Back to 787 update as the return to flight of the new Boeing wide body plane continues.

First up is the news that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has cleared the 787 for flight – following clearances from other countries who have been following guidance from the United State Federal Aviation Administration.

The CAAC will require Chinese operators of the 787 to fly them at first on Chinese domestic routes before allowing them on use on international routes (akin to how they entered the Airbus A380 into service).

Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Air China have ordered Boeing 787 aircraft, with Hainan expecting deliveries in June in time for a September launch a new route between Beijing and Chicago (although backup plans have been made to launch the service with a different aircraft if international certification isn’t granted in time). China Southern is also due to get a 787 (the first of ten), but no delivery date has been confirmed as yet. Subject to delivery – both of aircraft and quantity – and clearance, routes that are in China Southern’s radar include London and Vancouver.

Meanwhile, All Nippon Airlines will be conducting five “non-scheduled” flights between Sappaoro and Tokyo Haneda with the following schedule:

• 26th May 2013 – Two flights
• 27th May 2013 – One flight
• 30th May 2013 – One flight
• 31st May 2013 – One flight

The flights are being put on due “high customer anticipation”, with normal schedule flights returning on 1st June 2013.

ANA also confirms that modification work has been completed to its fleet of 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

It’s a step by step process, but the 787 continues to make up the lost ground that the aircraft has suffered during its 3 month grounding as more operators plan for future.

Mmmmm! BAcon! – Off to Denver and Beyond with Aer Lingus and British Airways
The introduction

Index:

• A Conference…  why not? (This section)
• Early morning New New Street, Aer Lingus EI263 London to Dublin
• A Dublin transit, DAA Lounge
• BA827 Dublin to London Heathrow
• The Hell of A Heathrow Transit, BA F Lounge
• BA219 – London Heathrow to Denver
• Staybridge Suites, Denver Tech Center and a road trip.
• The Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs
• A road trip back to Denver, Crowne Plaza Downtown Denver
• Photographic Interlude: Downtown Denver
• Denver Airport, American Airlines AAdmirals Club
• BA218 Denver to Heathrow
• Heading Homeward/Officeward

Wow. Two trips in two months. It’s great having a job that pays money.

Welcome one and all back to the back where I’m going to do something different… go to a conference where I actually have to pay attention to things. Into the bargain, you’ll get a lot more of a travel report rather than a trip report – and yes; my writing is getting more meandering than ever.
Still gentle reader – some things never change!

Once again, I’m down the back of the plane with my views on travel for those who can’t afford those lovely business class seat, and out there to prove that Economy Class “isn’t that bad”. 

As a reminder to some of my grammar conscious/grammar sensitive readers, please head to http://boardingarea.com/blogs/ghettoife/2012/03/18/blog-admin-a-message-to-the-grammar-checkers-out-there/ for an explanation of why my grammar may not be up to others high standards.

A Conference… why not?

BAcon. Nope. Not the lovely stuff you get in supermarkets or decent butchers (and certainly what some places in the USA define as “Bacon”), but a conference of Boarding Area bloggers (and others) getting together to learn and talk. A genesis of an idea that turned into a conference quickly.

This trip was one I was keen to make, but there had been a few black clouds in my world – thankfully now passed – so once things in my life were sorted, I was keen to be back in the seat again – so a chance to catch up with my fellow bloggers at Boarding Area.

As such I didn’t even look to begin booking this trip until after I got back from Chicago, so with a trip in May – prices were going to be expensive.

And I was right.

Flights to Colorado Springs were out of the question from the get-go as they were hitting £800+. So next it was flights to DEN from Heathrow… with the fare engine pulling back idiot fares of £700+

Excuse me? £700 for a flight to Denver? I think not.

Obviously, a cost effective method was required, meaning some creative routing was going to be needed, and looking beyond the shores of Britannia as a departure point. Thankfully, departures from Dublin were pricing at £482 or so – on BA which would take me through… well you guessed it… Heathrow.

