Tag Archives: Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

Half of Brits fail to take their annual leave, British Airways Holidays reveals

British Airways is encouraging Brits to take their full holidays:

British Airways Holidays new survey reveals 50% of UK working adults do not take their full annual leave allocation.*

The survey, commissioned by British Airways Holidays with YouGov Plc., found that more than a third of working Brits (36%) who did not take their full annual leave said it was because they ‘just didn’t get around to it’. Furthermore, a staggering 42% confessed that they have felt stressed about work whilst on holiday, and 46% responded that they have had to work on their leave. 48% have checked work emails whilst away and more than a third (39%) have gone one step further and responded.

With a cost-of-living crisis this winter and a recession on the horizon, no doubt many will be thinking it will be even harder to justify a getaway in 2023. However, a 40-year study by the European Society of Cardiology revealed that taking a holiday could help people live longer. The study suggested that men who took more than three weeks of leave per year were 63% more likely to live longer than those who took three weeks or less.**  Meanwhile, British Airways Holidays’ new YouGov Plc. survey also revealed that nearly 79% of those asked agreed that taking a break is good for their mental health. With this in mind, British Airways Holidays has launched a new campaign, that combines TV advertising, cinema, out of home, social media and radio. Behind the campaign’s humour is an important message that holidays should be taken seriously with people urged to prioritise time away for their own wellbeing. As well as competitive pricing, British Airways Holidays offers a 24-hour helpline, carefully chosen hotels and generous 23kg per person baggage allowance, taking the hassle out of holidays, so customers can relax, rejuvenate, and switch off.

“I am astounded by the results of our survey,” commented Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays. “It’s clear that taking a break is vital for our mental and physical wellbeing, and it’s worrying that too many people feel unable to do so. While our new brand campaign conveys this in a comical fashion, the message behind it is a serious one. Here at British Airways Holidays we take holidays as seriously as our customers do, and offer a number of benefits to take the stress out of travel, so they can maximise their switch off time.”

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner G-ZBLC (msn 60639) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 959683.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

British Airways suffers with a technical issue with its flight-planning system

British Airways flights from North America and the Caribbean to the United Kingdom were delayed Monday night due to technical problems of a third-party flight planning supplier.

At least 35 flights from North America and the Caribbean to the U.K. were either cancelled or seriously delayed overnight.

British Airways confirmed that it had delayed flights last night due to a “technical issue” with its flight-planning system.

British Airways issued this statement:

“Our teams have now resolved a temporary issue that affected some of our long-haul flight planning systems overnight, which resulted in delays to our schedule. We’re sorry for the disruption caused to our customers’ travel plans.”

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner G-ZBLC (msn 60639) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 959683.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

British Airways brings back its full Club World service

British Airways made this announcement:

  • British Airways is returning to its much-loved full Club World service, enhancing the premium dining experience as part of the airline’s plans to continue to improve its product proposition
  • The service was simplified during the pandemic to reduce interaction between cabin crew and customers
  • The airline has also introduced new seasonal menus in the cabin to champion the best of British cuisine
  • Menu variations and service styles have been trialled with the airline’s cabin crew to ensure they meet customers’ expectations
  • These enhancements accompany the improved service the airline has already implemented across its First, World Traveller Plus, World Traveller and Club Europe cabins earlier this year

British Airways is relaunching its much-anticipated Club World (business class) service today with delicious new menus offering customers a more brasserie-style dining experience when they travel.

The return to a full service will include new enhanced standards of dining where each course is served to customers individually. British Airways will start serving signature hot soups and warm desserts, such as artichoke and parmesan soup with rye croutons and warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce, which are both perfect starts to the airline’s winter menus.

British Airways’ new Club World menus will reflect its commitment to using British provenance and premium ingredients from local producers celebrating originality. There will also be a range of seasonal options for customers to choose from, such as the British Original Cottage Pie or chocolate fondant with crème anglaise. In addition, the airline will also be offering menus with regional variations that features cuisines tailored to specific routes, including lemon and herb grilled mahi-mahi fish on its Caribbean flights, chicken dum biryani on routes from India and king prawn machbous from the Middle East.

For those customers wanting to maximise their sleep on board, the airline is also reintroducing its express service on evening flights. Customers will be able to request a one tray service so they can enjoy a quick bite to eat and then head to sleep if they wish.

The new menus have been carefully curated by British Airways’ culinary experts and have been thoughtfully paired with beverage options from the airline’s inflight drinks menu. Over the last few months, the airline has been trialling menu variations and service styles with the airline’s cabin crew to ensure they meet customers’ expectations.

