On the evening of August 1, 1990, flight BA149 departed from London-Heathrow Airport (LHW) and set off for Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia, with a scheduled refueling stop at Kuwait International Airport (KWI). 

During the Boeing 747-136 flight, under the leadership of the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, forces invaded Kuwait and on August 2, 1990, British Airways passengers and crew were taken hostage.??

Over the next five months the hostages were subjected to rapes, mock executions and starvation at the hands of their captors.??

Triste final para una Reina. hace 33 a?os (27/2/1991) el B747 G-AWND secuestrado por el ejército iraquí el 2/8/1990, (vuelo BA149), de escala en Kuwait, fue destruido por éstos o por bombardeos aliados (no he podido confirmar 'la autoría') durante la guerra de Iraq

— Antonio Mayorgas (@Yogui_Bear)

According to legal firm the action against the UK government and British Airways alleges that the British Government and British Airways allowed the flight to land in Kuwait, “despite knowing that Iraqi Armed Forces had already overrun the country”.?

In a statement published on July 1, 2024, McCue Jury & Partners said that “evidence demonstrates that BA149 was used to secretly transport a special ops team for immediate and covert deployment to the battlefield, regardless of the risk this posed to the civilians onboard”. 

The legal firm claims that after the plane landed in Kuwait a group of men disembarked the aircraft leaving other passengers and crew members on board. 

The British government has previously stated that it was unaware about the invasion while the flight was in the air, but McCue Jury & Partners claims documents released from the National Archives under the 30-year rule showed this to be untrue.??

‘We were not treated as citizens but as expendable pawns’

According to the Independent, documents released in November 2021 revealed that the UK government were informed by the British ambassador in Kuwait that Iraqi forces had invaded an hour before the flight landed.?

It’s claimed this information was never passed to British Airways and the aircraft, registered G-AWND, was never diverted.??

“The lives and safety of innocent civilians were put at risk by the British government and British Airways for the sake of an off-the-books military operation. Both have, we believe, concealed and denied the truth for more than thirty years. The victims and survivors of Flight BA149 deserve justice for being treated as disposable collateral. HMG and BA watched on as children were paraded as human shields by a ruthless dictator, yet they did and admitted nothing. There must be closure and accountability to erase this shameful stain on the UK’s conscience,” said Matthew Jury, Managing Partner at McCue Jury & Partners. 

The legal action claims that contact between the British Embassy in Kuwait and British Airways on August 1, 2024, showed that “flights the following day were inadvisable, but while BA could assume further govt advice would be forthcoming, it never came”. 

The claim specifically against British Airways “centers on their duty of care to passengers and crew and that they had advice that flights to Kuwait were ‘unadvisable’. No adequate risk assessment was taken, else the flight would have been diverted”.?

Who are the claimaints?

A ‘Letter Before Action’ was sent on behalf of 95 claimants from nine different countries on July 1, 2024, with the UK’s Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defense along with BA all involved.    

The claimants include passengers on board BA149, inbound BA crew members on board BA149 and crew members who were already in Kuwait awaiting onward deployment on BA149. 

“Each Claimant has their own story and suffered varying degrees of physical and/or psychiatric harm because of their treatment while held hostage by the Iraqi Armed Forces,” McCue Jury & Partners said.  

The legal firm added: “The Claimants are seeking damages for their injuries (both physical and psychiatric), special damages for their consequential losses, and aggravated and punitive damages due to the Government and British Airways alleged wrongdoing. Having been lied to for so many years, they are also seeking vindication of their rights and for the truth to be finally adjudicated in Court.” 

Commenting on the action, former BA passenger and hostage, Barry Manners, said that they were treated as “expendable pawns” and the events have been years of “cover-up and bare-faced denial”. 

In a statement to 精东影业, the UK’s Cabinet Office said: “We do not comment on ongoing legal matters.” 

精东影业 has also contacted British Airways, the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Office for comment. ?

British Airways A319 in retro BEA livery back flying after period in storage??