I give up.

So DUB-LHR-DEN-LHR-LGW-DUB. That’s doable. Of course there is the matter of getting to Dublin – which can be solved with good olde Aer Lingus doing a hope from Birmingham to Dublin first thing in the morning – for a grand total of £38 each way.

That’s still £150 up on the direct flight.

Next was the interesting part – whilst the venue would be sorted in Colorado Springs, I’d need to get there, get back. Rapid Travel Chai kindly offered me a lift from Denver International Airport to Colorado Spring. As he was staying at one hotel, I went for something a bit more… “Value Oriented”, with my primary choice being the Staybridge Suites which was just down the road (in UK sense.. about a 1/4 of  mile, not US sense where that road can be going for many miles).

On the way back, I’d be staying in Central Denver for a night – this time at the Crowne Plaza Denver…  and to get back to Denver – that would be something I would have to sort out a bit later during the trip, which thankfully FlyGracefully came to rescue offering me a lift to Downtown Denver.

So, a map, a map, my kingdom for a map

So, there we are. Lots of fun ahead, and of course – there are some surprises. Well it wouldn’t be a Kevincm/GhettoIFE trip report without a few surprises .

Disclosure Notice: Frequent Flyer Services kindly supplied a hotel room at the Cheyenne Mountain resort to me to assist in this visit.

All opinions expressed within this trip are my own, represent my own personal thoughts and my observations during the visit.

It’s been speculated in the press (and reported by me here) – and finally it’s come to pass that FlyBe has sold its entire slot portfolio at Gatwick Airport

Flybe allocation of 25 slots at Gatwick is being sold to EasyJet for £20million.

Services by FlyBe will continue to and from London Gatwick until the end 29th March 2014.

Flybe blames Gatwick Airport pricing them out of the airport stating

They say:

“The decision is as a result of the pricing regime applied by the airport’s owners to the operators of smaller, regional aircraft which, in Flybe’s case, has resulted in a 102 per cent rise over the last five years.

In a well-publicised, lengthy and expensive complaint, the airline used the Airports Act 1986 to argue to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2010 that Gatwick was acting in an anti-competitive and discriminatory manner.

Despite support from other airlines, communities and governments around the British Isles, the fact that Flybe operates more UK domestic flights than any other airline and has won the airport’s Gold Award for punctuality in every quarter since its introduction in 2009, the CAA ruled in September 2012 that Gatwick was within its rights to raise their landing fees for smaller aircraft, thus paving the way for today’s regrettable announcement.”

Flybe operate a regional fleet, with a Bombardier Dash-8 Q400, Embraer E-175 and E-195 fleet, connecting the UK regions with other parts of Europe. The airline also operates a Joint Venture with Finnair.

For those in some regions in the UK, this could be a major blow as FlyBe will have to reduce its network that goes in and out of London. With domestic services from Gatwick to Belfast City, Guernsey, Inverness, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Newcastle and Newquay now at risk of service cuts – unless FlyBe finds another London airport to serve (providing the price is right, and the market is still there).

London has always been a tough market for regional style aircraft – with only one airport making any headway (due to the nature of the airport – London City Airport).

Hopefully Flybe can solace in the £20million it’s made in the slot sale….

Oman Air is slowly building its fleet up of Airbus A330 aircraft, with the airline ordering three Airbus A330-300′s.

This will push Oman Air’s fleet of Airbus A330 to 10 aircraft, split between:

- 3 Airbus A330-300′s (owned)
- 2 Airbus A330-200′s (onwed)
- 2 Airbus A330-300′s (leased)
- 3 Airbus A330-300′s (on order)

The Airbus A330-300 is the playload optimused version of the A330. Oman Air configures these aircraft as:

- 6 First Class Seats
- 20 Business Class seats
- 204 Economy Class seats

Oman Air’s network serves 42 destinations in 19 countries, with then new aircraft used to expand services.

