Manhattan and offers the full range of culture.  Attend a magnificent concert from the celebrated New York Philharmonic, take in the sublime music of the Met Opera or take advantage of the expanding offering of free concerts promoted at the David Rubenstein building.  October saw a weekly performance by a number of musicians from Mali, including Sidi Touré, Ali Farka Touré’s heir apparent, and exemplifies the centre’s aims to bring an international flavour and cultural celebration to the audiences.

No NY trip is complete without a trip to the dinner and movies. The Nitehawk Theatre has evolved the concept and features a system of seats arranged in pairs with tables enabling you to eat and watch a movie at the same time. Michelin-starred Saul Bolton heads the menu.  Food ranges from meaty fish tacos to concession inspired staples such as popcorn tossed in Parmesan.  Brunch, the classic NY weekend meal, is also available with a movie at the weekends.  As yet Nitehawk does not hold an alcohol licence but this in no way distracts from this unique experience.  Slurping is allowed, talking is not.  If this does not appeal take in a film at a Clearview cinema which is putting the humanity back into movie going.  Polite service and an option to donate your ticket change to that week’s preferred charity, a human being who comes out front to welcome you and politely request you to switch off mobiles (none rang whilst we watched our film) and on departure ushers thank you for attending and offer you a goodbye candy of one sort or another. It is a far cry from the anonymous multiplexes occupying Europe.

Having lived in NY for over two years and not having visited for ten I was apprehensive post 9/11 that the magic, vibrancy and joy that produces one of the best cities on the planet would have gone.  Not the case at all, living like a local is still a possibility whether you are a visitor, or an ex-neighbourhood resident taking it all in again.

JANE STANBURY  Emerald Media   www.emeraldmedia.co.uk
www.ink48.com www.lincolncenter.org www.highline.org www.nitehawkcinema.com

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AERBT tries the sponsor-seeking Heathrow pod

With BAA Heathrow now publicly looking for a sponsor AERBT thought that it might be a good idea to test the new Heathrow T5 business parking pods. 

We mentioned them last week and now having tried the system find it even easier to use than the short-term parking sitting between the terminal and Sofitel.  No going up the ramp or getting lost around the hotel.  It’s cheaper too.  Each Dr Who type pod/module parks in its own little platform/station and a voice tells you what to do in a choice of several languages.  It is a very comfortable electrically driven ride in each direction.  Tall people should watch their head and there is an escape route if something goes wrong.  Plenty of room for cases and you can watch the planes land and take off during your five-minute journey.  No queuing either.  There are pods galore and plenty of space for the sponsor's brand or message.

As well as reducing the time it takes business passengers to move between Heathrow's Terminal 5 and car parks by 60%, the eco friendly pods use 70% less energy than a car.  They are expected to eliminate 50,000 bus journeys on the roads around Heathrow each year. 

The seven-figure, three-year sponsorship package will start in January 2012 and includes sponsorship of the exteriors of the pod stations, directional signage within the car parks and terminal as well as exterior and interior spaces in the pods.  The sponsor will also be able to take advantage of the digital video screens within the vehicles which will play during the journey to deliver an immersive advertising experience.

It’s a real ‘toy train’ experience.  And then into the equally futuristic T5! www.baa.com

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Biofuel’s alternative

The Royal Aeronautical Society’s Greener by Design Annual Conference at its London Park Lane headquarters provided a platform last week for the issues surrounding aviation and climate change.  However it was a British company that was not part of the formal presentation that stole the show with a fascinating mounted display supported by some highly qualified technocrats.

It is estimated that in five years’ time oil production might not be able to keep up with the world demand.  That is one of the reasons for the rush to expand the use of alternative aviation fuels.

Air Fuel Synthesis Ltd (AFS) is developing a system that takes the carbon dioxide from air, mixes it with hydrogen extracted from water and makes liquid fuel for air transport.  A prototype unit is currently being built at Loughborough which is expected to be unveiled publicly early in the New Year.  Scientists from AFS are supervising a team of chemical engineering experts from the Centre for Processing Innovation (CPI) in Teesside to prove the technology with a manufacturing process, which has long been proven in a laboratory environment. 

Amongst many leading companies involved in transport who have shown an interest is Lotus Cars Ltd who has offered their tri-fuel Exige for future experimental tests. www.airfuelsynthesis.com

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China gets its first Rolls-Royce Airbus A380

Rolls-Royce was the engine supplier as China Southern Airlines, the Guangzhou-based world’s third largest air carrier, took delivery of the first of five Airbus A380s it has on order.  Rolls-Royce was quick to point out that its engine, the Trent 900, has been selected by 11 out of 16 operators globally, seven out of eight operators in Asia and has been the choice of all A380 customers who have made their engine selection decision this year.  The plane will be operated initially on domestic routes between the major Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

At a ceremony in Toulouse, China Southern unveiled its A380 cabin, featuring a total of 506 seats in a three-class configuration, including eight luxury First Class suites, 70 lie-flat Business Class seats and 428 Economy Class seats. 

