30 AUGUST 2021
YOUR WORDS
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- Today is a UK Bank Holiday
- COMMENT: John Grant of OAG – September airline capacity *
- Edinburgh and Liverpool lounge opens
- LETTER OF THE WEEK
- Aer Lingus digital tool
- Air Astana and London
- Air France and KLM to T3
- Alitalia – The final, final rescue *
- BA and Gatwick *
- British Airways dining *
- China and the CAA
- Dubai Air Show 2021 *
- EasyJet’s new Chairman
- Emerald Airlines takes first aircraft *
- Emirates Update + Newcastle
- Flypop
- Gatwick’s northern runway
- New UK airline
- Phoenix again
- PLAY Applies for US Flying Permit
- Ryanair leaves Northern Ireland
- Turkey stays in the red
- World Routes and IATA
- ON TOUR: The Greatest Showman *
- AND FINALLY: It's not an illusion.
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LETTER OF THE WEEK
Busy week for letters. See also * in last week's BTN.
Titus Johnson, one time Director North America, Qatar Airways, sums up JetBlue Transatlantic aspirations.
COMMENT: John Grant of OAG – September airline capacity *
As a Senior Analyst for OAG and partner in MIDAS Aviation John Grant has been tracking the impact of Covid-19 across the industry with regular updates published on a Monday morning on the OAG media channels. A regular commentator on aviation issues across global media, Grant has worked across both the airline and airport sectors and brings a wealth of knowledge to his insights.
Air Astana and London
Heathrow is to return as a destination for Air Astana.
Air France and KLM to T3
Sky Team partners Air France and KLM have moved their Heathrow operations from T2 to T3.
Alitalia – The final, final rescue *
The existing Alitalia will cease to exist from 15 October.
BA and Gatwick *
British Airways has confirmed that it is in talks with its trade unions to introduce a low-cost subsidiary at Gatwick Airport.
Dubai Air Show 2021 *
Set to become the first major airshow since the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in March 2020 the Dubai Air Show has confirmed its normal biennial November date.
Emerald Airlines takes first aircraft *
Ireland’s new regional air carrier, Emerald Airlines, has signed an agreement with Chorus Aviation Capital (CAC) for the delivery of six ATR72-600s.
Emirates Update + Newcastle
Newcastle Airport is in focus as Emirates is scaling up services with additional route resumptions and more flights across its European network, responding to the easing of international entry protocols and an upsurge in passenger demand.
Gatwick’s northern runway
The south London airport has announced plans to bring its existing northern runway into routine use – to secure its long-term growth, 18,400 new jobs and a boost to the local economy.
New UK airline
British start-up Hans Airways has entered into a partnership with Swiss company Resource Group, allowing the evolving airline to commence the recruitment process for the flight crews it needs to continue along the path towards gaining its UK Air Operator Certificate (AOC) later this year.
Ryanair leaves Northern Ireland
Dublin-based Ryanair is ending operations at both of Belfast’s airports, blaming the UK Government’s “refusal to suspend or reduce” Air Passenger Duty (APD). The Irish carrier also cited a “lack of Covid recovery incentives” at each airport for the withdrawal.
ON TOUR: The Greatest Showman *
Who should take the title? Not Hugh Jackman and the marvellous Christmas 2017 film hit, but the much more English Jay family of Great Yarmouth. Forget Barnum and his antics.
AND FINALLY: It's not an illusion.
The Circus floor does become a swimming pool. And dates from 1903 too!
Edinburgh and Liverpool lounge opens
With the increase of both domestic and international travel Swissport’s Aspire lounges in the UK are steadily re-opening.
Aer Lingus digital tool
Following its success with sister company British Airways, Aer Lingus has introduced a similar travel support app powered by Sherpa.
British Airways dining *
For September the national airline is introducing the ‘Best of British Menus’ with first up a traditional British Roast dinner.
China and the CAA
Post Brexit the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) last week signed what is termed a Working Arrangement on the reciprocal acceptance of production and airworthiness approval.
EasyJet’s new Chairman
Stephen Hester is to be the new Chairman of easyJet, arguably Britain’s largest airline.
Flypop
Start-up carrier Flypop has published images of its first A330 aircraft painted in a distinctive livery featuring multi-coloured dots on the tailfin.
Phoenix again
British Airways will resume flights between Heathrow and Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport today.
PLAY Applies for US Flying Permit
The new Icelandic airline PLAY is seeking permission from the US authorities to operate services from Reykjavik in 2022. 
World Routes and IATA
Now established over 20 years World Routes gathers airlines, airports and destinations under one roof.