The CEO – Wayne Pearce – says:

“This additional order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable, and in addition offering the highest levels of passenger comfort”

No delivery date has been indicated as yet.

Oman Air is looking to grow its network and reach further through these A330′s its purchasing, as well as through a fleet of six 787-8′s that the airline is purchasing.

For Oman Air which as gone through some changes over its life, providing it can pull in the customers – it’ll extend and grow the airline.

Skywest has made a decision over its future fleet – and that fleet is to be based on the Embraer E-Jets – specifically, the E-175.

Skywest has secured orders for at least 40 aircraft which will be painted up and operated for United Express under a capacity-purchase agreement with United Airlines. This order is separate from the United order for 30 E-175′s made at the end of April

In terms of configuration, these will be 76 seater aircraft – like the ones ordered by United, so it would safe to assume the following configuration:

• 12 United First seats
• 16 Economy Plus seats
• 48 United Economy seats.

For my view on the ERJ-170/175, I’ve written a bit about them configured for Air Canada, British Airways CityFlyer and United

Deliveries of aircraft to Skywest between 2nd Quarter of 2014 to the end of 2015.

The extras that go along with this order are of interest. The first 60 are “Reconfirm-able aircraft” which Skywest can order subject to the airline winning more Capacity Purchase Agreements from United or other airlines who require E-175 airlift power.

So, if the current order is fully confirmed, that will be 100 aircraft in total. On top of that Skywest has put options in the order for another 100 aircraft – which brings the possible value up to 200 aircraft orders.

It’s clear to see as United has given direction over the future of the 50 seater aircraft (ERJ-145 and CRJ-200), Skywest want to be front and centre to replace and increase capacity. Which is convenient as SkyWest and ExpressJet operates a mixed fleet containing

• ERJ-135′s and ERJ-145′s in both ExpressJet and Skywest fleets
• CRJ-200′s in both fleets
• CRJ-100′s in the SkyWest fleet
• The classic EMB-120 Brasillia.

In terms of larger aircraft, SkyWest and ExpressJet operate Bombardier CRJ-700′s and 900′s.

For SkyWest, there is an even bigger expansion coming as it will launch the Mitsubishi Regional Jets in the America’s – taking 100 of the MRJ’s purchases and another 100 as options to purchase.

Anyway you cut this, this is one big fleet replacement that is in the works.

Etihad has been worming around the industry, snapping up bits of airlines, setting up strategic partnerships… and is now seemingly joining the ranks of those who offer credit cards in the United Kingdom with the release of the Etihad Guest Credit Card

The card is issued by MBNA (who also issue Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa Miles and More, American Airlines and United Airlines co-branded credit cards in the UK as well as a plethora of other credit cards).

The account is issued as a two cards/one bill style account -  an American Express co-branded card and a Visa Card.

The key points:

• Signup bonus: 5000 Miles
• Earn via American Express:    1.5 Miles/£1
• Earn via Visa 0.75 Miles/£1
• Fee:  Nil.

There are some extra benefits (and if you’ve got a trip with Etihad starting, these could actually be of use)

• Free upgrade to Etihad Guest Silver status after one return flight within your first year of card membership
• Double miles on Business Class flights taken with 90 days of account opening
• Triple miles on First Class flights taken within 90 days of account opening
• 0% intreset on all Etihad transactions for 12 months of account opening

That’s not a bad set of beanies if you time everything right.

To get the sign-up bonus, you’ll need to spend £250 within 90 days.

The sign-up address is http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx

Head for Points as usual has a brilliant analysis on the card – with suggestions for alternatives if you are considering this card.

For those of you who signed up for a MBNA card recently, you might want to hold off applying, as this could impact your credit score. Additionally, those of you with cards within the MBNA family may have to shift credit limits around if you want this card.

