13 JUNE 2022
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- ON THE SOAPBOX SPECIAL *
- BA blames Government for airport chaos *
- Aviation Club and Boeing
- LETTER OF THE WEEK
- Aerospace Global Forum
- Airports at ExCeL London
- Austin and Virgin Atlantic
- China problems
- Frankfurt Hotel
- Hans Airways update
- Heathrow re-opens T4
- Japan re-opens - just
- Manchester new MD
- Net zero fund extension
- New York’s new international airport
- Parliament and travel *
- Ryanair winter schedule
- Travel Matters ABTA line-up
- UK train strike
- US travel frees up
- WheelTug Progress
- Wizz results
- ON TOUR: Reflections on the Elizabeth Line
- JUNE ROAD TEST: Honda HR-V *
- AND FINALLY:
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LETTER OF THE WEEK
It would seem that the Virgin Tattoos story attracted much interest.
UK train strike
Travellers into and around the UK should be aware of a massive train strike called by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) which will also affect exhibitions, conferences and functions.
ON THE SOAPBOX SPECIAL *
Willie Walsh officially became Director General of International Air Transport Association (IATA) in April 2021. In Doha on Monday (20 June) he will chair his second Annual General Meeting (AGM) as the head of the world’s leading airline association. This is a speech delivered at the Changi Aviation Summit 17 May 2022. The essence of it remains the same. The last AGM, at Boston, was not a true IATA, some airlines not physically represented. At Doha all 290 member airlines, a true networking event. And the FIFA World Cup. It is a pity it did not follow straight on. That is for later in the year. We wish IATA every success (and the football).
Malcolm Ginsberg
Editor-in-Chief
BA blames Government for airport chaos *
The normally low profile Luis Gallego, Chief Executive, IAG, has blasted the UK Government for the current airport chaos with a Sunday Times interview by Jim Armitage published yesterday.
Airports at ExCeL London
What will be the first gathering of its type since the outbreak of the pandemic the British-Irish Airports EXPO opens Wednesday week (22 June) at its new home ExCeL London on the Elizabeth Line. Nearly 90 exhibitors have taken space.
China problems
When it should have been celebrating the return of international travel with the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting (IATA AGM) next week Shanghai is into another lockdown.
Frankfurt Hotel
The Marriott Bonvoy hotel brand has made its debut in Frankfurt.
Hans Airways update
The new British start-up carrier Hans Airways is pressing ahead with staff training and is expected to make its maiden flight from Birmingham to Mumbai in the early autumn.
Heathrow re-opens T4
Tuesday (14 June) will see the reopening of Heathrow Terminal 4 (T4), the smallest terminal at the airport, but popular with users.
Japan re-opens - just
Japan reopened to UK tourists on a limited basis from last Friday (10 June).
New York’s new international airport
Stewart Airport (SFW), 60 miles to the north of New York City, has welcomed its first international flight – Play inbound from Stansted via Reykjavik.
US travel frees up
In a move welcomed by the industry, US officials announced last Friday (10 June) that international visitors will no longer require a Covid test, with the requirement being scrapped.
ON TOUR: Reflections on the Elizabeth Line
BTN’s railway guru Andrew Sharp takes an in-depth look at London’s full size underground train, the central section at last opened.
JUNE ROAD TEST: Honda HR-V *
To a certain generation Honda meant motor bikes. It very much still does today with 400m built since 1959. For executive aviation users the name is linked to fast and smart 6/8-seat corporate jets. But if you are into motor cars and want something stylish and advanced Honda is surely a brand to seriously consider. The much-improved 2022 HR-V should be on your shortlist for a medium-sized family car.
AND FINALLY:
Cheap flights from New York.
Aviation Club and Boeing
Bookings close 12:30 today (Monday 13 June) for the Aviation Club lunch at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), Pall Mall, London, on Thursday 16 June.
You do not have to be a member to attend at one of London’s most prestigious venues.
Aerospace Global Forum
KPMG International has become a partner of the Aerospace Global Forum (AGF), which is launching at Farnborough.
Austin and Virgin Atlantic
Last Wednesday (8 June), the Texas capital Austin welcomed the first new Virgin Atlantic service to the United States since 2017.
Net zero fund extension
A competition to run the first-ever commercial aircraft flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) between the UK and the US has been extended by the Department for Transport (DfT) until 23:59 on Wednesday 15 June.
Travel Matters ABTA line-up
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has unveiled the line-up of expert speakers for its annual Travel Matters conference at the National Gallery on Wednesday 22 June, which brings together leaders from across the travel industry to debate the biggest political and policy issues facing the travel sector.
WheelTug Progress
The electric taxiing pioneer WheelTug and India’s Adani Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration on a FASTGate (Fast And Safe Turn) project implementation that will focus on improving airside efficiency, increasing automation of airside operations, and decreasing carbon emissions at Indian airports.
Wizz results
Hungarian-based, but British-registered airline, Wizz Air has delivered 12 months’ results which disappointed the stock market with its shares still in the doldrums.