Planned stoppages at Scottish airports suspended

Strike action which would have grounded flights at a number of Scottish airports later this week has been suspended to allow talks to take place between the two sides.

Bosses from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) will sit down with the Unite union, who represent the fire fighters involved in the dispute, with the result that a planned stoppage on Friday, July 4, has now been suspended.

BA abandons call for airports sell-off

British Airways has dropped its support for the break-up of BAA, saying such a move would harm prospects for a third runway at Heathrow.

The airline's chief executive, Willie Walsh, had called for the airport regulator to be disbanded in 2006, but he has now written to the Competition Commission (CC) opposing such a move.

In April, the CC itself warned that BAA's ownership of several UK airports amounted to a monopoly in Scotland and south-east England.

Cardiff Airport mulls celebrity re-branding

Cardiff International Airport is considering a radical re-branding exercise which could see it named after one of the city's famous residents.

The proposal is styled on a similar move by Liverpool John Lennon Airport - formerly known as Speke - though airport officials have yet to draw up an official shortlist of potential candidates.

Tom Jones, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey are believed to be among the names being considered - prompting some observers to question the value of any such move.

United Airlines pulls Heathrow to Denver route

United Airlines has confirmed it will scrap its London Heathrow to Denver International Airport route this autumn.

Just three months after launching the service - United's only long-haul overseas connection from Denver - the carrier confirmed that the final flight will take place on October 25.

Rising oil prices have forced many airlines to scale back operations in recent weeks, and with British Airways competing on the same route the Heathrow to Denver link has always seemed dispensable.

Stansted to focus on customer service, expansion

Airport regulator BAA has set a priority of improving customer service and expanding runway capacity at London Stansted Airport.

Speaking at the airport's summer reception, BAA chief executive Colin Matthews acknowledged that the industry was facing difficult times at the moment, but insisted the downturn will not be indefinite.

He made his comments in the same week that the Information Commissioner's Office, a privacy watchdog, called for greater transparency about a planned second runway at the airport.

Liverpool Airport marks 75th anniversary

Liverpool John Lennon Airport marked its 75th anniversary over the weekend with a series of commemorative events.

The gateway was officially opened on July 1, 1933 by the Right Honourable the Marquis of Londonderry KG, Secretary of State for air.

Speke in south Liverpool was selected as the site for the facility because of its favourable topography and good year-round weather - something that continues to attract operators today.

Weekly news round-up

Several new routes have been unveiled over the past week, in addition to a number of special offers.

Low-cost carrier SkyEurope has discounted fares to the Slovak cities of Bratislava and Kosice, while Cathay Pacific and Emirates are both running time-limited sales on selected Asian routes.

It's also been a busy week for bmi, which has announced plans to expand its services to Saudi Arabia as well as boosting the number of flights it operates between Edinburgh and Copenhagen.

Finally, Sri Lankan Airlines has added a UK to Maldives link, and South African carrier Civair has revealed plans to start flying between London Stansted and Cape Town.

SkyEurope puts Slovak seats on sale

Book by midnight, tonight: No-frills airline SkyEurope has discounted seats on two of its popular Slovak routes.

People flying with the low-cost carrier can now visit capital city Bratislava for just £19 one-way, including all taxes. Flights depart from London Luton, Birmingham and Manchester airports.

Bmi boosts services to Saudi Arabia

Bmi has announced plans to increase the frequency of several of its flight to Saudi Arabia.

The second-biggest carrier operating out of London Heathrow will add services from the UK hub to Jeddah, Dammam and capital city Riyadh.

Its expansion follows bilateral talks between the British and Saudi governments which increased in the maximum number of weekly flights between the two countries to 35.

Green light for Robin Hood Airport rail plans

Plans for a railway link to Robin Hood Airway have been approved by Doncaster Council, The Star reports.

Transport officials envisage the new station being added to the Doncaster to Lincoln line. Pending discussions with Network, work on the connection could begin as soon as 2012.

Original plans for a single-platform station have now been replaced with a double-platform scheme due to concerns over signalling costs.

Competitive carriers 'will survive downturn'

Only the most competitive airlines can expect to survive the current turmoil in the airline industry, one leading analyst has claimed.

Davy Stockbrokers said that Air France, Lufthansa, easyJet and Ryanair are among the carriers best placed to weather the slowdown in the sector, which has largely arisen from surging fuel costs.

