UK Border Force to strike on March 15
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has announced plans for a one-day strike involving 100,000 members on March 15, to coincide with Budget Day. Border Force staff will be among the members involved in the walkout, following similar action over the Christmas holiday period. The news follows planned industrial action involving 1,000 Border Force staff at major French ports over the half-term school holidays.
Aberdeen airport to increase drop-off charge
Aberdeen International is set to increase the fee to use its drop-off facility from next week. The airport currently charges £4 to use the drop-off area outside the main terminal building for up to ten minutes, rising to £10 for 30 minutes and £30 for one hour. Aberdeen Live reports that the initial fee will rise to £5 from February 15, although this will cover a slightly longer period of stay – up to 15 minutes. All visitors continue to be able use the long-stay car park to drop off passengers free of charge up to 30 minutes. Electric vehicles are able to access the drop-off facility free of charge for the first ten minutes, although users must pre-register to be eligible for this benefit.
Government provides over £110 million for ‘guilt-free’ flying
Cutting edge new technologies that could enable electric flying taxis and hydrogen powered aircraft to take to the skies will be developed in the UK, thanks to £113 million of investment being announced by the Business and Transport Secretaries on 7 February.
Through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, government and industry are jointly backing new exciting zero-carbon technologies to open up a future of guilt-free flying. This includes a project by Bristol-based electric aircraft manufacturer Vertical Aerospace to develop high-end, lightweight batteries, as well as projects led by Rolls-Royce to develop the building blocks of a liquid hydrogen combusting jet engine, which would enable flight without the carbon emissions
Travel news as a glance:
British Airways announces codeshare with South Africa’s Airlink
Qatar Airways reopens Paris Premium Lounge
UK rail expected to introduce low walk-up one-way fares.
Lufthansa to operate B787-9 on routes to Dallas, Montreal, Denver, and Austin
LATAM launches new menu for premium business passengers.
Cathay Pacific reopens The Deck at Hong Kong International airport.