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Heathrow’s second largest airline bmi, British Midland International, has reacted to the news that British Airways crew will be striking over two separate periods in March. A spokesperson said: “We will do all we can to assist BA customers who will be caught up in the dispute. We are currently reviewing flying larger aircraft and additional frequencies. In addition, BA Silver and Gold Executive card holders flying with bmi will be offered access to the bmi lounges including The Great British lounge, bmi’s flagship international lounge at London Heathrow.” AirAsia X, Asia’s leading low cost airline, has celebrated the first anniversary of its launch of operations from London Stansted Airport to Kuala Lumpur. The service, which links the UK’s third busiest airport with the Malaysian Capital, has carried over 221,00 passengers on the route during its first year. Congratulating the airline was Nick Barton, London Stansted’s Commercial & Development Director, who said: “On behalf of everyone at Stansted, I’d like to offer my congratulations to AirAsia X on a fantastic first year at the airport. As we anticipated, the Stansted-Kuala Lumpur service has proved to be extremely popular with passengers, both in the UK and across Asia. They have helped revolutionise long-haul travel and we are very proud to have them with us here at Stansted. “AirAsia is a multi-award winning airline with a superb reputation for service excellence and value for money, and with very ambitious growth plans for the future. We look forward to working with them for many years to come as they develop their services here at Stansted.” The route out of Stansted has cemented Kuala Lumpur as a regional hub for Asia, with a strong trend of passengers connecting to AirAsia’s comprehensive route network. The top five destinations Brits are heading to with AirAsia are Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong and Singapore with more and more continuing their journey and flying on to Australia. Unprecedented demand for the route will see the frequency of flights increase from seven times to nine times per week for its peak periods in summer 2010 – July, August and September and winter 2010 – December and January. Other developments include the introduction of lie flat seats in AirAsia’s premium cabin – a world first for a budget airline. To book Stansted airport parking using an online parking price checker, or Stansted airport taxis click on the links.
Following prolonged discussions between the Unite Union, which represents most of BA’s cabin crew, and British Airways the union has announced it intends to strike on the following dates: 20, 21 and 22 March 2010 In response to the announcement, British Airways has stated that it “will do everything we can to protect our customers’ travel plans as far as possible” in the event that the union representing its flight attendants goes ahead with strikes it has called for. The airline plans to operate a range of services and not all its flights will be cancelled. Flights operated by British Airway’s franchise, codeshare or alliance partners are unaffected. An announcement of flight schedules during the industrial action is expected shortly, in the meantime further information of the current situation can be found here: www.britishairways.com/travel/strike-ballot/public/en_gb The airline has stopped selling tickets on all flights operating during the proposed strike dates. Monarch is increasing capacity on its service between Manchester airport and Tenerife this Easter. By introducing larger aircraft on the service, it will increase the number of seats available by 46% – an extra 3,000 seats. For Manchester airport hotels or to compare and book Manchester airport parking using an online instant airport parking price checker click on the link. Monarch has increased the number of flights operating to Tenerife from Gatwick this Easter. The additional flights will operate on 2, 6 and 16 April between the two destinations to cater for demand. To book Gatwick meet and greet and Gatwick taxi transfers click on the links. Work has started on the upgrading and improvement of the forecourt at Edinburgh Airport. The £3 million project, which is expected to continue until mid June, will see the installation of steel coated concrete bollards to replace the existing concrete blocks and the resurfacing of the bus lane. During the work, no traffic will be permitted to stop in front of the terminal – all public bus services will temporarily stop at the coach park next to the main terminal and the coach park will temporarily be relocated. To compare Edinburgh Airport parking and to book your airport parking online click on the link. Varsity Express has announced the suspension of their Oxford to Edinburgh flights just a week after the service started. The company cites ‘operational issues between Varsity Air Services Ltd and the airline and AOC holder who have been contracted to operate the Jetstream 31 type on our behalf and that was being used on the route.’ Future ticket sales have been suspended and passengers with existing bookings are being informed of the suspension. For more information contact Varsity Express on 0871 644 0450. To book Edinburgh airport parking and Edinburgh airport hotels click on the links. related post: Monarch is to launch new charter flights to Santorini from Manchester Airport this summer. The new Manchester flights will operate weekly (Tuesdays) between 5 May and 5 October 2010. For Manchester airport hotels or to compare and book Manchester airport parking using an online instant airport parking price checker click on the link. Gatwick Express is offering passengers a 10% discount if they book their tickets online. The discount offer runs until midnight on 8 April 2010 and only applies to tickets purchased online. Tickets must be for travel within 6 months of the date of purchase. To compare Gatwick airport parking and to search and book a Gatwick airport hotel click on the links Monarch has announced it is to launch flights to Santorini from Gatwick this summer. The new weekly Gatwick flights will operate every Tuesday from 5 May until 5 October 2010. To book Gatwick meet and greet and Gatwick taxi transfers click on the links. |
