Aviation

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at Gatwick Airport for nearly a week after Nigerian airline Med-View cancelled its flights.

Many of the passengers scheduled to travel to Lagos on Med-View flights have been sleeping on the floor since Friday (22 December) and may have to wait until the New Year to get a flight.

Many passengers have missed Christmas with their families in Nigeria

Med-View said technical problems were to blame for putting one of its three planes out of commission. The airline claimed it had arranged for planes to evacuate at least 700 people on Wednesday (27 December), but one of the flights had to be cancelled after passengers became unruly.

Upset customers, some of whom paid more than £1,000 for their tickets, accused Med-View of “abandoning” them. Ola Dami, a 26-year-old from Coventry, told The Sun he missed spending Christmas with his family in Lagos because of the cancelled flights.

“I feel abandoned and disrespected. I’ve been told there will be no flights until next year,” Dami said.

Police were called to maintain control at Gatwick’s South Terminal as passengers became increasingly angry.

A Twitter user identified as “Georgina” filmed an argument between a frustrated customer and an airline staff member. “If you listen well, you will hear a customer say ‘don’t tell me not to shout or I will shout,’” she tweeted.

Delayed passengers

One female customer reportedly became dizzy and collapsed at 10.20am on Wednesday (27 December). According to MailOnline, the woman was treated at the scene by South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Passengers were offered a hotel room for the night, according to a letter from the Civil Aviation Authority on 27 December.

Flyers were finally offered accommodation in hotels after sleeping in the airport

In a statement posted 24 December, Med-View said: “We sincerely apologise for all the recent flight disruptions. We are currently doing everything possible to get back on schedule.”

Meanwhile, up to 300 other passengers were left stranded at Stansted Airport after Ryanair and easyJet were forced to cancelled or delayed due to snow and ice in parts of the UK. Frustrated travellers faced hours of delays “because of a few centimetres of snow,” one witness noted.

More than 50 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled at Stansted, with another 50 flights cancelled at Luton.

According to the Telegraph, sub-zero temperatures are expected in large swathes of the UK again on Thursday night. Flight disruptions are expected to continue Thursday as planes will require de-icing.

Couretsy : IBtimes

Aviation

Farnborough 2024: A Landmark Airshow Concludes with £81.5 Billion in Deals

As the 45th edition of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) concluded, it proved to be a tremendous success. The event, which ended yesterday, saw £81.5 billion worth of deals signed and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders placed within the first four days. For the UK alone, the deals announced amounted to £13 billion.

The show ended with an exhilarating final air display. The Starlings Aerobatic Team performed an impressive formation flight, while the Stampe Formation team showcased their vibrant heritage aircraft. The Royal Air Force’s F-35 flyover and the F-15QA’s powerful farewell flight added to the excitement. The British Army’s renowned Red Devils parachuted down, providing a spectacular closing to the event.

Day 2 Highlights: Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer Orders at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 : Click here

With this year’s orders finalized, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 shifted to inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, manufacturers, and innovators. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

Airbus Expands Reach with Major Orders

Airbus has secured two significant deals that will expand its presence in the global market. The Abra Group, aiming to enhance its international long-haul operations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five A350-900 aircraft. Additionally, flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, strengthened its partnership with Airbus by signing an MoU for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s.

Embaer Aircraft

In the military aviation sector, Embraer announced a major order from the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) for six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. This versatile, multi-mission aircraft will enhance the FAP’s capabilities in armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions.

Virgin Atlantic also made headlines by ordering seven additional A330neo aircraft. This order highlights the airline’s confidence in the A330neo’s performance and passenger comfort, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The advanced technology and fuel efficiency of the A330neo make it an ideal choice for Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic operations, aligning with their goal of providing an enhanced and eco-friendly travel experience.

Boeing aircraft.

Boeing also had a notable presence on Day 2 of the airshow. Qatar Airways announced an order for 20 additional 777-9 airplanes, reinforcing its commitment to the 777X program. The 777-9, touted as the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, is set to play a crucial role in Qatar Airways‘ long-haul fleet expansion, offering increased passenger capacity and improved fuel efficiency.

In a significant move for the leasing sector, Macquarie AirFinance announced its first direct order with Boeing, purchasing 20 737-8 aircraft. This order not only doubles Macquarie AirFinance’s existing 737-8 order book, acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023, but also underscores the continued strong demand for the 737 MAX family, known for its efficiency and versatility.

𝐅𝐈𝐀𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 £𝟖𝟏.𝟓 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬

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