Airlines

British Airways trials digital wayfinding tool at London Heathrow

In order to assist customers in finding their way through London Heathrow, British Airways is testing a new digital navigation tool. The new technology provides maps of both Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 at London Heathrow, making it easier for passengers passing through the airline’s hub in London to find their departure gate and other important locations like stores, lounges, and restaurants. Customers can now find their way around the airport with greater assurance, saving time and reducing the chance of missing their flight.

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Customers can enjoy London Heathrow more easily with the tool’s clear directions and information on the airport’s layout. Customers can click on points of interest, such as stores, on an interactive map to learn more about the location, hours of operation, and descriptions of the products being sold there. Additionally, the technology makes it simple to identify washrooms, seating areas, and information hubs.

Customers who are connecting between flights can also enter the information for their inbound and connecting flights, which will then display an animated map and step-by-step directions on how to get from the arrival gate to the departure gate of their connecting aircraft.

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Along with investing in new digital wayfinding technology to simplify customers’ journeys through London Heathrow, British Airways is offering travel advice for those travelling over the summer period:

Customers should download the British Airways App by visiting ba.com/app. The app allows customers to easily select seats, order special meals, check their flight status, check-in for flights online and download their boarding pass where applicable.
All essential items should be kept in customers’ hand baggage including medication, travel documents, electronic devices and other valuables. More information on hand baggage allowances can be found by visiting Baggage allowance | Information | British Airways
For customers travelling through airports with a 100ml liquid restriction, including London Heathrow and London Gatwick, it is recommended that customers separate their liquids before they get to the airport and have them in separate area ready to pop them into a clear bag at the airport ahead of clearing security.
Any customers requiring assistance are recommended to contact the British Airways accessibility team ahead of travel. More information can be found by visiting How to request assistance | Disability assistance | British Airways
Customers are recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours prior to a short-haul flight.

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Ordered to Pay $3,580 to Couple over Faulty Seats

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Following a dispute over defective seats during their voyage from India to Australia last year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been compelled to pay a sum exceeding S$3,500 to an Indian couple.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favour of Ravi and Anjali Gupta, who on May 23, 2023, had problems with their business class seats that were meant to automatically recline on their flight from Hyderabad to Australia via Singapore.

Reports from media outlets in India highlighted the discomfort experienced by the couple, who were compelled to endure the entire journey without the benefit of reclining seats, despite having paid a significant amount which cost around 66,750 rupees (S$1,090) for each ticket, lodged a complaint during the flight, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation.

Singapore Airlines initially offered compensation in the form of 10,000 KrisFlyer miles per person, which was declined by the passengers. As reported by CNA, Singapore Airlines apologised for any difficulty the technical failure may have caused and acknowledged the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Hyderabad’s ruling.

SIA clarified that while the automatic recline feature on Mr. and Mrs. Gupta’s seats experienced a glitch, the manual recline function remained operational during the flight from Hyderabad to Singapore.

Regrettably, due to a fully occupied flight, SIA staff were unable to arrange alternative seating within the business class cabin. However, the airline asserts that its crew diligently monitored the couple’s comfort throughout the journey, offering to manually adjust the seats as needed.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.