"The current oil-price-driven crisis could well be the worst to hit the airline industry," Davy analyst Stephen Furlong said in a note to investors. "We view the long-term winners as the stronger airlines."

BA denies waning commitment to Scotland

British Airways has denied accusations that it is scaling back its operations in Scotland.

Some business groups have claimed that the national carrier is dropping Heathrow links to major Scottish airports in order to free up slots for more lucrative long-haul services.

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce points to BA's recent axing of its "red-eye" 6am flight from Glasgow to the London hub, which had been popular among business travellers.

Aer Arann puts expansion plans on hold

Aer Arann has postponed plans to extend its operations in response to the challenging economic climate.

The Irish carrier had been considering an expansion to its network, according to commercial director Fergal Barry, but has now put such plans on hold indefinitely.

Oil prices have reached and then broken all-time high levels repeatedly in recent months, forcing several airlines to raise their fuel surcharges and warn of cutbacks to services.

New industry award for Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has been awarded the Best Airport Award 2008 by the Airports Council International Europe (ACI).

The gateway was named the winner in the 10 to 25 million passenger category at the fourth annual awards, which were held this week in Paris.

It was praised for its "simple, innovative approach to attracting airlines," as well as its efforts to promote amiable community relations and to protect the environment by setting a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2015.

Bid to avoid more strikes at Scottish airports

Talks are to take place between airport bosses in Scotland and fire fighters to try and avert a second round of strike action.

The Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd (HIAL) has said it will sit down with Unite, the union representing the workers, after industrial action on Monday disrupted flights from Inverness to the isles

Unite said that it would support a second round of strike action next Friday (July 4) if an agreement was not reached over pay levels.

Plane Talking: Summer holidays

In our second week of Plane Talking – the column which answers your most frequent questions about flying – we’re tackling some important issues for those planning on taking summer holidays this year. How to find a good deal, how to have luxury travel while there’s a credit crunch and, the question we’re asked above all else, what can you take in your hand luggage when departing from a UK airport?

Q: I’m confused about the current rules for hand luggage. Everything seems to have changed so many times. Can I take a bottle of water in my bag? Can I take sun cream? What is not allowed?

Oonagh: Since January, the one-item restriction has been lifted at most airports. The maximum size for pieces of hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. The airline you are flying with may stipulate a smaller bag however, and it may allow just one bag. Check with your airline in advance.

Passengers are allowed to bring small amounts of liquids (up to 100ml) through airport security. The liquids should be in separate containers in a resealable plastic bag. A small freezer bag would do.

Flybe announces another route cancellation

Flybe is to stop operating yet another of its routes due to concern over the rising cost of fuel, the Irish News reports.

Airline executives have deemed that it no longer makes commercial sense to maintain its Belfast to Paris route, with the average cost of a barrel of oil edging close to the $140 (£70) mark.

Bmi expands Edinburgh to Copenhagen service

Bmi is boosting the frequency of its Edinburgh to Copenhagen service, adding a third return flight from July 21.

The low-cost carrier will then operate 18 connections a week between the Scottish and Danish capitals, with prices starting from £145 return including all taxes.

As a result of the expansion, passengers will be able to connect to a number of onward destinations operated by bmi regional's Star Alliance partners, including Oslo, Tokyo and Helsinki.

Which? satisfaction poll slams UK airlines

A survey of more than 30,000 members of the consumer group Which? has painted a gloomy picture of the state of the UK airline industry.

The table found that satisfaction levels for long-haul flights operated by British Airways were just 'average', with the national carrier ranking 18th in a list of 42 domestic and international airlines.

Even Britain's highest-place long-haul airline, bmi, failed to make it into the top five - while for short-haul destinations Thomas Cook, MyTravel and First Choice were all in the bottom six.

Aer Arann and Aer Lingus offer link up option

An agreement has been signed between Aer Arran and Aer Lingus that will allow passengers travelling from Cork to the US, via Dublin, easy access through the airport.

From today, bookings can be made on www.aerlingus.com directly both to and from Cork to all seven Aer Lingus USA destinations in one single booking transaction.

The agreement between the two airlines means passengers will be able to check-in at Cork Airport and have their luggage checked through directly to their final destination in the USA, making it easier for people to transfer to their flight at Dublin Airport.