The airline also launched its newest campaign last week, which celebrates British Airways’ people, its customers, the nation and how it has helped make British Airways a British Original. As part of this campaign, customers can expect to see the celebration of originality throughout the menus with British classics and a focus on British provenance.

The airline is also introducing a refreshed Club World check-in zone at Heathrow Terminal 5, to enhance the premium experience at every step of their journey.

British Airways is also continuing to roll out its newest business class seat, Club Suite, across its Boeing 777 fleet. The airline has taken delivery of another A350 aircraft this year, which has the Club Suite installed as well as the latest generation of the First cabin, including the introduction of the First suite door.

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner G-ZBLB (msn 60638) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 957883.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

First Etihad Airways flight using sustainable aviation fuel as part of deal with ITOCHU and NESTE departs Tokyo Narita

Etihad Airways made this announcement:

The first Etihad Airways flight to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supplied by ITOCHU Corporation and NESTE took off from Tokyo Narita Airport on October 27.

The pioneering flight, EY871 departed Tokyo Narita at 1500, was the result of a partnership in which ITOCHU provided Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, making Etihad the first international airline to procure SAF in Japan.

The flight operated on a ~40 per cent blend of SAF, representing the first delivery of some 50,000 gallons of SAF, to be used over a number of flights in coming weeks. It is the first time a non-Japanese airline has used SAF supplied in Japan.

The flight reduced CO2 by approximately 75.2 tCO2, based on the estimated fuel volume (20,000 USG) at a blend of 39.66% SAF. The flight also managed non-CO2 environmental impacts through optimised flight planning for contrail prevention, deploying SATAVIA technology for a forecast net climate impact reduction of 71 tCO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). Aircraft condensation trails, or contrails, cause surface warming responsible for up to 60% of aviation’s overall climate footprint. Until recently, technical challenges made contrail prevention difficult or impossible, but UK-based SATAVIA’s atmospheric modelling now enables flight plan optimisation for contrail prevention in addition to post-flight climate impact analysis.

In December 2021, the Japanese government announced the goal of replacing 10 per cent of aviation fuel consumption by Japanese airlines with SAF by 2030. To achieve this goal, ITOCHU established a SAF supply network at Japanese domestic airports across the country for Japanese domestic carriers, which is now being expanded to international carriers, starting with Etihad.

ITOCHU has already established a domestic SAF supply chain at Haneda and Narita International Airports, spanning from SAF import and quality control to delivery to airports, as well as a refueling network for the aircrafts themselves. ITOCHU plans to expand its SAF supply base to Central Japan International Airport and Kansai International Airport, allowing it to further increase supply of SAF to both Japanese and international airlines.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMH (msn 60765) (Greenliner) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 952960.

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

United announces its 2023 summer schedule that includes adding new service to three cities

United Airlines today continued its transatlantic leadership among U.S. carriers with the debut of the airline’s 2023 summer schedule that includes adding new service to three cities – Malaga, Spain; Stockholm, Sweden; and Dubai, UAE – as well as six more flights to some of the most popular destinations in Europe, including Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London, Berlin, and Shannon. In total, United will fly to 37 cities in Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East next summer, more destinations than all other U.S. airlines combined.

United saw historic levels of demand for travel to Europe in the summer peak, up 20% compared to 2019, and is focused on developing its network to serve continued demand strength.

Along with adding new flights, United will fly nine routes it added last summer, including direct flights between New York/Newark and Nice; Denverand Munich; Boston and London Heathrow; Chicago/O’Hare and Zurich; and Chicago/O’Hare and Milan, as well as flights to four destinations not served by any other North American airline, including Amman, Jordan; Azores, Portugal; Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Tenerife, Spain.

Newark – Malaga, Spain*

United is adding a fifth Spanish destination to its global network with new direct flights between New York/Newark and Malaga. Starting May 31, travelers will be able to explore Spain’s Mediterranean coast with three flights per week to Malaga on a Boeing 757-200. United flies to more destinations in Spain than any other U.S. airline and next summer will offer direct flights to three Spanish cities that no other U.S. airline serves: Malaga, Tenerife and Palma de Mallorca.

Newark – Dubai, UAE*

As part of its historic commercial agreement with Emirates, United will launch direct, daily flights between New York/Newark and Dubai on a Boeing 777-200ER starting March 25. From there, customers can travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 different cities, giving customers more options to connect over the Middle East than ever before. United will be the only U.S. airline to offer non-stop flights to Dubai from the U.S. and flies to more destinations in the Middle East and India than any other U.S. airline.

