Heathrow security staff set for further 31 days of strike action
The Unite union has announced fresh strike action involving security workers at Heathrow airport. A total of 31 days of industrial action are planned for June, July and August, in an ongoing dispute over pay. The affected dates are 24, 25, 28 -30 June; 14-16, 21-24, 28-31 July; and 4-7, 11-14, 18-20, 24-27 August.
The walkouts will involve over 2,000 security officers at both Terminal 5 and Terminal 3, as well as campus security staff responsible for checking personnel and vehicles going airside. This is the first times officers at Terminal 3 would be joining the industrial action, potentially affecting Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, United, American Airlines and Delta flights.
IATA: 4.35 billion people expected to fly in 2023
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published a revised outlook for 2023, with airline profits set to be higher than originally forecast, and the number of people taking flights closing in on pre-pandemic levels. IATA also said that it now expects 4.35 billion people to fly in 2023, not far off the 4.54 billion people who took a flight in pre-pandemic 2019.
Stronger profitability is supported by several positive developments. China lifted Covid-19 restrictions earlier in the year than anticipated. Cargo revenues remain above pre-pandemic levels even though volumes have not. And, on the cost side, there is some relief. Jet fuel prices, although still high, have moderated over the first half of the year.
Eurostar suspension on London-Amsterdam route in due in 2024
Eurostar remains in discussions with Dutch authorities over any possible solution to the threat of the its London-Amsterdam route being suspended next year. Earlier this week it was reported that the high-speed rail operator could be forced to suspend services to Amsterdam for nearly a year, as a result of works being carried out at Amsterdam Centraal station from June 2024 to April 2025.
All parties have agreed to keep working together to find a solution/compromise that will allow Eurostar to continue to welcome travellers in Amsterdam Centraal, and thus offer a direct high-speed rail service between Amsterdam and London.
Travel news as a glance:
Virgin Atlantic to launch routes to Bengaluru and Sao Paulo
British Airways to open Whispering Angel bar at Heathrow T5
Emirates A380 touches down in Denpasar for first time.
Cathay Pacific to resume Christchurch route.
Air France unveils new A350 business class seat.
Qantas commits 15 aircraft to new Sydney airport.