BAA revives debate about third Heathrow runway

Airport regulator BAA has reignited the debate about whether or not London Heathrow Airport should get a third runway.

Speaking at a transport conference in the capital, chief executive Colin Matthews said lack of runway space at the world's busiest airport was becoming a disadvantage, leaving it vulnerable to disruption.

His comments were endorsed by British Airways, but they came alongside a damning report from London First, which is calling for scaled-back services at Heathrow.

Special Hong Kong fare from Cathay Pacific

Book by June 30: Cathay Pacific has put its London Heathrow to Hong Kong route on sale for the summer.

The airline is offering travellers the chance to visit the Asian metropolis from just £499 return, including all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Valid departure dates for the cheapest fare must fall between August 16 and November 30, excluding October, and it only applies to outbound services operating between Monday and Thursday.

Stansted boosts reduced-mobility access

London Stansted Airport has rolled out a number of accessibility improvements for passengers with reduced-mobility.

The airport implemented the changes ahead of an EU legislation deadline which shifts the burden responsibility for disabled access at airports fully onto operators such as BAA.

In addition to re-furbishing waiting areas for passengers who need assistance, the airport has also purchased new wheelchairs and renovated help points from which flyers can request assistance.

Sale fares to Asia with Emirates

Book by June 30: Emirates is offering discounted airfares on a number of its popular Asian routes.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has reduced the cost of flying to several popular cities in the region - including Hong Kong and Seoul - with fares starting from as low as £503 return.

Outbound services from several major UK gateways are eligible for the discounts, including Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle airports.

Flybe installs self-service kiosks at Cardiff

Flybe has finished installing three new self-service check-in kiosks at Cardiff International Airport.

The low-cost carrier is the first airline to invest in the new queue-busting technology, something that it says demonstrates its firm commitment to customer service at the gateway.

As well as boosting convenience and choice for ticketholders, the new kiosks also offer a more cost-effective way of channelling passengers through terminals, thereby minimising losses arising from delayed flights.

Govt ordered to reveal Stansted plans

Whitehall has been ordered to go public about controversial plans for a second runway at London Stansted Airport, The Financial Times reports.

Privacy watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office urged greater transparency about the move, criticising the Department for Transport for "clear failures" in its record management.

Industry leaders plan world's first green fuel

Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Boeing are teaming up in an effort to develop the world's first green aviation fuel.

The proposed biofuel would be made of pond and sea weed and would free the industry from its present dependence on oil - the cost of which looks set to drive many carriers out of business.

Commenting on the new partnership, Sir Richard Branson told The Mail on Sunday that he envisaged Virgin Atlantic's fleet to be running partly on algae-based fuel within five years.

Shake-up at Heathrow as carriers vie for slots

Abu-Dhabi based Etihad and Kingfisher of India have entered into negotiations to secure more take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport, The Financial Times reports.

The news reflects a growing trend which has seen numerous smaller carriers sell off slots at the UK's main hub as a cost-cutting measure to offset the burgeoning price of fuel.

According to the latest reports, Etihad has agreed on a five-year lease of Luxair's two Heathrow slots for a total cost of £9 million. Negotiations are ongoing about a possible purchase of the slots.

A place in my heart: Olympos, Turkey

Paul Hecht, Global Product Director

Where? Olympos, Turkey

Why? It was like no other place I had visited. Spectacular, lush scenery that had everything one could want from a short break: beach, mountains, beautiful trees and ruins. This is a part of Turkey, and indeed Europe, that most people would not be aware of, and that is certainly one of its attractions.

Bmibaby offers 30% discount on all flights

Book by midnight, June 24: Bmibaby is offering up to 30 per cent off all its flights, provided booking are placed before midnight tomorrow.

The low-cost carrier is slashing the costs of services operating out of its bases at Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands and Manchester airports.

A vast range of European destinations are eligible for the maximum 30 per cent discount, including Barcelona, Faro, Krakow, Lisbon, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Prague and Rome.

BA ups fuel surcharge on premium seats

British Airways has increased the fuel surcharge levied on passengers who travel on its premium classes.

As part of the new tiered system for calculating fees, people flying in First Class, Club World and World Traveller Plus will pay up to £24 more per flight than those in economy.