Newark – Stockholm, Sweden*

On May 27, United will return to Stockholm for the first time since 2019 with service from New/York Newark. United first began serving Stockholm, which locals proudly refer to as the “beauty on water”, in 2005. United will reconnect customers to this culturally rich and dynamic capital city with daily flights on a Boeing 757-200.

San Francisco – Rome, Italy*

United broadens its industry-leading European network from San Francisco with daily flights to Rome launching on May 25 on a Boeing 777-200ER. United is the only U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Europe from its hub in San Francisco, and next summer will offer non-stop flights to seven popular European cities. With flights to Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples, United continues to fly to more cities in Italy from the U.S. than any other airline in the world.

Chicago/O’Hare – Shannon, Ireland*

Beginning May 25, United will add more seasonal flights to Shannon, Ireland with new daily flights from Chicago O’Hare – giving customers more options to explore some of the country’s most scenic destinations including Limerick and Galway. United is the only U.S. carrier to offer direct flights to Shannon with its existing seasonal service from New York/Newark, and also offers direct flights to Dublin from Chicago, New York/Newark and Washington Dulles. United will fly a Boeing 757-200 on this route.

Washington Dulles – Berlin, Germany*

United will begin capital-to-capital service between Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany on May 25. United will be the only carrier to offer non-stop flights between these cities with daily flights on a Boeing 767-400ER. United offers more flights to Berlin from the U.S. than any other airline, with existing year-round flights from Newark.

Chicago/O’Hare – Barcelona, Spain*

United continues to expand its best-in-class European network from Chicago next summer with new direct, daily flights to Barcelona on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, starting May 25. Next summer, United will fly to 14 destinations in Europe from Chicago, more than any other airline. This new flight builds on United’s existing service to Barcelona from New York/Newark and Washington Dulles.

More Flights to Paris and London

United will have 23 daily flights to London Heathrow next summer, adding a second daily flight between Los Angeles and London Heathrow on March 25 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United offers more flights and more business class seats from New York and the west coast to Londonthan any other U.S. carrier and next summer, all United flights to London Heathrow will offer all-aisle access Polaris and Premium Plus seating. This new flight builds upon United’s recent London expansion, with additional flights from Newark, San Francisco, and Denver, as well as new flights from Boston.

United is also adding more options for travel between Washington Dulles and Paris Charles de Gaulle with a second daily flight launching June 2, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United currently offers year-round flights to Paris from New York/Newark, Washington Dulles, Chicago and San Francisco.

* flights subject to government approval

Top Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner N17017 (msn 66986) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 959002.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways operates its most sustainable flight ever

2019 "Greenliner" special livery

On Saturday, October 23, 2021, Etihad Airways operated its most sustainable flight ever, leveraging the learnings and efficiencies developed over the last two years of its comprehensive sustainability program to reduce carbon emissions (CO2) by 72% in absolute terms compared to the equivalent flight operated in 2019.

The London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flight is part of the Etihad Greenliner Program – a two-year partnership between Etihad and Boeing using Etihad’s Boeing 787 fleet as a test bed for sustainability improvements in partnership with organizations across the industry. It required huge collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to deliver a sustainable in-flight product, coordination with airspace management for optimized flight routing, new technology flight deck tools, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contrail reduction and airport handling processes.

In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance. Working with UK-based SATAVIA, the team identified potential areas of ice super-saturated regions in the atmosphere where harmful contrails are likely to form, and the flight route was adjusted to avoid these areas. Based on the original and adjusted flight plan, the strategy avoided the production of approximately 64 tonnes of CO2e, with a fuel penalty of only 100kg, or 0.48 tons CO2.

The contributions covered three phases, planning, in-flight and post-flight. This included preparing the aircraft, engines and route planning systems to optimize take-off, en-route and landing flight paths and trajectories, minimizing contrail formation, working with our guests to reduce their luggage and rewarding those that travelled light.

Etihad provided catering that was appropriately sourced and served on sustainable crockery and with light-weight cutlery. The crockery itself is part of a circular recycling process where they are returned to the manufacturer at the end of their serviceable life and ground down to its raw material and remade. Guests were also provided with environmentally friendly plant-based water bottles and limited-edition tote bags from upcycled aircraft materials. 80% of all single use plastics were eliminated.

