https://simpleflying.com Home to several of the largest airline groups, Europe is a real hive of the commercial aviation industry. Here you can find everything going on in the industry, including airlines, airports, routes, and more! Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT en-US hourly 60 China's Shenzhen Airlines launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona on Monday. The route links China's tech hub with the northeast coast of Spain, known for its art and architecture. The flight is the second European route that the carrier operates. It comes as both Shenzhen and Barcelona are reportedly celebrating the second anniversary of establishing friendly ties.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/shenzhen-airlines-airbus-a330-flights-barcelona/ Malaysia Airlines currently has six Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, which were all delivered between November 2017 and July 2018. With all of these units not even six years old yet, there are plenty of prospects to be had with the type, especially on Malaysia Airlines' flagship route to London.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/malaysia-airlines-airbus-a350s-meet-demand-london-heathrow-kuala-lumpur/ The flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways, announced major upgrades to its airport lounge at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR). The new upgrades include an exclusive martini mixer at its exclusive Concorde Room in Terminal 5.

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-martini-experience-heathrows-concorde-room/ On August 25th, a Jet2 A321-200N en route from Bodrum to Manchester diverted to Antalya because of a problem with one of the engines. The pilots landed the aircraft safely at Antalya International Airport (AYT).

]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet2-airbus-a321neo-returns-bodrum-engine-flames-spotted/ Today, we will look at the Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling and discover how it came to be and where it is now. Based at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), Vueling is the second-largest Spanish airline after Iberia.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:46:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vueling-brief-history/ At a quick glance, Europe's three most prominent airline groups have been enjoying a significantly strong summer this year with bolstered capacities across their route networks compared to last summer. But despite these increased efforts, these airlines are still lagging a fair bit compared to pre-pandemic numbers - highlighting how everyone still has some distance to cover before reaching previous levels of flying.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/summer-capacity-iag-lufthansa-air-france-klm/ Alongside flag carrier British Airways, and its various low-cost and leisure operators, the UK is kept connected by regional airlines. These smaller carriers provide links for less well-served parts of the country, both between one another and to larger population centers. One such company is Glasgow-based Loganair, which proudly markets itself as 'Scotland's airline.' The carrier turned 60 this year.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:15:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/loganair-history/ Before we answer the question of why TAP Air Portugal acquired Portugália Airlines, let's first look at the two airlines' history and discover how they became intertwined.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:45:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/why-tap-air-portugal-acquired-portuglia-airlines/ Britannia Airways was one of the world's leading holiday package airlines for decades, pioneering many features that passengers today take for granted. The firm dominated much of the market within the United Kingdom for years before it was absorbed into TUI's restructure in 2004.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/britannia-airways/ As the aviation industry, in general, recovers well after the difficulties of the pandemic, airport upgrades and infrastructure improvement projects have followed. With many such projects underway or imminent in the United Kingdom, there are strong signs for the construction industry there.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:46:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/uk-airport-developments-construction-industry-advantages/ The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) of Moldova has declared the suspension of Air Moldova's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) due to the absence of aircraft with valid airworthiness certificates.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/authority-suspends-air-moldova-air-operator-certificate/ Two passengers on separate vacations flying on TUI Airways are engaged after meeting during a delay in England nearly four years ago. The couple, who says the moment they met was "love at first sight," are reportedly planning to get married next month.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/tui-passengers-engaged-bournemouth-airport/ On August 26th, a brand new Airbus A220-300 touched down at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport and became ITA Airways' 5th A220 and 75th aircraft overall. The jet departed Airbus Canada's assembly facilities in Montreal on August 25th and flew into the evening with a midnight stopover at London's Stansted Airport.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 06:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ita-airways-5th-airbus-a220-300/ Some 43 US airports have non-stop scheduled passenger flights to Europe in September. While that is two fewer than in September 2019, weekly departing flights are 3.5% higher than they were.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 19:01:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/43-us-airports-europe-non-stops-september-2023/ Flag carrier airlines play an important role in representing their home country on an international level. They are often among a nation's most recognizable brands, and have close ties to the culture and heritage of the country in question. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) serves this role for three different nations, but why is this the case?

