This week’s aviation wrap features a couple of cause-fighting stories, but that’s not to say there’s any mention of angry protesters or vigilantes.
Alliance Airlines gives wings to Breast Cancer Network Australia with the ‘Pink Lady’
Alliance Airlines has literally given wings to Australians diagnosed with breast cancer, with the unveiling of a pink aircraft.
The new Fokker 70 will take to the Australian skies to promote the invaluable work of charity partner Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Hailed as the ‘Pink Lady’, the plane (pictured above) has been prepared in pink livery to raise awareness of breast cancer and the support services that BCNA delivers.
San Francisco airport bans single-use plastic bottles
San Francisco International Airport has prohibited the provision or sale of single-use water bottles in plastic or aseptic paper packaging.
The ban came into effect on 20 August, with vendors to continue to sell existing stock until supplies are depleted, before offering water in a variety of reusable and recyclable single or multi-use aluminium and glass containers.
British Airways celebrates 100th birthday
To celebrate British Airways’ centenary birthday on 25 August, the airline has created a dedicated channel onboard to highlight the very best of inflight entertainment from over the years.
The channel, named ‘Celebrate BA100’, includes The Lost World – the very first film ever shown on an Imperial Airways flights in 1925.
Customers will be able to enjoy British favourites such as Billy Elliott, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Shakespeare In Love. The channel’s TV selection includes iconic episodes from Blue Planet to Ab Fab, as well as Downton Abbey.
In audio, 100-minute centenary mixes have been specially created by leading DJs including Groove Armada, Paul Oakenfold and Deadmau5.
The channel will be featured on board throughout August, September and October.
As the principal partner of Twickenham Stadium and the official airline partner of England Rugby, British Airways further celebrated its 100th birthday over the weekend by having its choir perform the national anthems at the England-versus-Ireland game.
Special centenary edition drinks including ‘Speedbird 100’, a ‘Brewdog’ IPA, and ‘Hattingley Valley’ English sparkling wine was served at selected venues around the stadium, and fans had the chance to win one million Avios at halftime.
As part of the centenary celebrations, customers flying with British Airways from around the world over the weekend were greeted with bunting and decorations.
Those on short-haul services were treated to Hotel Chocolat giveaways, while those on long-haul flights were served menus from Michelin-starred British chef Tom Kerridge. Those in First and Club World were also able to collect and enjoy special edition centenary amenity kits.
Continuing the celebrations, younger British Airways flyers travelling through Heathrow Terminal 5 and Gatwick on selected dates this summer can pick up a limited-edition backpack by personalised children’s gift brand, ‘My 1st Years’, and will be given a special branded luggage tag and a pin badge in their Skyflyers Packs.
Amadeus deepens NDC collaboration with United Airlines
Amadeus has announced a continued partnership with United Airlines to industrialise New Distribution Capability (NDC) by developing, testing and bringing to market new content offerings, such as the airline’s new corporate bundles and dynamic bundled fares.
These new products will allow customers to customise their travel on United with amenities such as Premier Access, checked bags, United Club access, and more bundled together with customers’ reservations at a discounted price.
Narita International Airport to install auto bag drop units in time for Olympics
Narita International Airport has signed a contract with ICM Airport Technics for the installation of 72 self-service auto bag drop (ABD) units ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Designed and built by ICM, the Series 7 ABD units will be progressively rolled out across all four terminals of Narita Airport.
Largest digital billboard in southern hemisphere lands at Brisbane Airport
The largest digital billboard in the southern hemisphere has gone live at Brisbane Airport.
The 400-square-metre ‘Big Morety’ greets arriving passengers into Brisbane Airport on Moreton Drive, and coincides with a $40 million redevelopment of the airport’s domestic terminal.