Once the aircraft arrived at Abu Dhabi, it was serviced by Etihad’s new fleet of electric vehicles for ground logistics such as baggage unloading. Where electric vehicles were unable to be used, Etihad purchased bio-diesel to fuel equipment such as the airline’s passenger coach service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, meaning all passengers, including those transiting to Dubai, were completely carbon neutral for the entirety of their journey.

The data gathered from the aircraft’s sensors was added to Etihad’s growing database on flight performance, and analyzed using tools from Greenliner partner, GE Digital to improve understanding of flight performance and allow quick recognition of unsustainable activities.

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pg8Kixz6VE&w=560&h=315%5D

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMH (msn 60765) (Greenliner) FRA (Marcelo F. De Biasi). Image: 951389.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Etihad to operate EY20 sustainable flight on October 23

"Greenliner"

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is inviting travelers to book its EY20 Sustainable Flight departing October 23 from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, to celebrate the latest anniversary of the Etihad Greenliner Program.

The Etihad Greenliner Program – now two years old following its inception in 2019 – uses Etihad’s Boeing 787 fleet as a test bed for sustainability improvements in partnership with organizations across the aviation industry. Back in October 2019, Etihad and Boeing signed a landmark agreement, pledging to work collaboratively on sustainable aviation solutions in both the R&D domain and regular commercial flights. Since 2019 the two companies have collaborated on areas including inflight product, airspace management, flight deck tools, sustainable fuel, and even brought in expertise from NASA to look at noise levels created by aircraft as part of Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program.

With two years of ecoFlights trialling select improvements in sustainability completed as part of the Greenliner Program, Etihad is operating this special celebratory flight to bring together the best of the past two years into a single flight. October’s flight from Heathrow will be operated with Etihad’s signature Greenliner aircraft, with a livery specifically created to recognize the Greenliner Program and its call to action for the aviation industry.

Based on pre-flight estimations the flight will emit 72% less CO2e in total, and 56% less CO2e per unit of payload than the equivalent flight operated in 2019, thanks to a suite of interventions that will be implemented before, during and even after the flight.

Prior to the flight:

  • The aircraft will be washed to ensure optimal aerodynamics and efficiency, including a dedicated foam washing process for the engines, developed in partnership with General Electric, manufacturer of the 787’s fuel efficient GEnX engines

  • Cutting edge software in development by partner SATAVIA will model contrail formation for the flight, which will be used to optimize routing. By minimizing contrails, the flight will reduce its indirect impact on the environment through the reduction of contrails that contribute to global warming

  • Effects from contrails will be considered alongside other factors that directly contribute to fuel burn such as wind speed, temperature, air pressure and cloud cover

  • Collectively, the pre-flight planning will ensure the most efficient route possible for the conditions present on the day is loaded into the flight computer – all before the aircraft leaves the ground

  • Guests checking in at the airport will receive incentives for flying without check-in bags, or with lightweight luggage – encouraging Guests to consider the environment when deciding what to take on their journey and rewarding those who chose to travel light.

Once in flight:

  • The aircraft will consume a 38% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), ensuring a significant quantity of the fuel consumed is sourced from sustainable sources, reducing overall emissions

  • Inflight tools such as Boeing’s FlightDeck Advisor and engagement with ANSPs will aid the pilots in achieving the most efficient climb profile out of Heathrow, course while enroute, and descent profile into Abu Dhabi

  • Consumables, such as potable water, will be loaded based on expected consumption to reduce the total weight of the aircraft and save fuel

  • When landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport the aircraft will taxi to the stand using only a single engine, again reducing fuel burn

  • Once at the gate, the aircraft will be serviced by Etihad’s new fleet of electric vehicles for ground logistics such as baggage unloading

On board:

  • Guests will select locally-sourced dining options and be provided with lightweight stainless-steel cutlery from Sola Cutlery, along with a range of carefully selected products from crockery to inflight meal trays to dental kits – all specially sourced for the flight

  • All products onboard have been selected to ensure the highest standards of sustainability using perspectives on sourcing, weight, and a key focus on the full product lifecycle (including end-of-life recycling) through a partnership with service ware design company, deSter.

  • The food served onboard will include vegan options and not use unsustainable products such as beef and palm oil, giving guests the opportunity to eat sustainably

  • Guests will receive personal water bottles, minimizing single-use paper cups and waste during the flight

  • All waste will be segregated to ensure the highest possible levels of recycling in Abu Dhabi

  • The flight will be crewed by a dedicated group of Etihad Green Ambassadors who will offer feedback to the Etihad service delivery teams to continue the evolution of Etihad’s product. While on board, they will be available to Guests who wish to know more about the EY20 Sustainable Flight and the airline’s sustainability initiatives.