IMPORTANT: I’ve provided a direct link to the MBNA Etihad Airways Credit Card a http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/global/en/guestrecognition/visitor/etihadguest/PartnerDetails/Pages/mbna-ey-guest-credit-card.aspx

There is no affiliate kickback on this and this link is provided for your information only. I do NOT benefit from the link above.

Please note, the  information above does not constitute financial advice and you should always do your own research on top to ensure it’s right for your specific circumstances, and may impact on your credit score. So don’t blame me if you overspend on a card and they come hounding after you. If in doubt – seek appropriate financial advice.

Those who are considering applying should bear in mind you’ll need to be resident in the UK to get one, and probably have reasonable banking references.

According to Reuters, there is a chance that the Airbus A350 could make a surprise turn at the Paris Air Show 2013.

The indications are that due to the limited time in the air if it makes it airborn and passes checks is that the Airbus A350 MSN1 will conduct a flypast and not a landing.

The confidence in the ranks that the A350 is flight ready is growing, with a predicted first flight in mid June – which gives a VERY tight window to show the plane off at the Paris Air Show – that is due to take place between the 17th-23rd June at Le Bourget.

The indications are that due to the limited time in the air if it makes it airborn and passes checks is that the Airbus A350 MSN1 will conduct a flypast and not a landing. However, Le Bourget isn’t that far away from Toulouse to conduct a test flight sortie if to steal an airshow.

However much a publicity flight would be a wonderful thing, it will be up to the test pilots and the engineers to give the plane the all clear for its maiden flight – not the marketing people thankfully.

Rumours are about that there has been extra paintwork on the belly of the plane (I’ve been trying to find evidence to match with this, and so far have come up blank)

Airbus of course not commented further on the début and first flight of the A350.

35 customers which have already placed orders for 617 A350′s of different configurations, with Eithad being the launch customer.

As I’m still buried in a mountain of user admin in the office, my take on BAcon (as well as the usual extensive – and I mean extensive) trip report is still in the process of being written.

Photos:

• Birmingham New Street, EI263 to Dublin – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/01/aer-lingus-ei263-birmingham-to-dublin.html
• Dublin Airport, Dublin DAA lounge – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/02/dublin-airport-and-daa-lounge.html
• BA827 to Heathrow – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/03/ba827-dublin-to-heathrow.html
• A bad transit at Heathrow – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/04/a-hellhole-heathrow-transit.html
• BA219 to Denver

• Set 1 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/05/ba219-london-heathrow-denver-international-1-of-3.html
• Set 2 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/06/british-airways-ba219-london-denver-2.html
• Set 3 - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/07/british-airways-ba219-london-to-denver-3.html

• Set 1 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/10/cheyenne-mountain-resort-1.html
• Set 2 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/11/cheyenne-mountain-resort-2.html
• Set 3 Party Time - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/12/party-at-the-old-recording-studio.html
• Set 4 – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/13/cheyenne-mountain-resort-3.html

• The Hotel - http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/15/crowne-plaza-denver-1.html
• The View – http://www.photoblog.com/kevincm/2013/05/16/sunset-over-denver.html

There is a LOT more to come – I’m still working through the image pile (at a not inconsiderable 56GB of images and video)

Videos will be live soon – I’m just rebuilding a Youtube account at the moment so they can be hosted correctly.

As for the trip report… Well – some of it is written. Join me Wednesday and you might find some of it is alive…

A few 787 updates today that are short bit.

United Airlines fly the 787 commerically for the first time since grounding.

United took two of its 787 aircraft back into the air today with flight UA1 between Houston Intercontinental and Chicago O’Hare  (departing 11:00/arriving 13:20 local) – whilst a 2nd 787 flight took off as UA80 from Houston Intercontinental  to Newark International  (departing 11:30/arriving 15:49 local).

Currently four out of the six 787′s United have has been modified with the remaining two to be complete by 24th May.