The revised system mirrors one recently rolled out by Virgin Atlantic and marks the third time as many months that the airline has upped its fuel charges in response to the spiralling cost of oil.

Cheapflights concludes strategic options review

London & Boston, 23rd June, 2008: Cheapflights Ltd. ("Cheapflights" or "the Company"), a leading UK and North American internet media travel company providing online flight price search and comparison announces that it has concluded its strategic review which commenced in May 2007. Shareholders have decided that, in view of prevailing sentiment in the financial markets, Cheapflights will not proceed with a liquidity event until such time as market conditions change.

The review was intended to provide shareholders with alternatives to obtain a return on their original investment. These included an assessment of the relative attractiveness of a strategic partnership, an IPO or a private equity investment.

Sri Lankan Airlines to add UK-Maldives link

Sri Lankan Airlines is to start operating scheduled flights between the UK and the Maldives this autumn.

From October 26, the carrier will operate a four-times weekly service from Heathrow Airport to capital city Male, with an estimated flying time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.

National carrier Air Maldives already flies direct to the UK hub, but with a fleet of just five planes the airline has struggled to accommodate burgeoning demand for various routes.

South African carrier plans Stansted service

South African airline Civair has revived its plans to launch a service from London Stansted to Cape Town.

Speaking to Business Day, chief executive Andy Cluver predicted that the carrier will receive regulatory approval to operate three flights a week between the two destinations.

The proposed link would include a stop-off at Barcelona, making Civair the first South African airline to operate a direct service to Spain.

Birmingham Airport begins terminal overhaul

Birmingham International Airport has commenced work on a £45 million expansion project for Terminal 1.

Once completed, the bright and modern facility - dubbed the International Pier - will stand three storeys tall and 240 metres long.

It will provide air-bridged aircraft parking for seven separate wide-bodied aircraft as well as space for 13 smaller aircraft, and will also incorporate several new passenger lounges.

Weekly news round-up

The past week has seen several new routes being launched by UK airlines, as well as a smattering of special offers.

Bmi is discounting fares on its Barbados and Antigua routes, while Lufthansa has unveiled a number of African deals and Iceland Express has put its Reykjavik service on sale.

New winter schedules have also been launched by low-cost carriers bmibaby and Jet2.com, taking in hotspots ranging from Palma to Sharm el Sheikh, as well as the popular winter sport destination of Geneva.

Finally, Aer Lingus confirmed it is to resume flying from Dublin to Newcastle, while Pakistan International Airlines re-introduced a connection between Leeds Bradford Airport and Islamabad.

Bmi puts Caribbean seats on sale

Book by June 26: Bmi is offering discounted fares on two of its most popular Caribbean routes.

The airline has put seats for its Manchester Airport flights to Barbados and Antigua on sale, with return economy fares starting from just £349.

Connecting services from the Scottish airports of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow are also on offer at a slightly higher cost, with all prices including taxes and charges.

Mobile phones 'could save airlines $600m'

The airline industry would save hundreds of millions of dollars if it made better use of passengers' mobile phones, new research has suggested.

Sita, specialist IT provider to the sector, said that the world's 3.2 billion handsets could be used as passenger tracking devices, facilitating the movement of travellers through terminals.

It further argued that next-generation phones should be viewed as "personal travel folders," storing information such as boarding passes, baggage tracking numbers and potentially even biometric data.

Bmibaby expands winter schedule

Bmibaby has added a raft of new routes to its winter programmes at four UK airports.

The low-cost carrier will be operating regular services from Birmingham Airport to six Mediterranean hotspots, including up to four weekly flights to Malaga and Alicante.

It will also fly to Murcia, Palma and Faro twice a week, and the Swiss city of Geneva eight times weekly. From February 2009, a twice-weekly service to Nice will be added to its timetable.

African Adventure sale at Lufthansa

Book by June 23: Lufthansa has put a selection of its African destinations on sale for a limited time.

Economy class seats on flights to the capital cities of Cairo, Addis Ababa and Khartoum have all been discounted, with outbound services running from five major UK airports.

Passengers wishing to travel to Cairo can do so for £319, departing from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh or Manchester Airport.

EasyJet launches pre-pay baggage facility

Passengers travelling with easyJet can now pay excess weight charges prior to arriving at the airport.

