Tag Archives: london heathrow airport

IAG’s Willie Walsh: London Heathrow expansion is a “lost cause”

International Airline Group’s (IAG) (British Airways, Iberia and Vueling Airlines) (London) CEO Willie Walsh has stated the politicians of Britain lack the “character” to push for a third runway at London’s crowded Heathrow Airport (LHR) according to a report by The Guardian. According to Walsh the expansion of LHR is a “lost cause”.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron/AirlinersGallery.com. Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport. T5 was opened in 2008, the main building is the largest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom. Terminal 5 is currently used exclusively by IAG carriers, especially British Airways and Iberia. Prior to March 2012, the terminal was used exclusively by British Airways. The terminal is designed to ultimately handle 35 million passengers a year. Despite this new terminal, the airport cannot expand without a third runway.

British Airways:

Video: The three options for a third runway at LHR offered by the airport:

Below Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning/AirlinersGallery.com. LHR is the main hub of British Airways.

Bottom Copyright Photo: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com. A crowded ramp scene at LHR in the past.

Delta to suspend the Seattle/Tacoma-Tokyo Haneda route for the winter

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) will suspend for the winter season the Seattle/Tacoma-Tokyo (Haneda) route on October 1 per Airline Route. The route will be restored on March 29, 2015.

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-332 ER N185DN (msn 27961) climbs away from London Heathrow Airport.

Delta Air Lines (current):

Royal Jordanian to expand Boeing 787 flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur in October

Royal Jordanian Airlines (Amman) inaugurated Boeing 787 service as planned on September 1 from its base at Queen Alia International Airport to London Heathrow Airport.

The pictured Boeing 787-8 JY-BAA is the first of five that will join the RJ fleet during this year as part of the company’s strategic plan to modernize its long-range fleet of aircraft, replacing the currently operating Airbus A340s and A330s.

As previously reported, JY-BAA was received on August 27, 2014, Royal Jordanian becomes only the second airline in the Middle East to operate the 787.

Royal Jordanian is the first airline worldwide to take delivery of a Boeing 787 with the latest Thales in-Flight entertainment system called AVANT. The system offers passengers the next level of in-flight entertainment with 17” touchscreens in Crown and 10.6” touchscreens in Economy Class.

RJ chose to configure its Dreamliner to carry 24 passengers in business class and 246 in economy.

Customers in all classes will experience an improved cabin environment featuring LED mood lighting, larger windows, bigger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems and reduced noise levels among other features.

Royal Jordanian will continue to expand its 787 operations. Effective October 12 the new type will be assigned to the Amman-Bangkok-Hong Kong route (four days a week). For the other three days a week, effective October 15, the aircraft will fly the Amman-Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur route.

Copyright Photo: Wingnut/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 JY-BAA (msn 37983) taxies across the ramp at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Royal Jordanian:

Air Canada moves into Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2

Air Canada (Montreal) yesterday (June 18) moved into the new Terminal 2 joining United Airlines at London’s Heathrow Airport. Air China and ANA also made the move. The airline issued this statement.

The arrival of Air Canada flight AC 856 from Toronto (Pearson) at 07:04 GMT marked the official move of all Air Canada flights and operations to London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal. The modern and spacious facilities of Heathrow Airport’s new terminal provide customers with an improved travel experience including faster customs and immigration border control upon arrival and check-in and security clearance on departure. Eligible Air Canada and Star Alliance customers will have access to Air Canada’s newest international Maple Leaf Lounge also offering a stylish and inspiring environment in which to relax or work before a flight.

Air Canada check-in and baggage drop off are located in Zone A of the check-in lobby and offer the latest technology including quick and easy self-service kiosks, fast baggage drop-off and dedicated full-service check-in counters. The new terminal provides a wide variety of shopping, dining and seating options in a light, airy and spacious building.