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sas-flag-carrier-3-countries/ easyJet is one of the largest carriers in Europe, flying on more than 1,100 routes to over 35 countries. The airline uses its fleet of Airbus A320 family narrowbodies to conduct its low-cost operations across Europe and beyond. Based in Luton, United Kingdom, the company has grown to become a household name in several industries since its founding just over a quarter of a century ago.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:16:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/easyjet-history/ Thousands of UK passengers have been impacted by late-notice cancelations from British Airways and easyJet ahead of the bank holiday weekend. BA canceled around 50 flights to and from Heathrow, while easyJet scrapped ten Gatwick flights.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-easyjet-bank-holiday-cancellations/ Nordic flight connections will soon be improved as Finnair is preparing to launch a new 'Arctic Express' service that will connect Helsinki with Rovaniemi and Tromsø. These new flights will be the only direct connection between Rovaniemi and Tromsø, allowing passengers to experience the hometown of Santa Claus and the gateway to the Northern Lights.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/finnair-arctic-express-service/ Ryanair is constantly hitting the headlines for one reason or another. However, the airline attracts plenty of positive publicity for its cheap fares across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The one question that is often asked is how the airline can make a profit on seats sold for as little as £9.99 ($12.5).

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:05:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/why-is-ryanair-so-cheap/ The Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines has partnered with the Norway-based climate tech firm CHOOOSE to provide passengers with the opportunity to understand and offset their travel emissions.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/pegasus-airlines-estimate-carbon-impact/ British Airways will ask passengers aged 16 and above to show photographic identification, such as a passport, a driving license, or a valid EU national identity card, for domestic flights within the United Kingdom starting September 1, 2023.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-id-domestic-flights/ SWISS International Air Lines cabin crew has recently become involved in a spot of trouble with the airline for publicly posing for pictures and selfies on top of the wing of a parked Boeing 777 aircraft belonging to the airline while on the ground in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:01:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/swiss-crew-selfies-boeing-777/ Italy boasts a notable history in aviation, but aviation museums are scarce throughout the country. Despite this, several remarkable Italian Air Force museums offer an extensive collection of military aircraft dating back to the early 1900s. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich aviation history of Italy and witness firsthand the incredible technological advancements that have taken place over the years.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 23:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/italy-coolest-aviation-museums-list/ Rome is considered one of the most fascinating places in the world, with its unique atmosphere and historic sights that never fail to bring tourists back in time and make them fall in love with ancient history. Among the many records the city holds, there is also one that is of interest to aviation geeks. Indeed, Rome is home to Italy's oldest airport, Ciampino (CIA).

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/rome-ciampino-airport-history/ Located 6.9 miles northwest of the university city of Oxford and 62 miles from central London, Oxford Airport (OXF) is a privately owned airfield that caters to business aviation. Home to Leading Edge Aviation, Volare Aviation, and the United Kingdom, home of Airbus Helicopters, London Oxford Airport (OXF) competes with other London airports for private jet charters.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/london-oxford-airport-private-jet-traffic-importance-analysis/ Corendon Airlines will soon offer an adult-only section on specific flights in November for passengers who genuinely dislike flying with families and children. Known as the new only adult zone, the Turkish-Dutch leisure carrier hopes to cater to passengers aged 16 and above seeking a child-free environment during their flight, with dedicated seats onboard its Airbus A350s.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/correndon-airlines-adult-only-cabin-sections/ SWISS has four Airbus A340-300s. Like other four-engined widebodies in service with airlines worldwide, SWISS' examples are a diminishing part of its fleet. While the carrier's average A340 route length this summer covers more than 4,200 miles (6,759 km), it continues using them on short European routes – always great to see.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/swiss-airbus-a340-europe-flights/ Started by an American with three DC-6s in 1965, low-cost-carrier Transavia has become the second-largest airline in the Netherlands. Now wholly owned by its parent compatriot KLM, what began as a small-scale charter operation has grown to reach over 110 destinations in nearly 30 counties. So, let's take a look at how it got there.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:30:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/transavia-history/ The United Kingdom's London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has become the first European air hub to regain a direct, non-stop service to Wuhan, China, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The first flight touched down in the British capital earlier this morning, operated by an Airbus A350 from China Southern.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/london-heathrow-direct-wuhan-flights/ British Airways is celebrating 75 years of service to Japan. The carrier first flew to Japan with its fleet of flying boats just after World War II.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:04:55 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-75-years-japan/ Today, Irish budget carrier Ryanair is one of the world's largest low-cost airlines. As is the case with many LCCs worldwide, it operates a uniform fleet of hundreds of narrowbody twinjets to increase its operational flexibility. However, did you know that, in its earlier years, Ryanair's fleet was far more diverse? It even flew a handful of turboprop aircraft, as we shall now explore.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 22:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-turboprops/ On Wednesday, 23rd August, an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet traveling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg came down near the settlement of Kuzhenkino in Tver Oblast. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian state-funded private military company, the Wagner Group, is understood to have died in the crash.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-update/ You may think you are an expert in identifying airlines and know all about the aircraft types that make up their fleets. But let's see how good your knowledge really is! Here is the second part of Simple Flying's list of a select range of European-based charter airlines you may be less familiar with (or have never even heard of).

