Virgin Orbit rocket launch failure to be investigated by UK officials January 13, 2023 UK officials will work with counterparts in the US to oversee an investigation into the failure of Virgin Orbit’s rocket launch mission from Cornwall. The Space Accident Investigation Authority (CAIS) said it will work alongside the Federal Aviation Administration to “ensure that any relevant safety lessons are learnt”. The organisations will oversee Virgin Orbit’s investigation. [...]
Capital flight: 3m flew from London City Airport in 2022 in bid to avoid travel chaos at Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted January 13, 2023 London City Airport has delivered its year-end goal of 3 million travellers after banking on the disruption that plagued its rivals over the past summer. The Newham hub announced today passenger levels were up 318 per cent on last year’s levels, but nevertheless trailed behind 2019’s 5.1 million visitors. The airport capitalised on rivals’ delays [...]
Gatwick’s passenger numbers soar staggering 420 per cent on 2021 – but airport is STILL behind pre-Covid levels January 13, 2023 Gatwick’s passenger numbers have soared over the past 12 months following the reopening of air travel post-pandemic restrictions, but it’s still down on pre-Covid levels . The West Sussex hub reported that almost 33 million people passed through its gates in 2022, up over 420 per cent on last year’s 6.3 million passengers. Nevertheless, the [...]
Exclusive: Virgin Media O2’s business chief on the £31bn mega merger that dazzled the City January 13, 2023 As the UK is in the midst of a merciless recession, with the cost-of-living crisis raging, businesses are scrambling to cut costs, maintain market share and find a way to get through the economic misery. The telecoms sector is no exception. Time for City A.M. to catch up with Jo Bertram, managing director of Virgin Media [...]
Porsche in talks to integrate Google software in cars despite data sharing concerns January 12, 2023 Porsche is reportedly in talks to integrate Google into its car cockpits, in a sign the luxury carmaker has overcome its doubts about data sharing. Sources told Reuters the deal would enable Porsche customers to use the Google Automotive Services (GAS) package. This will mean motorists will no longer have to connect their smartphones to [...]
Luton’s busiest Christmas not enough as passenger levels lag behind pre-Covid glory January 12, 2023 Luton’s busiest Christmas day on record was not enough to return the airport to its former glory, with passenger numbers still significantly lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. The Bedfordshire hub said that 1.1m passengers passed through its gates in December, 87.9 per cent up on last year’s levels. Luton also reported its busiest Christmas day ever, [...]
Elizabeth line: No service to the City and the Wharf TODAY as strike goes ahead despite Khan’s attempts to avert it January 12, 2023 No trains will operate on the Elizabeth line today between Paddington and Abbey Wood as staff are walking out over salaries and pensions. The industrial action will also lead to reduced service on the east and west ends of the line, between Liverpool Street and Shenfield as well as between Paddington, Reading and Heathrow. Members [...]
UK airlines hit back against calls for green taxation January 12, 2023 UK airlines have hit back against reports calling for a fairer taxation of the aviation industry to avoid “spiralling” CO2 emissions this decade. London-based think tank Green Alliance today called on transport secretary Mark Harper to ensure the industry is taxed appropriately. The government’s failure to tax different modes of transport according to their environmental [...]
Royal Mail’s export service hit with major cyber incident and is experiencing ‘severe disruption’ January 11, 2023 Royal Mail is experiencing “severe service disruption” to its international export services following a cyber incident, the company has announced. A statement said it was temporarily unable to despatch export items including letters and parcels to overseas destinations. Royal Mail said: “We have asked customers temporarily to stop submitting any export items into the network while we work hard [...]
Staff shortages could cause summer travel chaos again – and 40 per cent of industry bosses blame Brexit January 11, 2023 Summer 2023 could spell additional trouble for the UK travel industry, with over half of rail and airline operators worrying about future staffing shortages – and almost 40 per cent blaming Brexit. Data published today by software company SAP show that 55 per cent of industry decision makers believe staffing challenges will impact customers’ travel [...]