Top Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-333 ER C-FIVQ (msn 35240) completes its final approach to the runway at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Air Canada:

Terminal 2 opens as the Star Alliance terminal at London Heathrow Airport

The first phase of the rebuilding of Terminal 2 at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) opened today (June 4) for the Star Alliance. United Airlines operated the first flights from the new T2.

The Star Alliance has issued this statement:

The new Terminal 2 – the home of Star Alliance at Heathrow – threw open its doors to welcome its first passengers, marking the start of a new travel experience for the 12 million Star Alliance passengers who pass through this leading UK airport every year. Star Alliance member airline United is the first to move in to the new facility, known as Terminal 2 | the Queen’s Terminal for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

All 23 Star Alliance airlines operating Heathrow will move over the next six months: the first time all member airlines will be collocated at the airport. “After many years of planning and construction, tests and optimisation, we at Star Alliance are proud to welcome the first passengers into the new terminal,” said Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab. “It is particularly fitting that one of our five founder members, United, should operate the first flights from this terminal, which sets new standards for Alliance customer service and seamless travel at this important hub airport.”

The first flight to arrive at the new terminal was United’s service UA 958 from Chicago, which landed at 05:43 local time and reached gate B38 at 05:49, six minutes ahead of schedule. The Boeing 767-300 had 178 passengers and 11 crew on board.

Terminal 2, designed by lead architect Luis Vidal, was jointly developed by Heathrow, Star Alliance and its member carriers, with the aim of establishing a true seamless hub at one of the world’s premier international airports. Optimised for today’s air traveller, the facilities of the 23 Star Alliance airlines are integrated to an unprecedented level – laying the groundwork for customer service excellence.

Once all airlines are in residence, connections for transfer passengers will be smoother than ever before at Heathrow, with a standardised minimum connection time of just 60 minutes. Move dates for the remaining 22 airlines have been carefully planned to ensure that each group of airlines has time to embed its operations before the next set of carriers moves in.

Air Canada, Air China and ANA will be the next new occupants, transferring their operations to T2 from June 18th. In July, Aegean, EVA Air, THAI, and Turkish Airlines will move in, together with Avianca – which will launch a service between London and Bogota on July 4th. After a break for the European summer holiday period, moves will resume in September with EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines and Singapore Airlines. Then finally, October sees the arrival of Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, South African Airways, SWISS and TAP Portugal.

A positive tone for the passenger journey is set by the architectural design of the terminal, which uses natural light to create an open and airy atmosphere. Its open-plan check-in facility is directly adjacent to the security area. Passengers exit security on the top level of a two-tier international departures hall, with a clear view out onto the airport. This is just one example of the logical passenger flows that underpin the terminal’s design.

Departing and arriving passengers pass through the building on different levels, guided by clear signage. Transfer passengers follow a separate channel from the arrival gate to security and then join the departing passengers flow. Technology is integrated into the terminal experience and will be used throughout to give the passenger control of their journey. The check-in area has been specially designed for speed and efficiency.

Airlines are grouped in zones, while a row of 81 common use self-service kiosks can be used by any passenger to check in and/or print a bag tag before they proceed to a bag drop desk to hand their luggage to an agent. Full-service traditional check-in desks are provided for the use of First Class, Business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers. Premium passengers also have a fast-track option to speed them through the security checks.

Eight out of 12 gates at the T2B satellite will allow self-boarding, meaning passengers simply pass through a mechanical barrier to board their flight. Four airline lounges will be available for premium passengers, including those with Star Alliance Gold status. These are located in the main terminal building and the satellite, so eligible passengers can relax close to their gate.

The 23 Star Alliance airlines serving Heathrow are Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca*, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, and United. Together they operate over 121 flights per day to 45 destinations in 25 countries. Each of these flights acts as a gateway to the full Alliance network of more than 18,000 daily flights to 1,269 airports in 193 countries. The strong Star Alliance hub at Heathrow is expected to act as a catalyst for growth in global passenger traffic to London and to increase the attractiveness of Heathrow as an international transfer airport. It will enhance Heathrow’s standing for the truly frequent international traveller.

