Michael O’Leary slams aviation minister as Ryanair quits ‘waffling and useless’ govt advisory group July 12, 2023 Ryanair pulled out of a key advisory group launched by the UK government to support its aviation strategy, slamming the body as a “talking shop” that delivered no real change for passengers or the sector. Michael O’Leary, the budget airlines combative CEO, said yesterday that aviation minister Baroness Vere should disband the “useless council,” instead [...]
Grounded: Council blocks plan for London City Airport passenger and hours expansion July 10, 2023 Newham Council has voted unanimously to reject London City Airport’s plans to expand its passenger capacity from 5m to 9m and lengthen flying hours. Following an extended meeting this afternoon, councillors on Newham’s Strategic Development Committee voted to block the airport’s bid due to concerns over noise pollution. London City said it was “disappointed with [...]
BA boss to steer airline off cost-cutting course in attempt to save summer season July 9, 2023 British Airways (BA) boss Sean Doyle is determined to salvage the summer season for the airline as it attempts to recover from a series of setbacks and poor customer service under former chief exec Alex Cruz. Doyle has set his sights sky-high in a comprehensive overhaul of the carrier’s operations as he looks to “rebuild [...]
Heathrow Airport names Thomas Woldbye as new chief – here’s what we know July 4, 2023 A successor for Heathrow Airport’s long-time chief John Holland-Kaye was finally announced last Friday. Thomas Woldbye, Copenhagen Airport’s CEO since 2011, will take over the cockpit from Holland-Kaye, having emerged as a standout candidate for what has been described as “one of the most important roles in global aviation”. Amid tough competition, Woldbye’s stint at [...]
Airlines getting off scot-free with no fines issued for decades, says Which June 30, 2023 Airlines are getting off scot-free from penalties with no fines having been issued due to regulatory action in two decades, according to the consumer group Which. Which said Britain’s aviation watchdog – the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – should be doing more to “name and shame” airlines, withdraw licences and pursue action “in the courts” [...]
UK aviation could be put at a ‘competitive disadvantage’ by looming transit fee June 28, 2023 A new transit fee for passengers travelling through UK airports could put the country’s aviation sector at a “competitive disadvantage” as passengers opt to travel via other countries, airline groups have warned. Under the incoming changes, visa-exempt travellers passing through Britain will be required to pay £10 fee and apply for an online permit, known [...]
Saudi Arabia could replicate Dubai as a ‘playground for everyone’, says Riyadh Air boss June 11, 2023 The British chief executive of Saudi Arabia’s major new airline said on Sunday that the country could become a “playground for everybody” and replicate Dubai’s social and economic liberation, despite ongoing criticism over human rights abuses and corruption. In an interview with the Telegraph, Riyadh Air’s CEO Tony Douglas, a former boss of Etihad Group [...]
Cyber hack: BBC, BA and Boots given dark web ultimatum by Russian crime gang June 7, 2023 A cybercrime gang, thought to be Russian, has threatened some of Britain's employers with the release of employees' personal data
British Airways and Boots hit by cyber attack with UK staff bank details stolen June 5, 2023 British Airways and retailer Boots said their staff were amongst those hit by a cyber attack on Zellis, a payroll provider used by hundreds of companies in the UK. British Airways, owned by IAG said it had notified affected employees and was providing them with support. “We have been informed that we are one of [...]
‘Pandemic years are behind us’: Global airlines’ profits to double to $10bn this year June 5, 2023 The airline industry’s primary trade body has doubled its global profit outlook for the sector this year to nearly $10bn (£8bn), as travel restrictions have all but disappeared and the world returns to international travel after the Covid-19 pandemic. Global airlines are predicted to see total revenues of $803bn (£648bn), according to the International Air [...]