50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

United Kingdom aviation news

British Airways owner enters low-cost long-haul fray with new airline Level

The launch by British Airways’ owner of a low-cost long-haul airline could be a key staging post in the development of the growing trend for cheaper and longer flights. 'Level' has been unveiled by International Airlines Group as a low-cost, long-haul carrier operating out of Barcelona from June with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominic...

Luxaviation UK welcomes Athens-based Challenger 604 to fleet

Luxaviation UK, the UK’s largest private jet charter operator, is welcoming a Bombardier Challenger 604 to its fleet, available for charter from April 2017. The Challenger 604 (G-MOCL) will be based at Athens International Airport with a full-time crew, allowing for last-minute charter requests. Purchased by an existing Luxaviation UK customer for private and charter use, it will be...

BBGA honours Biggin Hill Airport's Andrew Walters with industry award for outstanding services

The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) has honoured Andrew Walters, owner and chairman of London Biggin Hill Airport as the 2017 recipient of its prestigious annual Michael Wheatley Award  for Outstanding Services to the general aviation industry.  The award was presented at the Association’s 43rd annual conference and AGM at Luton Hoo by Sir Gerald Howarth MP...

Flexjet Ltd introduces first European-based, dedicated fleet of Nextant 400XTi aircraft

Fleet arrival allows immediate launch of international dedicated fleet services The Nextant 400XTi boasts significantly reduced carbon emissions and bespoke stylish interiors Flexjet Ltd fleet will continue to expand at an accelerated rate to meet market demand Flexjet Ltd, the European-based tailored business aircraft solutions company, welcomed its first dedicated fleet of Nextant 40...

QinetiQ signs for four H125 for Empire Test Pilots’ School

QinetiQ has signed a deal for four Airbus H125 helicopters as part of its modernisation of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS), which it manages alongside the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD). Worth approximately £15 million, the deal will see Airbus Helicopters’ UK design team upgrade the Garmin G500-equipped aircraft with, among other capabilities, a 3-axis autopilot,...

easyJet partners with Atout France

easyJet has announced it has signed a long term partnership deal with Atout France, the French Tourism Development Agency, which will see the airline become one of its main transport partners. The airline will join forces with the tourism agency to promote tourism in Europe to France, starting with the UK. The three year partnership will launch this year with a multi-media advertising and ex...

World's biggest aircraft An-225 will visit Britain more often after Antonov Airlines deal

The world's biggest aircraft will be regularly visiting the UK after Antonov Airlines opened a new British headquarters at Stansted airport, according to a report in The Times. The Antonov An-225 Mriya is big enough for 50 cars and is capable of carrying 250 tonnes in total, which is the same as four fully loaded British Challenger 2 tanks. Michael Goodisman, business development directo...

SaxonAir take delivery of the stunning Embraer Legacy 500

SaxonAir is delighted to announce the addition of one of the most advanced super midsized business jets to its extensive fleet, after taking delivery of the brand-new Embraer Legacy 500, G-SUEJ. Powered by the state-of-the-art Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, the Legacy 500 is the first aircraft in its category to feature digital flight controls based on Fly-By-Wire technology....

Norwegian launches new direct flight to Rhodes from £29.90 one-way

Low-cost airline Norwegian is continuing its expansion at London Gatwick with a new direct service to Rhodes, with fares from just £29.90 one-way. Launching just in time for a summer break, Norwegian’s inaugural flight to Rhodes departs on Saturday 17 June with a weekly service throughout summer, until 16 September. Rhodes will be the fifth Greek island Norwegian serves direct from...

TAG Aviation Receives ETOPS Approval for the Airbus ACJ A319

TAG Aviation has received approval for extended-range twin engine operations (ETOPS) from the UK CAA for the Airbus ACJ A319. The distinctive Airbus (G-OACJ) is a luxuriously appointed long-range business liner that offers passengers top of the range comfort with all the flexibility of a private jet experience. The ETOPS safety certification was granted to TAG Aviation by the UK CAA under Eu...

Iconic London Biggin Hill Airport celebrates 100th anniversary

It was on 13th February 1917 that the War Office first established a military camp on the site at Biggin Hill in South London that is the origin of the airport. The Biggin Hill Spitfire flight was an opportunity for guests to remember with pride and gratitude ‘Churchill’s Few’ who flew with skill and courage from RAF Biggin Hill throughout the Battle of Bri...

ASL’s Legacy 450 approved to operate in London City airport

ASL has received the approval from the London Airport Authorities to perform commercial charter flights in and out of the famous airport of London City (LCY) with its Embraer Legacy 450, thereby becoming the first Legacy 450 (operator) in the world to obtain this approval (the stretched model Legacy 500 being already approved). The aircraft, serial number 55010003,...