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/10-forgotten-european-charter-airlines-list-part-2/ Five years ago, Ryanair was a single Irish airline operating flights across Europe. A lot has changed in the years since. Five airlines now fall under the Ryanair Group umbrella, ranging from Buzz and its bumble bee-based livery to Lauda, the only group entity with some Airbus A320 family aircraft. Here's the story of how one huge airline became five large airlines.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:15:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-group-subsidiaries/ French bee has appointed a new CEO, opting for former TAP Air Portugal head Christine Ourmières-Widener. She becomes the first female CEO to lead French bee, bringing 35 years of experience to the table.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/french-bee-hires-first-female-ceo/ A private aircraft crashed just north of Moscow, Russia, earlier today, August 23. The boss of the Wagner Group, a private military company that was funded by the Russian government, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and his commander, Dmitry Utkin, were both aboard the plane that crashed. Wagner Group has had its fighters deployed in support of the Russian government's allies several times.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/embraer-legacy-600-crash-wagner-group-leader-russia/ On July 3, 1970, Dan-Air Flight 1903 took from Manchester Airport (MAN) in the North of England, heading for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in Spain. Organized by package tour travel agent Clarkson's Tours, the 105 passengers from the north of England were looking forward to an all-inclusive vacation in Lloret de Mar on Spain's sunny Costa Brava.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:30:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/dan-air-flight-1903-accident-story/ In the past few days, rumors have emerged that British leisure carrier Monarch Airlines, which collapsed in 2017, might be on the brink of a return to passenger service. Being nearly six years since the airline ceased operations, many had left the carrier for dead long ago.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:30:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/monarch-airlines-brief-history/ Can you remember when Virgin Atlantic flew a British-made turboprop between London and a small Dutch city? You'd be excused for forgetting this brief chapter of the UK carrier's interesting history, but, nonetheless, it's a story worth telling. Let's examine Virgin Atlantic's short-lived Vickers flights from Maastricht to Gatwick.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/virgin-atlantic-vickers-viscount/ easyJet will fly to the Egyptian capital of Cairo for the first time this winter. The low-cost carrier will operate a thrice-weekly service from Luton Airport beginning at the end of October.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:00:33 GMT https://simpleflying.com/easyjet-launches-cairo-flights/ The airspace above Moscow was temporarily closed on Tuesday morning following a Ukrainian drone attack in the nearby town of Krasnogorsk. The incident on August 22nd led to operations being paused at all four of Moscow's airports.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:00:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/moscow-airports-close-explosion-august-2023/ Europe’s largest ultra-low-cost carrier, Ryanair, announced today it will open a new base in Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the second one in the country, after its base at Billund (BLL). Ryanair is returning to Copenhagen (as a base) after exiting the airport in 2015.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-reopen-base-copenhagen/ With its tricolor tails, British Airways is one of the most easily-recognizable airlines on the world stage. While the carrier's first class cabins aren't universal, the UK flag carrier's widebodies all feature a business class product known as Club World. The size of these cabins varies between aircraft types, as we shall now explore.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:30:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-largest-club-world-cabins-list/ Despite having a historical FIFA World Cup run this year by making it through to the finals against Spain's La Roja, the Lionesses from England suffered a near-miss on the gold as they were defeated for silver 1-0. But even in defeat, England fans were proud of what the Lionesses had achieved and were anxiously waiting to show their support.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/england-woman-football-team-skips-heathrow-airport-arrivals-hall/ Situated just off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are an archipelago representing the southernmost point of the British Isles. These can be reached by boat and helicopter, but for passengers wanting to travel on fixed-wing aircraft, regional carrier Isles of Scilly Skybus is the place to go. Let's look at everything you need to know about this fascinating little airline.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/isles-of-scilly-skybus-guide/ You may think you are an expert in identifying airlines and know all about the aircraft types that make up their fleets. But here is a list of a select range of European-based charter airlines that you may be less familiar with or may have never even heard of. Why not test yourself and discover how many you recognize?

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/10-forgotten-european-charter-airlines-list-part-1/ An Emirates Airbus A380 landing in Nice was damaged after reportedly striking a drone. One of the plane's wing slats suffered damage from the collision, and the jet remains grounded four days after the incident.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:54:22 GMT https://simpleflying.com/emirates-airbus-a380-nice-drone-collision-reports/ Off the breezy shores of Lake Saimma lies Sulkava, a cozy town in south-eastern Finland. And within this small town is a family farm where a young boy who dreamed of becoming a pilot grew up. Many years later, his dreams would be achieved, and he would also go on to have the ultimate flying Finnair family.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:30:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/finnair-family-relatives-working-together/ When departing for a long-awaited summer holiday, passengers are generally itching to get on their way in order to let the fun begin. However, a plane-load of British travelers were made to wait a little while longer yesterday after their Jet2 flight to Turkey was delayed under dramatic circumstances due to an alleged bomb threat.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/jet2-bomb-threat-police-remove-passenger/ On August 15th, a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 flying from London to Bahrain diverted to Frankfurt due to a fuel leak. The crew landed safely, reportedly using only one engine. Technical issues aside, passengers on the affected flight may have been improperly looked after upon landing in Frankfurt.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:10:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/gulf-air-boeing-787-9-diverts-to-frankfurt-due-to-fuel-leak/ Spain's women's national football team is back home in Madrid following a win against England at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Sydney, Australia. On Monday, Spain's flag airline Iberia carried the world champions back to the country onboard a specialized Airbus A350.

]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/iberia-flies-womens-world-cup-winners-madrid-airbus-a350/ Spanish carrier Iberia once had a fleet of up to 30 Boeing 757-200s, according to data from ch-aviation. Iberia operated this single-aisle aircraft until 2006 when it removed the last ten from its fleet. So, what has happened with these 757-200s ever since? Let's find out.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/iberia-boeing-757-fate/ KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has something for everyone when it comes to its present fleet, with a wide variety of twin-engine jetliners from various aircraft manufacturers at its disposal. According to ch-aviation.com, the Dutch flag carrier's fleet currently consists of 178 aircraft, and we shall now explore its makeup a little closer.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:01:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/klm-fleet-guide/ Norse Atlantic has removed London Gatwick to Kingston from sale more than three months before the first flight. The Jamaican capital was one of four routes the long-haul low-cost carrier introduced to improve winter performance, which is crucial to overall profitability and sustainability.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/norse-atlantic-cuts-gatwick-kingston-before-first-flight/ Scotland has had air routes connecting its many inhabited islands to the mainland for a long time. In fact, the route from Kirkwall Airport (KOI) in the Orkney Islands to Inverness Airport (INV) is the longest-running commercial air route in the UK. Ferry routes, of course, are also an option, but there is still an essential need for air links - for several good reasons.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/scotland-islands-air-travel-importance-guide/ Monarch Airlines, the iconic British charter airline with roots going back several decades, has announced it plans to take to the skies again. Having collapsed due to financial pressures in 2017, the company is planning a spectacular revival of the brand to serve the UK inclusive tour market again, 55 years after its first flight.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:00:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/monarch-airlines-is-reportedly-being-revived/ Good customer service can make all the difference when flying across the skies. Well, if you were flying to the Middle East with Lufthansa recently, you may have been delivered just this by the airline’s CEO, Jens Ritter!

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-ceo-works-as-cabin-crew/ Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly will have to pay the damages for flights that failed to operate on its behalf. Last week, the Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA) ruled that the carrier is obligated to provide compensation for other passengers.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:28 GMT https://simpleflying.com/hifly-compensate-niceair-due-failure-operate-flights/ As the aviation industry continues to inch closer to pre-pandemic operational levels, demand across Europe has remained strong during the first half of this month. The overall number of flights currently sits just below the amount recorded in August 2019.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:31:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/european-flights-94-percent-2019-levels/ With Wizz Air's ground handling strikes set to go ahead at Luton Airport in the coming weeks, passengers flying out of the airport can expect major disruption. Here's everything you need to know.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:30:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/luton-airport-passengers-wizz-air-strikes/ Today we will look at nighttime flight restrictions at some of Germany's busiest airports. Germany is not alone regarding nighttime flight restrictions, with most airports shutting down operations during the nighttime. This is because many airports are located in urban areas, and planes taking off and landing can disturb people trying to sleep.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 02:45:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/germany-major-airports-night-flight-restrictions/ As the deadline approaches for British Airways to change its Avios-earning formula, it has enlisted transatlantic partner American Airlines as well. Starting October 18th, you'll earn AAdvantage miles based on the fare paid rather than the usual distance and fare class rule used by other partners. The change affects all Iberia and BA travel after this date, closing a loophole that many have looked to for earning miles under the old formula.

]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2023 01:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-aadvantage-revenue-based-earning-british-airways-iberia/ European low-cost giant Ryanair has been fined for not properly compensating passengers for flights canceled due to a cabin crew strike that occurred five years ago in 2018. With over 300 flights canceled across two days, the Supreme Court and the National Court have issued fines.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 19:01:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-fine-not-compensating-passengers/ Topi Manner has resigned as chief executive officer at Finnair to join the Finnish telecommunications firm Elisa Corporation. The search for a successor is underway, but as of now, no replacement has been identified. Topi Manner will continue serving as Finnair's CEO until March 1, 2024, or until a new CEO has been identified.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 09:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/finnair-ceo-topi-manner-resigns/ One city pair where you'll find an abundance of Emirates A380s is Dubai to London. In fact, for the month of August 2023, the airline sees six daily A380 services to London Heathrow. This is also bolstered by another three daily services to London Gatwick. With this incredible frequency of service using the world's largest passenger aircraft, we thought it would be interesting to take a deep dive into Emirates' A380 operations to the UK Capital.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 06:00:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/emirates-a380-operations-to-london-deep-dive/ Iberia flew one of its Airbus A350 aircraft to Australia on Friday, carrying family, friends and sponsors of Spain's women's national football team to attend the FIFA Women's World Cup. The aircraft departed from the airline's hub in Madrid and arrived in Sydney after a journey of more than 20 hours, with a stop in Doha.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 04:00:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/iberia-airbus-a350-sydney-womens-world-cup-final/ German flag carrier Lufthansa seems to be focused on expanding its footprint in the Indian subcontinent with an upgraded aircraft deployment for flight services from Frankfurt to Mumbai. While the route currently utilizes the airline's older Airbus A340s, they will soon be replaced with the much newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from late October until mid-January next year.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:00:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-boeing-787-mumbai-india/ Most of the microstates across the world lack commercial airports, often due to lack of space. In such cases, establishing a dedicated airport might not be economically viable, especially when a neighboring country with a nearby airport can offer air connectivity.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 18:46:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/european-countries-without-commercial-airports/ AB Airlines was one of Europe's first self-styled low-cost carriers when it commenced operations in 1993. However, with a lack of cohesive structure or a firm financial footing, the airline would not last long enough to benefit from the low-cost boom sweeping Europe toward the end of the 1990s.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:45:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ab-airlines-uk-history/ The Southampton Football Club has partnered with Blue Islands, a regional airline of the Channel Islands. The partnership aims to enhance the travel accessibility and affordability of fans who wish to explore the Channel Islands. As part of the collaboration, eligible fans will also receive a 10% discount on all flights to Jersey or Guernsey with the airline.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/blue-islands-partners-with-southampton-fc/ Aviation tech company SITA is preparing to exit Russia this fall, potentially disrupting international Russian flights. However, Russian authorities claim the move will not impact flights, as the majority of SITA services were already switched off in 2022.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sita-set-to-leave-russia/ The Alenia C-27J Spartan is an Italian-made military transport plane that epitomizes the versatility of widespread utility. This light tactical airlift workhorse has proven its mettle in a multitude of roles spanning distances as far as the vast expanse of Australia.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:45:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/alenia-spartan-military-transport-plane-guide/ On August 18th, 2023, Swiss International Air Lines AG (SWISS) revealed today the number of revenue passengers for the summer of 2023. The airline transported an impressive 1.7 million passengers over the last three months, given the recent trials and tribulations the airline has undergone.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/swiss-one-million-passengers-summer-2023/ Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will remain under bankruptcy protection until next year following a New York bankruptcy court order earlier this month. The airline will have until January 8th, 2024, to develop a viable restructuring plan.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:00:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sas-scandinavian-airlines-bankruptcy-protection-until-2024/ Following the end of World War II, German aircraft manufacturer Dornier finally returned to Germany in 1954 after spending many years producing planes elsewhere in Europe, notably Spain and Switzerland. One of the first aircraft designed and built upon returning to their homeland was the single-engine STOL-capable utility Dornier Do 27, which operators would eventually take delivery of several hundred examples. But it became apparent that a twin-engine variant could also be quite helpful.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:40:41 GMT https://simpleflying.com/dornier-do-28-history/ While it is common for celebrities and sports personalities to fly private when traveling, when the Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. flew from Europe to the Middle East yesterday on a private Boeing 747, it was the number one tracked flight on FlightRadar24.com.

