1 APRIL 2019
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- ON THE SOAPBOX: Jock Lowe and Concorde
- Airbus first for Air Senegal
- Award time again for Heathrow
- Cathay acquires Hong Kong Express
- Fleet milestone for Qatar Airways
- Flybe update and LHR-NQY
- Go-ahead for Melbourne Airport rail link
- Heathrow Express goes contactless
- InterContinental Houston
- Kiev airline in media offering
- Loganair adds destinations
- London City Airport crowned again
- Los Angeles - New York in 4hr
- Newquay controversy
- Norwegian takes off for Rio
- Now Gatwick launches robot parking trial
- Oslo Airport link gets new trains
- Qantas hails Perth non-stop success
- Sunflower assistance at LNER
- Wow Air fails after talks collapse
- £1m revamp for Down Hall conferences
- ON TOUR: CMV Columbus
- CRUISING APRIL
- AND FINALLY: The Bank
- AND FINALLY EXTRA
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Cathay acquires Hong Kong Express
A share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% of HK Express (HKE) was announced last week by Cathay Pacific. The total consideration is said to amount to HK$4.93bn (about £500m), with $2.25bn cash and $2.68bn non-cash.
ON THE SOAPBOX: Jock Lowe and Concorde
The story of Concorde has a parallel in the politics of today. It was supported by Tony Benn, in his day as much to the left of the Labour Party as its present leader, but far more pragmatic.
Airbus first for Air Senegal
Formed only in 2016 and headed by former Airbus Group vice-president Philippe Bohn, Air Senegal has taken delivery of its first A330-900 from the Airbus production line in Toulouse, becoming the first African carrier to fly the new-generation wide-body.
Fleet milestone for Qatar Airways
Growth into new markets and new destinations has been promised by Qatar Airways following the arrival of its 250th aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 from Toulouse. The event was hailed by the airline as “a significant milestone”.
Flybe update and LHR-NQY
With the introduction of a four-times-daily service from Heathrow to Newquay Airport Cornwall yesterday (see in this issue), Flybe has confirmed that the completion of its purchase by Connect Airways Ltd will have to wait some months before final approval is made under the EU Merger regulations. (Also see AND FINALLY EXTRA)
Loganair adds destinations
The launch of two new European destinations and first-time operations out of Newcastle were being celebrated by Loganair last week as the airline heralded the addition of three more routes to its network.
Los Angeles - New York in 4hr
A new record for business jet performance was claimed last week with a Bombardier Global 7500 flying from Los Angeles to New York in less than 4hr. Typical time for the journey by a scheduled commercial aircraft is 6hr 30min.
Newquay controversy
While many see the new Heathrow – Cornwall air route as the saviour of Flybe (see in this issue), the move from Gatwick to Heathrow has not gone down well with everyone who uses the former RAF St Mawgan.
Norwegian takes off for Rio
Fulfilling its promise last year to break the monopoly on direct flights between the UK and Brazil (BTN 3 December 2018), Norwegian yesterday, 31 March, launched its first new non-stop service from Gatwick to Rio de Janeiro.
Now Gatwick launches robot parking trial
Hard on the heels of Lyon Airport introducing valet car parking by robot (BTN 25 March), Gatwick last week signed a framework contract with Stanley Robotics to become the first UK airport to trial the system.
Sunflower assistance at LNER
In a first for a UK train company, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has introduced sunflower lanyards for passengers who may need additional assistance at stations or during their journeys.
Wow Air fails after talks collapse
The growing list of European carriers going out of business was joined last week by Wow Air after rescue talks with Icelandair collapsed. The Iceland-based airline stopped flying overnight, stranding passengers.
ON TOUR: CMV Columbus
BTN editor Richard Cawthorne, a cruise beginner, tries out his sea legs with a three-night trip aboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ CMV Columbus.
AND FINALLY: The Bank
Relief at last.
Award time again for Heathrow
For the sixth time in its 11-year history, Heathrow’s Terminal 5 last week was voted the best in the world, with Terminal 2 close behind as fourth best. Overall, Heathrow maintained its position as one of the world’s top 10 airports.
Go-ahead for Melbourne Airport rail link
A long-awaited rail link for Melbourne Airport has finally been given an official sign off by local and federal government officials in Australia. The project is expected to cost Aus$10bn (about £5.4bn).
Heathrow Express goes contactless
Contactless bank cards, mobile devices and Oyster cards are now accepted on the Heathrow Express between London Paddington and Heathrow Central.
InterContinental Houston
The massive Texas Medical Centre in Houston now has a brand new InterContinental hotel as a neighbour. The opening was announced last week.
Kiev airline in media offering
Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) has introduced for its Business Class passengers the PressReader’s entire 6,000 catalogue for reading newspapers and magazines on board. The airline, founded in 1992, is 100% privately owned and has a fleet of 41 aircraft. It flies five times weekly between Kiev and Gatwick.
London City Airport crowned again
UK success in the 2019 Skytrax World Airport Awards (see Award time again for Heathrow in this issue) was not limited to Heathrow, as London City (LCY), for the third year running, was named the world’s best in the category for facilities handling up to 5m passengers a year.
Oslo Airport link gets new trains
Oslo Airport’s high-speed express rail link service Flytoget is set to increase its capacity by 50% after bringing in new trains with wider seats, less noise and larger windows.
Qantas hails Perth non-stop success
Non-stop flights between London and Sydney moved a step closer last week after Qantas said its pioneering service launched a year ago linking London and Perth had proved a success.
£1m revamp for Down Hall conferences
A conference centre close to Stansted Airport is undergoing a major refurbishment to enhance its facilities. More than £1m is being invested in The West Wing at Down Hall country house hotel on the Essex/Hertfordshire border.