Body-scanning equipment has been introduced at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 as part of a UK Government move to further strengthen security at airports. The technology will better enable the detection of concealed items while allowing passengers to remain fully clothed.  The introduction of this technology is mandated by the Department for Transport.

Ian Hutcheson, BAA Security Director said: “The security and safety of our passengers and staff is BAA's first priority.  The introduction of full-body scanners and other technology is one significant step towards a more robust defence against the changing and unpredictable threat posed by terrorists. However it is important that, as a country, we make better use of the intelligence available to industry and Government and continue to promote the close assessment of passengers’ behaviour.  Only by doing so will we build a robust security system that is dynamic enough to respond quickly and effectively to the emerging threat.”

Passengers may be required to undergo the additional screening, having passed through the standard security search process.  The Department for Transport requires that all passengers selected for screening must do so and images of passengers are destroyed after being viewed by specially-trained security officers based elsewhere in the airport.  The process takes around seven seconds.

BAA undertook the first ever trial of body-scanning technology in 1991. 

2/2/2010 2:18:25 PM UTC    Comments 

Gulf Air, has launched Web Check-in and advanced seat selection from London Heathrow as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience of its passengers. 

Passengers flying from London Heathrow can now check in online at gulfair.com by selecting the “Check-in” tab on the homepage between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of their flight.  They can also choose the seat of their choice using the new online interactive seat map.  The Web Check-in service also allows customers to check in additional passengers travelling with them on the same flight, making those hectic and, often stressful, family or group airport check-in processes a thing of the past. 

Christina Vidos, Commercial Manager UK and Ireland said: “We are very excited to be bringing this new service to our passengers travelling from our new home at London Heathrow Terminal Four.  As we strive to offer our customers a fast, efficient and hassle free travel experience, our Web Check-in service promises to reduce the valuable time our passengers need to spend at the airport.  By checking-in online and printing off their boarding pass before arriving at the airport, passengers travelling with no baggage can proceed directly to the boarding gate through airport security.  For passengers with baggage to check-in, dedicated ‘Web Check-in Baggage drop’ counters are available at the airport.   We are also delighted to be adding to our ‘family friendly airline’ status with our service that allows one passenger to check in fellow travelling companions online all at the same time.” 

2/1/2010 3:54:51 PM UTC    Comments 

Boingo, has announced it has signed an exclusive deal with BAA to be the sole provider of retail Wi-Fi services at six major airports in the United Kingdom.

The airports to be powered by Boingo include London Heathrow, London Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Southampton. Wi-Fi services were previously provided in parallel by multiple operators, including Boingo.

“Boingo’s proven track record as the global leader in neutral host airport Wi-Fi was crucial to our decision,” said Ian Denchfield, Head of Commercial Telecoms for BAA.  “The company’s dedication to world-class customer service and neutral host roaming, as well as longstanding success in network reliability and revenue growth, made them the obvious choice.”

“BAA’s UK airports are the crown jewels of hotspots in the British Isles,” said David Hagan, CEO and president, Boingo Wireless. “We intend to bring our full complement of expertise to bear in ensuring travelers have an optimal Wi-Fi experience when flying into, out of, or through the UK and on to their final destinations.

After connecting to the “Boingo Hotspot”, travellers will be redirected to a Boingo landing page -- accessible on both laptop and mobile devices -- with several Wi-Fi access options including day passes and subscriptions, with options to choose local or global access and pay in Pounds Sterling or the Euro.

www.boingo.com.

2/1/2010 3:54:06 PM UTC    Comments 

Virgin Atlantic, has launched a Upper Class seat sale to many of its destinations.  The fares are available to cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco,  Los Angeles, Delhi,  Shanghai, Tokyo, Dubai, Johannesburg. The fares will be available until 09 February 2010 for travel on selected dates up to September 2010.

Upper Class ticket includes dedicated check in at all airports, invitation to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, Revivals Lounge at Heathrow, priority boarding at all airports, the Upper Class Suite onboard an onboard bar, Freedom menu and award winning inflight entertainment.

www.virginatlantic.com

1/29/2010 10:31:01 AM UTC    Comments 

Continental Airlines announced today that it will increase its schedule of flights between London/Heathrow and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, during 2010.  The airline will add a fourth daily service to the route in March and a fifth daily service in October, bringing the total number of Continental daily departures from Heathrow to seven, including its twice-daily service to Houston.

In addition, Continental announced that effective June 2, 2010 all aircraft scheduled for its flights departing Heathrow will feature new, flat bed seats in BusinessFirst, its business-class cabin.

“Heathrow-New York is a flagship route for Continental.  As the leading airline in the New York market, we are excited about introducing these schedule and product improvements for our London-New York travellers,” said Jeff Smisek, the airline’s Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer.  “All our London-New York customers will benefit from more flight options, while those travelling in BusinessFirst – whether to New York or Houston -- will be assured of a flat bed seat whenever they choose to fly with us.”