Post flight:

  • The data gathered from the aircraft’s sensors will be added to Etihad’s growing database on flight performance, analyzed using tools from Greenliner partner, GE Digital.

  • This analysis monitors flight performance and allows engineers and pilots to quickly recognize patterns of unsustainable activities, and to take remedial actions as needed.

On top of the improvements pre-, during and post-flight, for each guest on board Etihad will plant a tree in Abu Dhabi’s mangrove plantations to contribute to offsetting future flying. The Etihad Mangrove initiative follows the introduction of offsets purchasable by Guests through CarbonClick and the complete offset of the signature Greenliner aircraft’s operations for the entirety of 2021. These offsets have been sourced from the Makame Savannah REDD Project – developed by Carbon Tanzania and include c.80,000 tCO2e offsets, equivalent to the CO2 consumed by 100,000 trees in a year.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMH (msn 60765) (Greenliner) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 952960.

Etihad aircraft slide show:

United to start Washington Dulles – Lagos flights on November 29

United Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner N12010 (msn 40926) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 955099.

United Airlines announced today that new service between Washington (Dulles) and Lagos, Nigeria will begin on November 29 (subject to government approval).

The airline will operate three weekly flights.

United will operate this route with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 28 United Polaris® business class lie-flat seats, 21 United Premium Plus® premium economy seats, 36 Economy Plus® seats and 158 standard economy seats. This flight is the only service between the U.S. and Nigeria to offer premium economy product. Flights will depart Washington, D.C. on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and return from Lagos on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Top Copyright photo: United Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner N12010 (msn 40926) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 955099.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways welcomes vaccinated American travelers to Abu Dhabi

"Greenliner"

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, celebrates Abu Dhabi’s reopening to fully vaccinated travelers with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Time is Now campaign, featuring special fares for American travelers who book now until September 30 for travel up to June 30, 2022.

Those traveling from Etihad’s US gateways – New York City, Washington, DC and Chicago – to the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) can enjoy Economy Class rates starting at $816 USD and Business Class rates starting at $4,054 USD.

Earlier this month, the government of Abu Dhabi announced that fully vaccinated travelers with vaccines approved by the World Health Organization can arrive from all international destinations without the need to quarantine. All travelers will require a PCR test within 48 hours of departure, a test on arrival and retesting on select days depending on the country of origin.

Top Copyright Photo: Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner A6-BMH (msn 60765) (Greenliner) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 952960.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

KLM’s North American destinations are restored to near 2019 level

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner PH-BKC (msn 42503) (100 Years) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 949880.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has made this announcement:

KLM’s North American network of destinations is practically back to its 2019 level, before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the seating capacity and flight frequencies are still far below that of 2019. Although there are still significant travel restrictions in the US and Canada, the vaccination rate is increasing both overseas and in Europe, which should gradually reduce restrictions. KLM is prepared for an increase in demand and is ready to welcome its customers safely and responsibly.

The network of destinations is central to KLM’s strategy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KLM preserved its network of destinations as much as possible by reducing seating capacity, so passengers could travel if necessary and cargo transportation was able to continue. This strategy greatly supported KLM during the COVID-19 crisis, which makes it much easier to now scale up its operations again.

Changes compared to 2019

  • There will be a total of 16 North American destinations in the summer of 2021. That is one destination less compared to the summer of 2019, namely Salt Lake City. However, KLM will continue to offer a direct flight from Amsterdam to Salt Lake City in cooperation with its partner Delta Air Lines.
  • KLM intends to add Las Vegas and Minneapolis over the summer, but this will depend on the end of travel restrictions between the United States and Europe.
  • In its winter schedule, which runs from 31 October 2021 through 26 March 2022, KLM will add two new destinations to its North American network: the Mexican resort city of Cancun and Orlando, Florida.
  • The frequency of flights to the destinations this summer will be lower than in the summer of 2019. Both the frequency and seating capacity vary per destination. Thanks to the increasing rate of vaccination and the gradual reopening of Europe and also the United States, we expect that these numbers will gradually increase. We are very agile when it comes to planning our network and of course we consider market demand.

Top Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner PH-BKC (msn 42503) (100 Years) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 949880.

KLM aircraft slide show: