NEWQUAY - The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step closer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first-ever spaceport licence. The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the licence, following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper, clearing the way for Virgin Orbit space activities from the site.»
LONDON - The UK Civil Aviation Authority published for consultation its initial proposals to establish new price controls for NATS En-Route ("NERL"), a subsidiary of air navigation service provider NATS. The controls regulate the prices NERL can charge airlines for the services it provides in UK airspace.»
LONDON - British Airways is avoiding a clash with its pilots. The airline reached a new agreement with British pilot's union Balpa on wage increases and the end to a scheme that curbed pilot pay during the pandemic. British Airways competitor Ryanair is stuck in negotiations with its Irish pilots over pay.»
GLASGOW - The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair, has increased its flight schedule for summer 2023, announcing more services across key regional routes as it responds to growing demand from leisure and business travellers. The airline may commence its summer 2023 under new ownership.»
LONDON - Strong passenger demand and higher air traffic volumes following the lifting of all UK travel restrictions in March 2022 accelerated Gatwick’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, the airport revealed in its half year results. The London hub increased its passenger forecast for the remainder of 2022.»
LONDON - Following a summer where 70 percent of the aiport's passengers were travelling for leisure, London City expects business traffic to rebound through the winter season. The airport just saw the return of Sun-Air with its service to Billund, while British Airways switches from leisure to business routes.»
LOSSIEMOUTH - The RAF’s new Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth was launched on Search and Rescue duties for the first time this month as they helped rescue two transatlantic rowers. The P-8A crew coordinated a merchant vessel to the stricken rowers.»
LONDON - Ryanair adds over one million seats to its winter schedules to and from 20 UK airports "in response to British Airways’ announcement that it will cancel 8 percent of its winter schedule due to staff shortages and capacity cuts" at "hopeless Heathrow" airport. The Irish LCC expects to carry more passengers this year.»
LONDON - British Airways responds to the passenger cap at Heathrow airport. The IAG airline suspended ticket sales for short-haul flights from its main hub until August 8 citing "responsible action" to ease capacity constraints. The move sent ticket fares at other London airports through the roof.»
LONDON - London Heathrow airport caps it daily departures at 100,000 passengers to avoid additional cancellations through the summer period. The airport expects an average of 1,500 passengers per day to be affected by the "intervention" - and blames airlines for not taking sufficient action to help ease the situation.»
LONDON - Staff shortages meet demand peaks: British Airways is canceling 10,300 additional short-haul flights through October to stabilize its schedule and "protect as many of our holiday flights as possible". Pending labor action at Heathrow airport will not cause British Airways additional headaches.»
LONDON - Only once in a while Heathrow slots return to the open allocation pool. British slot coordinator ACI has now reallocated 32 Aeroflot take-off and landing slots among other airlines. JetBlue Airways, Virgin Atlantic and four other airlines will take off on seized Aeroflot slots in the winter season.»Discussions on current events and developments in the aviation industry