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-06-14

Through its new partnership with Liverpool FC, Japan Airlines will become part of one of football’s greatest ever teams, renowned for its rich, vibrant history and incredible worldwide fanbase.??

At the same time Liverpool FC will become interconnected with one of Japan’s premier airlines with worldwide reach, particularly in the Asian market.  

Ben Latty, Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC, said he is “delighted” to welcome Japan Airlines onboard and partner with a brand that shares the club’s “winning mentality”. 

“This partnership aligns our global ambitions, combining the passion and heritage of one of the world’s most storied football clubs, with the exceptional service and reach of Japan’s premier airline. The partnership will create opportunities for fans to engage with the club through unique activations and experiences,” Latty said.  

He added: “Partnering with Japan Airlines is another major step forward in our club’s strategy to expand our international presence and engage more deeply with our diverse and dedicated global fanbase.”?

Liverpool FC’s previous official airline partnership with Malaysia Airlines ended in 2019 but the club appeared in no rush to replace the carrier until now.  

Liverpool is an attractive club to a variety of companies due to it having the Premier League’s most engaged online fan base and being the most watched European team globally across domestic and league cup fixtures.  

“This partnership is significant for us because it will allow us to deepen connections with our customers and develop new relationships with Liverpool FC fans around the world. We feel incredibly fortunate to be embarking on this exciting journey with the Liverpool FC and the LFC Foundation,” said Junko Sakihara, Deputy Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Japan Airlines.  

Under the partnership Japan Airlines will work closely with the on key community initiatives across global markets.??

The first initiative will start in July, with the airline supporting a youth football clinic with Liverpool FC’s international pre-season match in Philadelphia.?

Qantas to make major investment in future regional turboprop fleet?

• Airlines
• Aviation in Australia

byLuke Peters

2024-06-25

In a huge boost for the UK’s second largest airport travelers will now have a choice of 223 destinations from 56 airlines when flying from Gatwick.?

ITA Airways, Atlantic Airways, Azores Airlines, Singapore Airlines and FlyErbil are all operating from London Gatwick for the very first time. 

New routes that recently got under way include a Norwegian service to Gothenburg, Sweden, four times a week, a twice weekly service to Vagar, Faroe Islands, with Atlantic Airways and an Azores Airlines service to Ponta Delgada, Azores, two times a week.  

Wizz Air also began operations to Varna in Bulgaria three times a week, with the first flight taking off on June 18, 2024.  

New long-haul options include Halifax and St John’s in Canada with WestJet, a daily service to Beijing, China with Air China and Erbil, Iraq, once a week with FlyErbil.  

China Southern also begins flights to Guangzhou, China, from June 20, 2024, and Singapore Airlines starts a new service to Singapore June 22, 2024.   

Additional services to Jersey, Channel Islands, with British Airways, Skiathos, Greece, with easyJet, and Rome, Italy, with ITA Airways are also now operating.   

While 14 new routes will start by the end of July 2024, Air India will launch its new service between London-Gatwick and Bengaluru from August 18, 2024.  

“It’s fantastic that London Gatwick can offer passengers such an exciting range of destinations this summer, whether for holidays, visiting family and friends, or business trips. As we work towards our vision of becoming the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, we are committed to providing passengers as much choice as possible,” Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development at , said.?

Wear added: “We are delighted to continue growing our already extensive network and welcome new airlines including ITA Airways, Atlantic Airways, Azores Airlines, Singapore Airlines and FlyErbil.” 

Following the summer Gatwick with launch even more services to international destinations including Bangkok in Thailand, Islamabad in Pakistan and Rovaniemi in Finland.?

Lufthansa Cargo launches brand-new Airbus A321 freighter route from Munich

• Air Cargo

byIan Molyneaux

2024-06-18

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced on May 31, 2024, that missiles were fired against the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).

The US Navy has not confirmed if the aircraft carrier was targeted in the Houthi attacks as claimed.?

In a televised statement, Saree said that 16 people were killed and many more, including civilians, were injured by six US and British strikes overnight, according to .?