In addition to its Heathrow services, Continental operates non-stop services to New York from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, as well as Dublin and Shannon, serving more cities in the U.K. and Ireland than any other trans-Atlantic airline.  In addition, Continental and Virgin Atlantic Airways codeshare on several Virgin Atlantic-operated flights from London/Heathrow and London/Gatwick. 

www.continental.com/uk.

1/29/2010 10:09:27 AM UTC    Comments 

Aegean is expanding its services in neighboring countries adding to its network two new destinations. From January 1, 2010 Aegean will begin daily non-stop flights to Tel Aviv and Belgrade. The flight departure and arrival times are ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The flight schedule has been designed to allow for excellent connections with AEGEAN’s domestic destinations.

The flights to Tel Aviv will be operated by brand new Airbus A320, in dual class configuration. Business class passengers will be able to enjoy improved seat comfort, a choice of meals, as well espresso or cappuccino.

Starting from January 1, AEGEAN will begin flights between Athens and Belgrade.  There will be seven flights a week, carried out by the four- engine 112 seater AVRO RJ 100 aircraft.

www.aegeanair.com

1/28/2010 8:20:18 AM UTC    Comments 

Heathrow Express, is offering two for one travel between Thursday 11 February and Tuesday 16 February 2010 as a Valentine's special offer for return journeys.

When purchasing Express Class return tickets online between now and 16 February 2010, customers will receive their second journey free, saving them £32.00.

The offer is ideal for customers looking to snap up a great deal for the Valentine's weekend. Whether passengers are planning a romantic weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day, or just travelling somewhere with friends, they can save money with our exclusive 2 for 1 offer.

To take advantage of this great promotion visit heathrowexpress.com and type in the following promotional code: HXLOVE. Terms and conditions apply

1/26/2010 12:48:06 PM UTC    Comments 

Air New Zealand will transform international air travel later this year when it introduces revolutionary, Kiwi designed lie-flat economy and ground breaking premium economy seats, together with enhanced comforts for those wanting the ultimate in luxurious Business Premier travel.

The airline today revealed its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin inside its design innovation centre in Auckland’s CBD. Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says when the airline takes delivery of its first new Boeing 777-300 ER in November this year it will redefine the long haul travel experience and set a benchmark for competitors to follow.

“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone.  The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on thanks!” The ‘Skycouch’, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.

Twenty-two sets of Skycouch seats will be available, being the first 11 window rows in the Economy Class cabin. For two adults travelling, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy cabin has also had a dramatic makeover.

1/26/2010 12:30:13 PM UTC    Comments 

Air France will gradually be introducing from 30 January 2010 onwards on its short-haul flights, a brand new seat on its Airbus A319, A320 and A321 fleets operating on the domestic network.

Air France’s new short-haul seat, designed jointly by Air France and Recaro, which received an award for innovation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, provides additional comfort and more space with:

• 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) more legroom,

• An enhanced seatback with a natural 15° recline,

• A more streamlined and comfortable foam seat.

This new seat is also more environmentally friendly, since environmental aspects were taken into account at the start of the design stage.

‘Following investment on the long-haul network with the new Premium Voyageur cabin class, Air France is now investing on the domestic network to provide passengers with a more comfortable seat that is also environmentally friendly’, said  Patrick Roux, head of marketing at Air France-KLM.

1/20/2010 1:13:31 PM UTC    Comments 

From 28th March 2010, China Airlines will launch the first non-stop flights to Taipei from London Heathrow, Terminal 4. The new service will operate three times a week and will offer 30 business class seats and 246 seats in economy class. Previously, UK passengers have had to travel via Amsterdam in order to fly to Taiwan with China Airlines.
 
Flights to Taiwan will depart from London Heathrow Terminal 4 at 21:15 on Tuesdays and Sundays, arriving at Tayoyuan International Airport at 18:15 the following day. Thursday services will depart slightly later at 22:05 and will arrive in Taiwan at 19:05 the following day.
 
Return flights from London Heathrow to Taipei start from £585 in low season, including taxes.
 
www.china-airlines.com

1/19/2010 1:42:51 PM UTC    Comments 

Kingfisher Airlines, revampes King Club, the airlines frequent flyer programme and the launch of King Platinum, a brand new and exclusive tier of membership for King Club.

Commenting on this unique initiative Ms. Anshu Sarin, General Manager, King Club said, "King Club is India’s most rewarding frequent flyer programme and we wanted to take this experience to the next level by upgrading the features and introducing King Platinum, the pinnacle of King Club. With this new addition to the King Club program, Platinum members can now avail many first-of-their-kind benefits. The card is designed to compliment discerning lifestyle and needs of highly successful individuals who will settle for nothing but the best in every sphere of their lives. The King Platinum card provides members with personalized recognition and privileges befitting their exclusive status.”

