Airlines

On March 8th 2014, flight MH370 disappeared from the radar screens. A year later, the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 has not been found. There are still many unanswered questions as to why the ‘plane disappeared without trace. We interviewed the director of the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis to find out where the investigation into mysterious flight MH370 stands today.
 

On 11th February, because of a computer problem, thousands of travellers were able to buy United Airlines Business class tickets at rock bottom bargain prices. The US company has finally decided not to honour the tickets issued. But do they have the right ?
 

It was in Paris on February 19th that Air France presented their 2014 results. After three years of effort in terms of costs and restructuring, the French national airline had hopes of a return to profit, but it was not to be. Air France recorded an operating loss of over 300 million euros.
 

In late January, Transavia unveiled its new logo. On 6th February, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the company, it was the turn of easyJet to present the new livery of its aircraft. The new designs of both low-cost carriers are more elaborate, have bolder lines and less flashy colours. The original identities have little impact now, so low-cost airlines are returning to more traditional marketing.
 

A group of climbers in the Andes, has just made an incredible discovery. 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level, at Maule, 250 kilometres (155 miles) south of Santiago, in Chile, after an expedition lasting six days, the climbers found what appears to be the wreckage of a ‘plane that disappeared more than a half century ago.
 

Thanks to the Transasia ATR flight data recorder (FDR), we know a little more about what happened during the tragic events that took place a week ago in Taipei, and several questions arise. Could the ATR 72-600 fly with one engine ? What is the procedure to follow in a case of engine failure ? Did the crew have any reason to switch off the engine that worked ? The following are just a few initial responses.
 

Five days after the spectacular crash of Transasia Airways flight GE235 in Taipei, the inquest advances. According to investigators, the ATR 72-600 that had just begun its flight between the capital of Taiwan and Kinmen, experienced engine failure.
 

Three weeks after the AirAsia A320 crashed into the Java Sea claiming the lives of the 162 people on board, the inquest advances. Thanks to the ongoing analysis of the two black boxes recovered, the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee investigators (NTSC) have excluded any possibility of a terrorist attack.
 

The Four Seasons luxury hotel chain is about to launch two, one-of-a-kind, round the world trips in 2015. The first, a 24-day world tour, will be launched in Los Angeles on 16th March. In flight, there will be personalised service worthy of a luxury hotel, with gourmet cuisine and vintage champagne on the menu.
 

Since 28th December ANA (All Nippon Airways) has put a symbol of mass tourism up for sale: a limited number of their former Boeing 747 seats. The company has of course been careful to remove the wiring and adapt the feet so that they can be placed on a normal floor without damaging it. Asking Price: between € 4,400 and € 5,100 ($5,200 - $6,000).
 

It’s more than one week after the disappearance of the AirAsia flight QZ8501, but despite various assumptions, the causes of the accident are still unknown, so let's take a brief look at this young low-cost airline that lacks nothing in comparison with other large companies.
 

On 18th December, Etihad Airways joined the closed circle of the thirteen companies that operate the A380. They have ordered ten units in total, and since the cabin layout is specific to each company that is always an prestigious event. In the coming days, Etihad Airways will strike a double blow by taking delivery of its first Boeing 787, which will enter service on 1st February.
 

With the aim of promoting Swiss cuisine on 21st November, in this A330, Swiss International Air Lines added a few light meals on the menu to their flight from Zurich to New York; and to do this, Switzerland's national airline called in one of the 50 top chefs in the world: Andreas Caminada. His name may not mean anything to you, yet the 37 year-old Swiss has three Michelin stars and 19/20 in the Gault & Millau guide.
 

Oil is very expensive, and a far cry from 2004 when a barrel of it was selling for around $40. In 2008, black gold even peaked at $180. Since then, prices have stabilized at around $130, but according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) a significant drop is on the horizon.