The US Central Command confirmed in a statement that forces had successfully “destroyed eight uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen and over the Red Sea.”?

May 30 U.S. Central Command Update

Between approximately 3:15 and 5 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 30, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen and over the Red Sea.…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM)

The US and the UK also conducted strikes against 13 targets in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen in “self-defense” after unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) threatened US and coalition forces. 

The British government said it had confirmed two locations near Hudaydah that it believed were involved in attacks against commercial ships and a further site south on the Yemeni coast in Ghulayfiqah. 

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s conducted strikes on the target buildings at these three locations using Paveway IV guided bombs.?

USAF KC-135 Stratotanker nose gear collapses at McConnell Air Force Base

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-30

Lincolnshire Police confirmed that they were notified of the incident shortly before 13:20 on May 25, 2024, and emergency services were dispatched to the field on Langrick Road in Coningsby. 

The police said in a statement that the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the Spitfire, sustained injuries that were “not survivable” and he was declared deceased at the scene. 

In a statement a spokesperson for the RAF said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today. The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.” 

— RAF Coningsby (@RAFConingsby)

Two hours earlier, the RAF had said that it was aware of an incident in the vicinity of RAF Coningsby involving one of its aircraft and staff were working with emergency services. 

 RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and houses a collection of vintage fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in displays. 

It is understood that the aircraft crashed while it was taking part in a display show.  

Paying tribute to the pilot the UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, wrote on social media: “Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.” 

The Prince and Princess of Wales added to the tributes and said they are “incredibly sad” to hear of the death of the RAF pilot. 

Ex-US fighter pilot loses extradition battle over training Chinese military?

• Defense

byIan Molyneaux

2024-05-24

According to , a deal was put to easyJet pilots who are members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) in a vote, but it was rejected by a majority.??

There are fears that if the offer on the table is not improved then easyJet pilots may threaten strike action which could have huge consequences for the low-cost carrier during its busiest time of year. 

The Sun reported that the proposed deal would have seen captain’s (with 10-year service) increase from ?163,589 to ?190,000 from October 2024, before increasing further in 2025.  

Senior first officers were offered a further ?20,000 a year, increasing their annual salary to ?112,879 while first officers’ pay would have been boosted to ?75,446 a year. 

A source told The Sun that BALPA members have already been approached about possible strike action. 

“They are holding all the cards, and the airline knows it. Bosses need to find even more money for pilots, or jets won’t get off the ground this summer and holidaymakers face travel agony,” the source said.  

easyJet responded to the vote by saying it was “disappointed” the proposal “narrowly fell short of the 50% required”. 

The airline confirmed it will be meeting with BALPA shortly to discuss the results and to seek a resolution.?

easyJet uses hydrogen to power baggage tractors in ground-breaking airport trial

• Airlines
• Sustainability

byIan Molyneaux

2024-04-15

According to the UK Home Office, a wider system network issue was detected at 19:44 local time and a “large scale” contingency response was activated within six minutes. All e-gates were back online shortly after midnight.

The Home Office also said there was “no indication” of malicious activity behind the outage and border security was not compromised.

E-gates use facial recognition to check a traveler’s identity and allow them to enter the country without having to be processed or spoken to by a Border Force officer.

During the outage, airport staff resorted to manually processing passengers. The incident came at a peak travel period with many travelers returning home from a long weekend. 

A number of passengers took to social media to upload photographs and video footage of the almost-five hour ordeal and the chaos experienced at airports across the country. 

Airports affected by the outage were London-Heathrow Airport (LHR), London-Gatwick Airport (LGW), London-Stansted Airport (STN), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Birmingham Airport (BHX), Manchester Airport (MAN) and Bristol Airport (BRS). 

ATC outage in the UK causes flight disruptions on flights from/to the UK

• Airlines
• Airport

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-08-28

The Emirates Airbus A380, registered A6-EOS, was last operational in March 2020 and was moved into storage in August 2020.?

According to flightradar.com, A6-EOS commenced its commercial reintroduction flight from Dubai Airport on May 8, 2024, at 08:20 local time. 