Since entering service in 2007 the A380 has exceeded all expectations, carrying some 16m passengers up to date. The spacious quieter cabin and the smooth ride have made the aircraft a favourite with passengers.  This has resulted in higher than average load factors and increased profitability.  Typically seating 525 passengers in a three-class layout, the A380 is capable of flying 8,300nm (15,300kl). www.rolls-royce.com

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Frankfurt night flights

A German court last week banned night flights at Frankfurt Airport after complaints from residents, dealing a blow to cargo and passenger operations as Germany's largest airport opened its forth runway.

The administrative supreme court of Hesse said that the ban would start on 30 October with the new winter flight schedule, drawing consternation from German airlines at the lack of time in which to alter internationally agreed flight schedules.

"To implement such a ban at short notice will have significant economic consequences," a spokesman for Frankfurt-based Lufthansa said.

The ban coincided with the first official landing on the new runway by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, whose government plane touched down for the ceremonies.  The airport says the facility, parallel to two existing ones but about a mile away, will boost capacity by 50%, from 83 takeoffs and landings per hour to a potential 126, and from the current 53m passengers a year to 88.6m by 2020.  Heathrow is expected to move around 66m this year. www.fraport.de

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London buses now on the hand-held

  For the future Londoners and visitors to the city never need to run for a bus again with the introduction last week of a new up-to-the-minute information service that can be accessed online, on a smart phone, and via text message.  The new service provides live bus information for all 19,500 bus stops in the capital.

Whether you are at home wondering it you have time to finish that cup of coffee, or need to maximise time in the office or between meetings, the time wasted, and getting cold, at a bus stop, should be now a thing of the past.

Director of Digital London, Kulveer Ranger, said: "Over six million bus journeys are made every day in London and this fantastic application of bus data will now enable people, wherever they are, whatever they are doing, to at their fingertips have the power to know exactly when their bus will reach any one of the capital's 19,500 bus stops they want to use, at any time of day or night. 

This technological step forward will revolutionise the way people use London's buses and will banish the need for them to ever wait at a bus stop again." www.tfl.gov.uk

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Timetables on your phone by Virgin Trains

In a move that in time no doubt will become the standard norm, Virgin Trains has introduced new mobile phone-friendly versions of its popular pocket timetables and route maps.  It looks like paper timetables and route maps are for the most part on their way out.

To access the Virgin Trains pocket timetables, simply download a QR (Quick Response) reader, free of charge, from either an Android, BlackBerry or iPhone app store.  Once that has been done, all that is needed is to scan the QR code on any one of the Virgin Trains posters at stations and the requested timetable will load onto the phone.

At the moment customers can upload Virgin Trains full range of pocket timetables. From 11 December 2011, they will also be able to access the four Route Guides, giving them quick and easy access to Virgin Trains comprehensive timetable information.  When a new timetable is released the QR code will need to be scanned again. www.virgintrains.co.uk

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UK passport holders please note

British passport owners needing to renew their passport can get a new document in just ten days if they apply now and beat the New Year rush, the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) reports.

From now until Christmas is low season for passport applications and anyone needing a straightforward renewal of their existing passport can expect a rapid service. 

Renewing now will take, on average, as little as ten days from filling in the form to receiving a new passport.  Travellers will be able to carry over up to nine months unexpired time from their existing passport and avoid the additional cost of paying for an urgent renewal process.  The IPS points out If your passport expires before 24 July next year then you can renew now, avoid the rush and stress, and carry over all your unexpired time.  Normal renewal costs £77.50.  The same day service is £129.50. www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4018268

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Vueling improves its business service

Spanish budget airline Vueling is to enhance its offering to business travellers with its new Duo seat secured in the front row and complimentary snacks and drinks on board.

The Duo product is very limited on what is on offer.  Just four seats per flight on the airline's Airbus A320.  However it does enable a passenger to enjoy much more space at all times.  Another advantage is the lack of the need to rush on board to secure space for your hand luggage.  This is guaranteed and reserved for you.  However if you are very tall you can buy a seat by the emergency exit about halfway down the plane.   

This new service is targeted at business passengers, who today account for 44% of all Vueling customers.  It will be marketed both through travel agencies, and Vueling's website from £52.  Duo service is available on all routes including Heathrow from where it serves Bilbao, Galicia, La Coruna, Seville and Vigo.  It claims to be the only 'low cost' airline at the World's busiest international airport.  www.vueling.com

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