In addition, United Airlines issued this statement:

United Airlines today (June 4) became the first airline to operate a flight at London Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal. United flight UA 958, a Boeing 767 from Chicago, arrived at gate 38B at 5:49 a.m. local time.

United flight 958 was the first of United’s 17 scheduled flight arrivals at Terminal 2 today. The airline also is scheduled to operate 17 departures from the terminal today, bringing all of its operations at Heathrow – previously split between Terminals 1 and 4 – “under one roof” for the first time.

Interactive LHR Airport Map: CLICK HERE

Delta and Virgin Atlantic launch Seattle/Tacoma-London Heathrow flights

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) continued its rapid expansion in Seattle/Tacoma with the launch of new daily nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London Heathrow Airport on Saturday, March 29. The route, established as part of Delta’s joint venture with Virgin Atlantic Airways (London).

Through its trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia, Delta offers Seattle-area travelers nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam while also providing connecting service to more than 150 additional destinations beyond those European hubs.

This spring Delta will also begin expanded Seattle/Tacoma service from Anchorage; Fairbanks, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose, California; and Vancouver to support its growing international gateway that currently serves London Heathrow, Amsterdam and Paris-Charles de Gaulle as well as Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo-Narita, and Tokyo-Haneda.

In June, Delta will begin new international service from Seattle/Tacoma to Seoul and Hong Kong, bringing Delta’s total nonstop transoceanic destinations to nine, as many as all other SeaTac international carriers combined.

By this summer, Delta will offer more than 2,500 daily international seats as part of its 79 peak-day departures to 25 destinations.

Delta currently operates 35 peak-day departures to 15 destinations from Seattle/Tacoma.

Delta Air Lines (current):

Qatar Airways announces all business Airbus A319 flights to London Heathrow

Qatar Airways (Doha) has announced the launch of a new daily all premium Business Class service from its hub in Doha to London’s Heathrow Airport.

The new service will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, commencing from May 15, 2014, with an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with an all Business Class, single aisle, 2–2 seating configuration offering 40 seats.

Qatar Airways currently operates five daily flights to London Heathrow and the additional sixth all Business Class daily service marks the start of an exciting new era for travelers to and from the UK, who can experience complete comfort and privacy with the airline’s award-winning five-star hospitality.

The new additional flight will step up the frequency on the Doha – London Heathrow route from 35 to 42 weekly services.

Qatar Airways has been awarded the World’s Best Business Class Airline for 2013 and has also twice been the recipient of the Airline of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012 at the prestigious Skytrax Airline Awards. The airline has also been named as ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ for the second year running and ‘Business Airline of the Year’ at the high profile UK Business Travel Awards 2014 recently held in London.

Qatar Airways’ new A319 Business Class seat will have one of the highest specifications for business class travel of any airline with wide seats that recline into fully flat beds and state of the art Oryx entertainment system (with more than 900 entertainment options – movies, television, video games and music).

Passengers can also remain in touch with their friends and loved ones on the ground through the SMS mobile texting GSM and GPRS service upon this aircraft, which is sure to reflect that of a VIP jet experience for those traveling between London and Doha.

Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 17th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 129 aircraft flying to 134 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways’ first venture into the all Business Class premium market will strengthen its position as one of the leading airlines in the global aviation industry.

As part of its aggressive expansion program, Qatar Airways will launch routes to eight new destinations during 2014: Sharjah (UAE) from March 1; Dubai World Central (UAE) from March 1; Philadelphia (USA) from April 2; Larnaca (Cyprus) from April 29; Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (Turkey) from May 22; Edinburgh (Scotland) from May 28; Miami (USA) from June 10 and Dallas/Fort Worth (USA) from July 1.

