Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Friday, 06 October 2017

BBC News

• Ryanair boss offers pilots better pay and conditions to stayMichael O'Leary's offer comes after the airline cancelled thousands of flights in recent weeks.

Financial Times

• Race to build first electric passenger aircraft takes to skiesBoeing-backed start-up Zunum reveals plans for hybrid-powered aeroplane
• The rise of super airlines leaves consumers out of pocketRecent bankruptcies among low-cost European carriers highlight a global problem
• Monarch’s creditors risk losing valuable airport slotsQuestions raised over KPMG’s right to sell assets that could be worth £60m
• EasyJet flags upbeat profits despite hit from sterling

The Guardian

• Electric commuter plane, backed by Boeing, could take off in 2022Small airliner powered by two electric motors would seat up to 12 passengers and cheaply fly trips under 1,000 miles (1,600 km)A Seattle-area startup backed by the venture capital arms of Boeing and JetBlue Airways has announced plans to begin selling a hybrid-electric commuter aircraft by 2022. The small plane is the first of several planned by Zunum Aero, which said it would seat up to 12 passengers and be powered by two electric motors, dramatically reducing the travel time and cost of trips under 1,000 miles (1,600km). Continue reading...

The Scotsman

• Scottish air tax cuts delay threatened by political row Plans to cut air taxes face being delayed with Scottish and UK ministers at loggerheads over responsibility for the hold-up. The row came as the SNP government was accused of trying to shelve its controversial proposal to gain Greens' support for its forthcoming budget.

Times Online

• Belgium to sue ‘unprofessional’ Ryanair over flight cancellations [subscription]The Belgian government has labelled Ryanair “unprofessional” and said that it intends to sue the airline over the mass cancellations that have affected thousands of passengers.

Mail Online

• Ryanair boss O'Leary sends begging letter to pilots In the three page letter sent to all pilots (pictured), the Ryanair boss promised significant improvements in pay and conditions, saying he would exceed rates paid by rivals.

The Mirror

• Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary begs pilots to stay with the airline in email apology plea after flight cancellation scandal With many pilots said to have left for Norwegian Airlines and more considering it, O'Leary promised better pay and conditions

Birmingham Post

• Passengers LOCKED inside plane at Birmingham Airport - when ground crew couldn't find key Workers search for steps to get travellers off flight

London Evening Standard

• Last-minute air fares rise by a fifth after Monarch and Ryanair fiascoAir fares for last-minute trips rose by more than a fifth after Ryanair cancelled thousands of flights and Monarch collapsed, new figures revealed.
• Ryanair boss sends pilots letter pleading for them not to leave, offering bonuses and better contracts​The boss of Ryanair has apologised to pilots, offering them incentives to stay with the carrier in a personal letter.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Nissan's sweat-sensing car seat could revolutionise driving forever - and keep you safe Soak technology changes colour depending on how hydrated the driver is - it is claimed dehydrated drivers are more likely to crash

Aviation Industry

• Policies & incentives needed to expand use of sustainable alternative fuelsAlternative fuel sources for aviation are still in their infancy, although the reality is that the production and use of biofuels is much more widespread than many realize, attendees at the Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva this week heard. read more
• Belgium takes legal action against Ryanair over flight cancellationsBelgium’s deputy prime minister is launching legal action against Ryanair for unfair commercial practices as the fallout from the Irish LCC’s cancellation of thousands of flights—which came about after it mishandled scheduling of pilots’ leave—continues. read more
• Boeing 3Q deliveries up 12.2%; Ryanair takes most new aircraft YTDBoeing has delivered 554 commercial aircraft as of Sept. 30, including 202 aircraft during the third quarter alone, the US-based manufacturer said Oct. 5. read more

Green Miscellany

• Monarch airlines and travel insurance claims: Lessons to learnMany of the thousands of travellers stranded following the collapse of Monarch have faced unnecessary worry over doubts their travel insurance would cover airline collapse. Travel insurance from the ETA includes up to £1,500 cover in the event of insolvency of the scheduled airline, hotel, train operator including Eurostar, car ferries and villas abroad In the event of insolvency after… The post Monarch airlines and travel insurance claims: Lessons to learn appeared first on ETA.