Jeff Smisek (CEO, United), stated:

“We are delighted to have the 787 back in service,”

“It’s a terrific airplane. (But) it was a fairly expensive piece of sculpture to have on the ground.”

He says that modifications have been completed on four of the airline’s six 787s, with the remaining two scheduled to be complete by 24 May.

787′s will operate US Domestic routes from Houston IAH between its hubs – Chicago, San Francisco, Denver and Newark, with the  long awaited Denver – Tokyo Narita service commencing on 10th June 2013.

LOT Polish Airlines expects 5 aircraft by August

LOT Polish Airlines is hoping that it gets up to anticipated five Boeing 787-8′s  to be delivered by August to help its replacement plans.

The airline having taken delivery of its third 787 – with two more to follow.

LOT is preparing to recommence services with the class from 5th June – and will still be the European Launch customer of the 787.

Thomson Airways also lines up the 787 for launch

Charter and Leisure carrier Thomson Airways will be commencing 787 from the 8th July (a bit late from the original 1st May Launch, and the relaunch date of 1st July).  This is to allow time for crew training.

Those who paid extra to fly the 787 – and are due to fly between the 1st and 7th July will get £10 refunded if in Economy, £40 if in Première (and also will be sent in a Boeing 767).

The plane will initially serve Cancun and Florida. See the Florida schedule and Cancun schedule on the Thomson site. Once more aircraft arrive, they will be deployed on the Thomson long haul holiday network.

Thomson Airways expects the first aircraft to arrive at the end of May.

A lot of you are probably going “Huh? Cambridge Airport?”

So was I if I was honest. But this little airport could be in for slightly bigger things.

Cambridge Airport (CBG) is about 2 miles from the historic centre of Cambridge and about 50 miles from London – so not out in the sticks, but a local airport that has possiblities for those who work in the education, science and technology centres in the area.

Darwin Airlines will be operating services out of the airport with a total of 24 flights (both inbound and outbound), split along the following lines

- 12 weekly flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle,
- 8 weekly flights to and from Milan Malpensa
- 6 weekly services to and from Geneva

Services will commence on 2nd September 2013, using a SAAB 2000 Series Turboprop, with 50 seats in a plane.

Cambridge Airport and Darwin Airlines are aiming the flights more at the business traveller rather than the bucket and spade/leisure flyer. The other major target is to local and not so local travellers who want to avoid the commute down to Heathrow or Stansted Airport.

Apart from these new services, Cambridge Airport is used by Blue Islands (connecting the town to Jersey) as well as charter services flown by Small Planet Airlines. The airport also serves as a corporate jet base and flying schools.

Whilst it may never compete with capacity with its larger neighbor – Stansted -, it will compete on speed and accessibility for local businesses.

Considering the industries that are around the Cambridge area – this could be a real winner…

On my recent trip to Colorado Springs for BAcon, I ran a little competition to give away some lovely “Remove Before Flight” tags.

So lets see where was I and who the winners were….

Picture 1:

Aer Lingus Check-in, Birmingham Airport: Winner – @Abe_HT

A short hop later, and I was in Dublin’s Fair City… ok. Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport T1 – Winner:@adamcobb

The next one – I’m surprised no one got.  You really need to pay attention to my trip reports as when I’m in a BA F lounge, it’s all I drink allegedly (I drink other things too for the record)

Answer: British Airways First Class Lounge, London Heathrow (I said it was easy!) – No winner!

And I’m honestly surprised no one got this (Although it was late… granted).

The Jeppesen Terminal – Denver International Airport – again, no winner!

Thankfully someone got the next one - relativity easy if you put the pieces together…

Colorado State Capitol – Denver – Winner:@Nevetsah

And finally after a bit of guesswork…

Inside DIA – Winner @diditclear

Those who have supplied their details will have their keyrings in the post this weekend. Thanks for playing on Twitter. I’m sure I can rustle up some more goodies in the future!