The Doha – London Heathrow New Daily A319 All Business Class Flight Schedule (all times local)

Depart Doha QR015 at 14:50 hrs, arrives in London Heathrow 20:25 hrs
Depart London Heathrow QR016 at 21:55 hrs, arrives in Doha 06:40 hrs

Top Copyright Photo: Andi Hiltl/AirlinersGallery.com. All others by Qatar Airways. Operated as an ACJ, Airbus A319-133 A7-CJA (man 1656) arrives in Zurich.

Qatar Airways:

London’s Heathrow Airport brings back the airfield observation deck

London Heathrow Airport has officially opened a new airfield observation deck with 270 degree views. The area is called View Heathrow Observation Deck and is located in Terminal 4 (T4). The airport issued this statement and photos:

#ViewHeathrow Observation Deck opens

#ViewHeathrow

What has 270 degree views, a view of the Concorde, is right next to the Southern Runway at Heathrow and has just opened? The Answer: The View Heathrow Observation Deck.

The View Heathrow Observation Deck in T4 was officially opened this afternoon by Heathrow’s Normand Boivin and Tom Willis with a host of our airline partners from the terminal.

View Heathrow, located between gates 15 and 16, features 270 degree views and is located less than 250 metres from the centre of the Southern Runway.

The retired British Airways’ Concorde can even be seen from the area which has been converted from an unused former airline lounge.

Led by Paul Springthorpe from the Property team, the project has created a flight deck theme for passengers to interact with including a unique Turbine egg ball chair.

Visitors to View Heathrow can get involved with our social media team by hashtagging their spectacular Instagram pics and Twitter comments with #ViewHeathrow.

A live feed of these Instagram images and Tweets is on display in the viewing area, while visitors can also check out live flight radars on fixed iPads in the area.

The area is free to enter and open in line with Terminal 4’s operating hours.

What’s next for #ViewHeathrow?
This isn’t the only initiative we’ve been working on for all our aviation enthusiasts. We are working on some exciting new things for 2014 including multiple photo competitions, better non-airside venue access and more.

We’re also looking to select a group of aviation photographers to join us for a #ViewHeathrow visit in January. Tweet @yourHeathrow if you’re interested.

OBS DECK OBS DECK 3

Delta and Virgin Atlantic win DOT antitrust immunity for the trans-Atlantic joint venture

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) welcomed the decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve the carriers’ joint venture by granting antitrust immunity on routes between North America and the United Kingdom.

In their filing to the DOT, Delta and Virgin Atlantic noted that nearly 60 percent of the slots at London Heathrow Airport are controlled by British Airways and its joint venture partners. As a result, the carriers dominate air travel between the U.S. and the U.K, including the New York-London market, the most important business market in the world. By combining Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow slots and U.K. brand strength with Delta’s powerful U.S. network, the joint venture will offer significant competition in the market and benefit consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

New schedule between New York-JFK and London Heathrow

With the customer at the forefront of their partnership, the airlines unveiled a new schedule for the competitive New York to London travel market designed with business travelers in mind and offering a total of nine daily nonstop flights. Effective March 30, 2014, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate a harmonized schedule between New York-JFK and London Heathrow featuring seven daily nonstop services at convenient time slots. The new schedule will include departures every 30 minutes during the early evening peak and then hourly until 22:30 from New York-JFK to London Heathrow and a spread of seven daily flights from London Heathrow to New York-JFK, including two late afternoon and early evening departures. These services will be complemented by two daily nonstop flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate the following New York-JFK-London Heathrow schedule beginning March 30, 2014:

New York (JFK) – London (LHR)				London (LHR) – New York (JFK)
DepartAirport	Depart	Airport	Arrival	Depart Airport	Depart	Airport	Arrival
JFK	07:40	LHR	19:40	LHR	09:05	JFK	11:50
JFK	18:30	LHR	06:50*	LHR	10:15	JFK	13:15
JFK	19:00	LHR	07:20*	LHR	11:30	JFK	14:25
JFK	19:30	LHR	08:00*	LHR	14:00	JFK	16:40
JFK	20:30	LHR	08:45*	LHR	16:15	JFK	19:05
JFK	21:30	LHR	09:25*	LHR	17:35	JFK	20:30
JFK	22:30	LHR	10:40*	LHR	20:05	JFK	23:00