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 09:00:23 GMT https://simpleflying.com/saudi-arabian-private-boeing-747-flies-neymar-europe/ Minneapolis will welcome back Aer Lingus next May. In a competitive – and potentially predatory – move, Delta announced Dublin-Minneapolis on precisely the same day Aer Lingus officially unveiled its return. As Minneapolis is a massive Delta hub, the move is designed to protect its fortress hub and turf, even though it would not have launched Dublin but for Aer Lingus.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:01:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/minneapolis-record-europe-flights-summer-2024/ Amsterdam-based airline KLM is known the world over, amongst other things, for its iconic blue livery. With its fleet of 100+ aircraft, the Dutch flag carrier flies to cities around the world, serving millions of passengers each year. Looking at data from ch-aviation.com, let's examine the oldest active aircraft in KLM's mainline fleet.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:30:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/klm-oldest-planes/ With air operators looking for unique and innovative ways to reach net-zero goals, Lufthansa Cargo has put forward an outline to shape the future of sustainable cargo infrastructure.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-cargo-frankfurt-airport-expansion/ Europe's largest (and most outspoken) low-cost carrier Ryanair has filed a formal appeal against attempts by the Spanish airport operator, Aena, to raise airport charges.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:31:58 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-attacks-spanish-airport-fee-increase/ It has been confirmed that the BOAC liveried British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft, parked up at St Athan in Wales, is in the process of being dismantled. The aircraft was the last Boeing 747 to fly with the British Airways callsign, with its final flight on December 11th, 2020. While it is the end for the aircraft, it’s not the end for the constituent parts, with avgeeks across the world potentially able to own a piece of this historic aircraft.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:15:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-boac-boeing-747-scrapped-sale/ Thomas Cook was closing in on two centuries of business before its demise in September 2019. After efforts to seek a £200 million bailout failed, Thomas Cook fell into liquidation, ending a business that had operated for 178 years. The failure of Thomas Cook Airlines became the biggest UK airline collapse in history, eclipsing Monarch Airlines, which had gone bust two years prior.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:00:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/thomas-cook-history/ Today we will look at the five busiest domestic air routes in Europe and see how high-speed trains are gradually replacing them. Before we discuss that in more detail, it's worth pointing out that domestic flights that involve travel from the mainland to an island will never be replaced by rail.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/europe-busiest-domestic-air-routes-list/ A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Freighter was damaged by a ground vehicle at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport yesterday. The widebody was hit while a loader was driving in front of the plane's lower deck aft.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:00:49 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ground-vehicles-damage-qatar-airways-boeing-777f-amsterdam-schiphol/ The Airbus A350 is one of the most popular widebodies currently. According to its website, the European manufacturer has totaled 1034 orders for the model and delivered 550 aircraft so far. There are 150 active aircraft operated by 14 carriers in Europe at the moment, so there’s plenty of chance for you to experience flying onboard this bird.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a350-europe/ When it comes to low-cost carriers (LCCs), Southwest and Ryanair are likely the names that come to mind depending on where you are. Built on the same no-frills, low fares, and single cabin philosophy, the two are very similar in some regards. However, if you have flown both carriers, there are some striking differences in their models, which we'll explore today.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/southwest-vs-ryanair/ For such a large airline that operates so many flights a day, Irish low-cost giant Ryanair has a very strong safety record. Indeed, the budget carrier has never experienced a fatal crash, and has just a single hull loss to its name. This took place in November 2008, involving an international flight from Frankfurt to Rome.