The new King Club has exclusive features like the innovative Daily Status Review system which ensures that one enjoys quick and flexible tier upgrades, Fast Track Earning, Family Club, Air Boutique ONLINE the premium online reward shop that allows the member to redeem their King Miles for attractive rewards.

The new King Platinum tier has been loaded with exclusive features like:
• 5 upgrade vouchers
• 35% tier bonus miles
• Unlimited lounge access for member and two additional lounge vouchers for their companions
• Lounge vouchers which can be used by family members
• A complimentary King Gold card for their companion
• Waivers on select administrative charges
• Exclusive Lifestyle privileges
• A dedicated Concierge desk for member assistance and more

Kingfisher Airlines has blazed a trail of innovations and introduced a range of market-firsts that have completely redefined the whole experience of flying. By elevating its customers to a level of being ‘guests’ and not just passengers, Kingfisher Airlines has endeared itself to consumers.

1/19/2010 11:57:11 AM UTC    Comments 

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the airline now offered A380 services on four routes – two from Melbourne and two from Sydney. “We are pleased that as we continue to grow our A380 fleet and offering, customer demand for the aircraft and feedback on the Qantas A380 experience remains extremely strong,” Mr Joyce said.

“Qantas operated its inaugural A380 flight to London from Sydney in January 2009 and this week we have made the A380 option available to our Victoria customers.” The recent arrival of our fifth and sixth A380s has made this possible.

Qantas will operate one to two services a week between Melbourne and London via Singapore (QF9 on Mondays/Sundays and the return QF10 on Fridays/Saturdays). Regular twice-weekly flights will commence on 29 March 2010.

Qantas operates 14 services each week between Melbourne and London – up to two on the A380 and the remaining 12 on the Boeing 747-400.

1/19/2010 11:56:17 AM UTC    Comments 

bmi, British Midland International, will be launching a new route between London Heathrow and Vienna from March 28 2010, with fares available to book from today (18 January 2010).  The route will be operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft in conjunction with Austrian Airlines, also part of Star Alliance, to offer five flights a day, seven days a week.

The new route announcement comes as bmi relaunches its UK & Ireland product as the airline continues its programme of developments across its network. 

Return fares with bmi from London Heathrow to Vienna start from just £99 return including taxes,

www.flybmi.com.

1/18/2010 12:09:13 PM UTC    Comments 

Holiday Inn has taken the unprecedented step of introducing human bed warmers into its hotels, helping guests get a great night’s sleep and keep the cold at bay.

Holiday Inn has teamed up with sleep psychologist Dr Chris Idzikowski and a dedicated team of bed warmers to heat up guests’ beds. Dressed in all in one sleeper suits, the bed warmers will work as human electric blankets, bringing the bed temperature up before guests climb in so guests can be toasty warm from the moment their heads hit the pillow.

As Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre explains: “There's plenty of scientific evidence to show that sleep starts at the beginning of the night when body temperature starts to drop. The decline occurs partly because the blood vessels of the hands, face and feet open up and release heat.

“A warm bed – approximately 20 to 24 degrees Celsius – is a good way to start this process whereas a cold bed would inhibit sleep.  Holiday Inn’s new bed warmers service should help people achieve a good night’s sleep especially as it’s taking much longer for them to warm up when they come in from the snow.

Jane Bednall, spokesperson for Holiday Inn said: “People want to leave the cold outside and climb into a warm bed.  The new Holiday Inn bed warmers service is a bit like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed, warming it up before guests climb in to give them a great night’s sleep away from the cold.  And of course they jump out before you jump in!”

The bed warmers toasting suits (pictured) were specially designed to maximise sheet heating efficiency.  The complimentary five minute bed warming service will trial at Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum, Holiday Inn Kingston South and Holiday Inn Manchester Central Park.
Sessions should be booked to take place between 21.00 and 23.00, from 18 to 25 January 2010.

1/18/2010 12:08:17 PM UTC    Comments 

Boeing has completed initial airworthiness testing on the 787 Dreamliner. This milestone will enable more crew members to take part in flights and will allow more airplanes to join the flight test program.

“This is an important step forward,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are very pleased with the results we have achieved so far. The airplane has been performing as we expected.”

Since the first flight in mid-December, the program has conducted 15 flights, achieving several key accomplishments. Pilots have taken the airplane to an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.65. Nearly 60 hours of flying have been completed. Initial stall tests and other dynamic maneuvers have been run, as well as an extensive check-out of the airplane’s systems. Six different pilots have been behind the controls of the 787.

In the weeks ahead, the team will continue to expand the flight envelope at which the 787 will operate to reach an altitude of more than 40,000 feet (12,192 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.85. Subsequent testing will push the airplane beyond expected operational conditions. 

“The pilots have told me the results we are seeing in flight match their expectations and the simulations we’ve run. That’s a real tribute to Boeing’s expertise and the international team that helped develop and build the airplane,” said Fancher.

Flight testing will continue in the months ahead. First delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.

1/18/2010 10:35:20 AM UTC    Comments