*arrives the following day

The two airlines will work together to coordinate other schedule and network opportunities. Combined, the airlines will operate a total of 32 peak daily nonstop flights between North America and the U.K. of which 24 flights will operate between London Heathrow and popular U.S. destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington. Business customers will also benefit from a high-quality product: Delta and Virgin Atlantic’s business class uniquely includes forward-facing full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access on every flight. In addition, both airlines will offer a premium economy product on its trans-Atlantic services.

Customers are already seeing improved travel options from the partnership as they are benefiting from codesharing across 104 routes offering seamless connections to 63 destinations across North America and the UK. The partnership also means that members of frequent flyer SkyMiles and Flying Club loyalty programs have more opportunity to earn and use miles/points, while Premium customers have reciprocal access to Delta Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges. In addition, business class passengers receive priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on all Delta and Virgin Atlantic operated flights worldwide, including those outside of the codeshare agreement.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic will unveil further product enhancements later in the year, appealing to the business customer and improving the travel experience of customers across the trans-Atlantic.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-Northwest Airlines Airbus A330-323X N813NW (msn 799) of Delta approaches the Tokyo (Narita) hub for landing.

Delta Air Lines:

Virgin Atlantic Airways:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. Brand new Airbus A330-343X F-WWCG (msn 1341) became G-VWAG on delivery to Virgin Atlantic.

Delta to launch flights between Seattle/Tacoma and London Heathrow on March 29, 2014

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) is planning to launch nonstop service between Seattle/Tacoma and London (Heathrow) in anticipation of receiving antitrust immunity for its new joint venture with Virgin Atlantic Airways (London). The company issued this statement:

In anticipation of receiving antitrust immunity later this year for its joint venture with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Delta Air Lines will offer new daily nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London Heathrow Airport beginning March 29, 2014.

New service from Seattle/Tacoma to London Heathrow gives Delta’s customers nonstop access to one of the world’s top business markets and is an important enhancement to Delta’s growing trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific network from Seattle/Tacoma. As of January 1, 2014, every international Delta flight from Seattle/Tacoma, including the new London service, will feature full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, Economy Comfort seating and in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft.

The Seattle/Tacoma market is one of Delta’s fastest-growing international gateways. In June, Delta added service to Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda, complementing long-established service to Tokyo-Narita. Delta also has served Beijing and Osaka, Japan from Seattle/Tacoma since 2010.

Through its trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia, Delta also offers Seattle/Tacoma area travelers nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam while also providing connecting service to more than 150 additional destinations beyond those European hubs. With new service to London-Heathrow, Delta will operate flights to eight nonstop international destinations from Seattle.

In December 2012, Delta and Virgin Atlantic announced Delta’s plans to acquire 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic. The carriers intend to form a trans-Atlantic joint venture to optimize schedules and services between the North America and the U.K. Delta last month obtained unconditional clearance from the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to proceed with the investment transaction. Now both carriers are awaiting U.S. Department of Transportation approval of antitrust immunity to implement their joint venture.

On July 3, Delta and Virgin Atlantic launched reciprocal codesharing across 108 routes to 66 destinations throughout North America and the U.K. With the new Seattle service, Delta will operate 10 daily nonstop flights to London Heathrow from six destinations including Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Boston and Atlanta.

Delta will operate Seattle-London Heathrow service using a 210-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft featuring 35 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 32 seats in Economy Comfort and 143 Economy class seats.

Flight details for Seattle-London Heathrow Service:

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Service Begins
37	SEA at 6:40 p.m.	LHR at 12:05 p.m. (following day)	March 29, 2014
36	LHR at 12:20 p.m.	SEA at 2:40 p.m. (same day)	March 30, 2014