The low-cost carrier unveiled the new facility yesterday (June 19), offering a reduced rate for people who calculate and pay their excess baggage charges online or over the phone.

Extra weight allowances are available in denominations of 3kgs, for £15 per unit, amounting to a £3 discount on the fee levied by check-in staff on the day of travel.

East Midlands Airport warns of traffic problems

Passengers heading to East Midlands Airport this weekend are being asked to allow plenty of extra time for their journey due to the British Motorcycle Grand Prix taking place at Donington Park, which is located close to the airport.

All roads leading to the venue are likely to be busy from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22 as the three-day event is expected to attract 50,000 people with the majority of visitors travelling on Sunday for the main race day.

A traffic plan has been implemented to make it easier for spectators to get into Donington Park, and to reduce delays experienced by other road users in the area.

Aer Lingus link between Newcastle and Dublin

Aer Lingus is to reintroduce flights between Dublin and Newcastle International Airport later this year.

Five flights a week will operate between the two destinations from October 26, offering both tourists and business people the chance to explore each city.

Chris Sanders, of Newcastle Airport, said "We are delighted that Aer Lingus is reintroducing its service to Newcastle this winter. The Dublin route is our busiest international low cost route and has become very popular for business and leisure trips in both directions.

"These additional flights will greatly benefit business and tourism activities at each end of the route."

Credibility slowly returns to Terminal 5

Encouraging statistics out of London Heathrow's Terminal 5 suggest that the embattled facility is beginning to live up to expectations.

British Airways has revealed that 80 per cent of passengers passing through its new base enjoy waiting times of under five minutes during check-in, while baggage handling times have also improved.

The news comes alongside positive reports about the terminal's pioneering wireless network system, adding weight to claims that T5 will usher in a new, more efficient era for British air travel.

Airport regulator BAA came in for heavy criticism in March after the long-anticipated launch of the £4.3 billion facility was beset by teething problems.

OpenSkies gears up for inaugural flight

BA's new business-class subsidiary, OpenSkies, is to begin flying from today (June 19).

The first service taking to the skies will be the airline's Paris Orly to New York connection, and according to a spokesperson bookings for the route are "going well and are ahead of projections".

OpenSkies has been offering a promotional fare to US flyers, with premium economy seats starting from $750 (£380) plus taxes one way.

'3,000 new flights' for Belfast City Airport

As many as 3,000 additional flights could be operating out of Belfast City Airport every year, it has been claimed.

A leaked letter from the airport shows that planning agreements currently being drafted up look set to boost the maximum number of annual flights from 45,000 to 48,000.

Although that figure includes private jets and charter aircraft which were not covered by the old measurement, it is still raising concerns among residents who fear heightened noise levels.

New bmibaby services take to the skies

Bmibaby has launched two new services from its base in Manchester Airport.

From this week, the low-cost carrier will be operating flights to the Spanish and Portuguese capital cities of Madrid and Lisbon.

Its new Madrid connection will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, while the Lisbon service will depart twice weekly on Tuesday and Sunday.

Nine Scottish airports set to be closed during strike

It is expected that nine Scottish airports will be closed to scheduled flights when fire fighters take strike action over pay levels on June 23.

The Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has announced the airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick are all expected to be closed due to the unavailability of rescue and fire fighting staff.

Staff at Inverness are not taking part in the strike action and the airport will be operating as normal although flights to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles from the airport are likely to be affected. Dundee Airport, also operated by HIAL via a subsidiary company, will operate as normal.

Flybe axes Glasgow to Newquay route

Flybe has confirmed that it is axing its Glasgow to Newquay service in the face of spiralling fuel costs.

Having only launched the route in April, the low-cost carrier now says the final flight will take place on August 2 as part of a cost-cutting exercise to draw back on loss-making services.

It had already scaled back its operations by ceasing to run services from Galway Airport to Belfast, Southampton and Birmingham.

Australia and Europe begin 'open skies' talks

Australia and the EU have moved a step closer to reaching an historic 'open skies' pact to liberalise air travel between the two continents.

Ministers have given their approval for Australia's Rudd Labour government to negotiate with the European Commission about removing flight restrictions.

Australian transport minister Anthony Albanese said that the move paved the way for a new era of travel between the two zones, delivering greater competition and lower air fares.