February 21
It’s that time of the week again and time for some more airplane p0rn.
This week, to celebrate the additions to SkyTeam, it’s a KLM Fokker F70 on a CityHopper service from Birmingham Airport to Amsterdam Schipol.
More Airplane p0rn of course – next week!
February 20
Well it seems SkyTeam has finally got a bit busy and have formally invited Vietnam Airlines and TAROM (Romainan Airlines) to join it’s alliance.
In theory, this will boost SkyTeams presence in Eastern Europe (with Alitalia nearby), and strengthen it in Asia (where it has Korea Air and China Southern)
In membership terms, Vietnam Airlines will join as a full member, where as TAROM will be joining as an associate member (sponsored by Air France who will represent TAROM).
No formal join dates have been announced, but June is looking good for both of these airlines – suffice to say those on round the world itineraries or those who are looking for something a bit different may find Vietnam airlines to their liking.
February 19
So if you’ve been laughing at BA and it’s upcoming strike action decision, spare a thought for those who are flying Lufthansa and GermanWings next week.
The German flag carrier and the “Vereinigung Cockpit” (VC) Union (Pilots union) are locked in a dispute that is leading to full strike action, schedule to run from 22 February 2010 to 25 February 2010 for both Lufthansa and GermanWings.
If you’re on either of these carriers – rebook now.
February 19
Like warring couples, the BA and Unite seem to be continuing to have their little fallouts in public.
Unite’s bid to overturn in the modifications of the contract have failed. Whilst Unite insists it was not consulted properly, BA insists “the changes do not alter contractual terms and conditions for individual crew member”
BA is of course is rather pleased with the ruling, quoting:
Unite’s central demand over the last three months has been that we reverse these changes, despite the severe financial impact this would have on the company at a time when we are facing a second year of record annual losses,” the company said.
“Unite brought this case to court. We believe it should reflect on the court’s decision rather than impose an unnecessary strike on the travelling public
Unite assistant general secretary Len McCluskey responded with
“This regrettable judgement makes absolutely no difference to the substance of our dispute with BA”.
For those who have forgotten the routes of this dispute, it has come from BA cutting and cutting – with the latest cuts in Long Haul Cabin Crew, and a Two Year Pay Freeze.
Alas, the results of strike ballot are due on the 22nd February.
Expect Fireworks.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8523758.stm
February 18
The thoughts when you’re stuck in a screening queue…
http://punditkitchen.com/2010/02/17/political-pictures-airport-security-note-naked/
February 17
Just a test to see if the mobile blogging platform works as intended.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone – apologies for the spelling!
February 17
I’ll demonstrate in some simple graphical steps…
Tokyo and her airports
In distance terms (driving) it’s 82.5km from Narita, or 25.2km from Haneda – or in other words, 1 and a half hours vs 30 minutes or so.
Any way you cut it, that’s a time saving.
Japan and the USA are starting to open up HND to long range traffic (with BA having a poke around too when an Open Skies agreement is reached with the UK), with American, Continental, Delta and United all piling in to bid for slots.. which are limited to a grand total of … FOUR.
Yup – FOUR SLOT IN TOTAL.
The expressions of interest have lead to the following annoucing their plans:
American: JFK to LAX to HND
Continental: EWR to HND, GUM to HND
Delta: SEA/DTW/HNL to HND
United: SFO to HND
HND has the potential to really grow again with the proximity to downtown Tokyo – but in relation to the amount of slots available vs the airlines… How can I put this politely?
Sit back – Bun fight approaching!
February 16
Yesterday there was one hell of a crash in Belgium that has affected Eurostar services from London to Brussels via Lille.
As the Eurostar lines run next to the crash site, the area has been closed off, and services cannot run at this time. Also Thayles services suspended during this time.
Eurostar reports their service between London and Brussels will be affected at least until Thursday morning, offering refunds and rebookings as needed.
Services to Lille are running with delays – check before you travel.
Thalys tickets in addition will be under the same sort of conditions.
Not a good moment for anyone involved – be it the rail companies, or the ones that were lost because of the train crash.
February 16
With the rushed introduction of Nude-o-Scopes (Millimetre Wave Scanners), whilst the cries of think of the children have been loud, not much thought has been given to the legal implications of the units – and if they are actually unlawful.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is concerned enough to write a letter (oh strong stuff) to Lord Adonis (Transport Secretary), stating it’s concerns that the Nude-o-Scope may be breaking discrimination law in its implementation as well as breaching passengers rights to privacy
The backpedal from HM Government is that we need these scanners to defend our borders and planes, but to appease the moaners, is carrying out an “equalities impact assessment” (and we all know what happens to assessments eh?)
The groups chairman has stated
“But, without proper care, such policies can end up being applied in ways which do discriminate against vulnerable groups or harm good community relations.”
It’s intresting to note that this group has stated these scanners theoretically break an individual’s right to privacy under the Human Rights Act, with emphasis on various groups such as disabled people, the elderly, children and the transgendered community
The Department of Transport of course has all but dismissed this in the name of security theatre, issuing a code of conduct (because as we all know, codes are followed to the letter), and has restated that groups would not be chosen on personal features.
The Department of Transport states:
“Given the current security threat level, we believe it was essential to start introducing scanners immediately.
“We are currently carrying out a full equalities impact assessment on the code of practice, which will be published shortly when we begin a public consultation on these issues.”
Oh. A public consultation too. Another thing for the government of the day to ignore. The fact is these have been rushed in, with minimal guidelines and the approach of “damn everyone, lets put these scanners online and if people don’t like it, say it’s in the name of security”.
Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8516574.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/16/uksecurity-terrorism
February 14
Just a quick message to wish all my viewers Happy New Year as we move into The Year of The Tiger.
An Aviation tie in? This lantern is brought to you by Cathay Pacific
Again Kung Hei Fat Choi!