The Emirates A380 is due to arrive at Birmingham International Airport (BHX) in the United Kingdom (UK) later that day at 12:25 local time.?

2/5 台湾桃園国際空港
エミレーツ航空
A388 A6-EOS Expo 2020 Mobility塗装

— かじゅじゅ。(すぬーぴー) (@chita_hanto_moe)

On May 1, 2024, A6-EOS completed a two hour and 33-minute test flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB).  

The Emirates A380 circled the Persian Gulf before returning to Emirates global hub in Dubai.  

Following the pandemic outbreak Emirates was forced to ground its entire Airbus A380 fleet and it was unclear whether the airline would operate the superjumbo ever again.  

However, its future is looking much brighter with Emirates investing in the long-term operational future of the jet.??

On May 7, 2024, Emirates announced it would be completely refurbishing another 43 A380s, along with 28 Boeing 777s. 

“We’re topping up our multi-billion-dollar investment in the retrofit program to introduce cutting-edge cabin products on more of our A380s and Boeing 777s, demonstrating a clear commitment to elevating the customer experience with a best-in-class suite of products across every cabin,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.?

Emirates to refurbish a further 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-07

According to Heathrow Airport, the positive performance, during what is traditionally a quieter period of the year, was in part driven by growth on key business routes like Delhi and Mumbai and strong North American traffic.?

The airport also witnessed a surge in demand for services to East Asia with a 40% increase in numbers compared with the first quarter in 2023.   

Heathrow also said that it expects summer 2024 to be its busiest on record and has a “robust operating plan in place to keep the airport running smoothly, even if unnecessary industrial action materializes”. 

Considering the strong performance so far this year the airport has increased its 2024 passenger outlook to 82.4 million. 

“It has been a successful start to the year thanks to colleagues delivering a consistent, reliable service to our passengers. As I close the chapter on eight years as CFO, I’m proud that Heathrow is on a strong financial footing with a clear flightpath ahead. On the horizon is Heathrow’s busiest summer yet with more passengers and destinations served than ever before. We’re ready to continue delivering,” Heathrow CFO Javier Echave said. 

Heathrow also announced it made an ?83 million ($103M) pre-tax profit in the first quarter compared with a ?139 million ($173M) loss during the same period in 2023.  

Heathrow is bracing itself for strike action at the airport throughout May 2023 with employees from a range of job areas taking part.??

Singapore’s Changi is no longer the world’s best airport according to Skytrax

• Airport

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-23

Siobhán Mullally (Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons), Gehad Madi (Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants) and Allice Jill Edwards (Special Rapporteur on torture) said on April 22, 2024, that airlines and aviation authorities “could be complicit in violating internationally protected human rights and court orders” if they assist in removals to Rwanda.?

On April 22, 2024, a bill was passed in the UK that allows the British government to deport asylum seekers, who arrive in the country on small inflatable boats, to Rwanda.??

In November 2023, the UK’s ruled that it was unsafe to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the new bill allows the government to bypass that decision.?

According to the BBC, the new legislation orders the courts to ignore key sections of the Human Rights Act which the UN experts have highlighted could cause problems for airlines.  

The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on April 22, 2024, that flights to Rwanda will start within 10 to 12 weeks and that commercial charter planes had been booked.  

“If airlines and aviation authorities give effect to State decisions that violate human rights, they must be held responsible for their conduct,” the experts said. 

They added: “As the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights underline, aviation regulators, international organizations and business actors are required to respect human rights.” 

According to the experts the UN Guiding Principle 13 “prohibits companies from contributing to human rights abuses” and UN Guiding Principle 23 requires “businesses to comply with all applicable laws, respect internationally recognized human rights, and treat the risk of contributing to gross human rights abuses as a compliance issue wherever they operate”. 

The UN experts have been in contact with the UK government, as well as national, European and international aviation regulators, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and international actors, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to express their concerns and remind them of their responsibilities.?

UK officials considering using UK carrier AirTanker for deportation flights??

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-04-15