]]> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:31:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-flight-4102-only-hull-loss/ When it comes to Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus, its present fleet is dominated by Airbus planes. Its long-haul services are generally operated by the Airbus A330, although the A321LR also plays an increasingly prominent role for the carrier's transatlantic routes. However, in years gone by, it also operated long-haul services with the Boeing 747. Let's look at the story of the airline's jumbo jets.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:30:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aer-lingus-boeing-747-fleet/ Today we will look at which airlines that serve the United Kingdom have received the most complaints for lost or damaged luggage. So, you are all checked in for your flights and have passed through security without a problem, then, to your horror, you see that your flight has been delayed. Eventually, the aircraft arrives, and you board, all ready to start that long-awaited vacation.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/uk-baggage-complaints-airlines-analysis/ With its designation of Saga Premium, Icelandair has one of the coolest names around for a business class cabin. Every passenger-carrying jet in the Icelandic flag carrier's fleet has a Saga Premium section onboard, but the exact number of seats available varies between aircraft types. Let's see what the differences are.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:31:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/icelandair-largest-business-class-cabins/ Just over six years after filing for bankruptcy and ceasing all flight operations, the sale of the insolvent Air Berlin brand has finally reached a new chapter. According to aeroTELEGRAPH, the trademark rights were sold to Marcos Rossello - founder of German charter carrier, Sundair. Could Air Berlin be relaunched and returned to its former glory with a new owner?

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:15:26 GMT https://simpleflying.com/sundair-owner-buys-air-berlin-brand/ Over the years, the Schengen Area has become a popular destination for travelers. The Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders, offering a simplified experience akin to domestic travel.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:29:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/schengen-area-flying-benefits-list/ Today we will look at a German aerospace museum that features aircraft designed and built by Dornier. However, before we get into that, we must learn a little about Dornier and its history. Born in Bavaria on May 14, 1884, to a French wine importer and his German wife, Claude Dornier grew up loving science.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:30:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/dornier-museum-friedrichshafen-guide/ The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) owned a Dassault Falcon private jet from 2002 to 2009. It was used by CEO Sir Fred Goodwin and other senior executives but did not last long. Following government bailouts and cost-cutting measures beginning in 2008, it was sold the following year. Plans for future aircraft were dropped at the same time.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/rbs-dassault-falcon-jet-history/ US carrier American Airlines has announced flights to three new cities in Europe, due to operate next summer. All three will be based out of Philadelphia, with the airline targeting Copenhagen in Denmark, Nice in France, and Naples in Italy. These routes will be accompanied by the return of two former routes.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:01:29 GMT https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-adds-copenhagen-naples-nice-flights/ Aer Lingus has announced routes from Dublin to Denver and Minneapolis. It will be the first time Denver has had Dublin flights, while Minneapolis returns after being postponed due to the pandemic. They follow the inauguration of Cleveland in May.All benefit from Dublin's geographic location on the edge of Europe, enabling logical connections, and the airport's US pre-clearance facility.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:30:24 GMT https://simpleflying.com/aer-lingus-airbus-a330-flights-denver-minneapolis/ Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and British Airways will all use the Airbus A380 from UK airports to the Middle East this winter – just as they do now. Supplementing other aircraft, A380 flights will rise to a maximum of 20 daily (double for both ways). While this does not surpass the previous record of 21, last held in March 2018, it is the highest number daily since September 2019.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:01:27 GMT https://simpleflying.com/uk-20-daily-airbus-a380-flights-middle-east-winter-2023/ Frankfurt Airport had to curtail operations as heavy rain lashed the city on Wednesday. Dozens of flights were canceled, and there were instances of passengers unable to disembark from aircraft after they had landed due to the flooding of the airport premises.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:07:04 GMT https://simpleflying.com/frankfurt-airport-flooding-august-2023/ If you've spent much time at airports in the United Kingdom, particularly in the North of England, the chances are that you will have come across Jet2. With its characteristic silver and red aircraft, Jet2 ranks among the largest scheduled airlines in the UK, behind the likes of British Airways and easyJet. With the carrier bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic, let's look closer at Jet2.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:31:25 GMT https://simpleflying.com/a-look-at-jet2/ Vistara is to cover the medical expenses of a child that received second-degree burns from a hot beverage onboard a flight from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), The Tribune and Times of India reports.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:06:46 GMT https://simpleflying.com/vistara-to-pay-medical-expenses-for-child-burned-on-frankfurt-flight/