The Week In Travel

EasyJet has reported a return to profit this week, with a net profit of £324 million for the year up to 30th September 2023. This follows a £169 million loss in the previous financial year. The airline benefited from a 42% year-on-year increase in total revenue, reaching £8.2 billion, and a 14% capacity increase from 81.5 million seats in 2022 to 92.6 million in 2023.

In aviation news, Airbus has successfully tested autonomous technologies on its FlightLab helicopter, using a touchscreen tablet for control. The technologies, developed by Airbus’ UpNext division, focused on a new human-machine interface (HMI). The autonomous flight covered lift-off, taxi, take-off, cruise, approach, and landing during a one-hour test flight.

In good news for frequent flyers, Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways have expanded their partnership to include reciprocal benefits for loyalty programs. Following a memorandum of understanding signed in September for an extended codeshare and interline agreement, the collaboration now spans over 60 routes. Members of the Flying Blue and Etihad Guest loyalty programs are able earn and redeem miles when flying with Air France, KLM, or Etihad.

Over in the US, Virgin Atlantic has successfully completed its inaugural transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, named Flight100, flew from London Heathrow to New York JFK, and used a fuel blend comprised of 88% hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids and 12% synthetic aromatic kerosene.

And finally, passengers on a flight in Nigeria were left bewildered when their flight landed 200 miles from the intended destination. Passengers believed they had landed in Abuja until the door opened, revealing they were actually in Asaba. Those on board claimed the pilot told them he’d be given the wrong flight plan, but an official statement from the airline stated the pilot was aware of the diversion the entire time and the flight attendants had accidentally announced the wrong airport after landing. It’s true many people prefer taking the scenic route, but this is likely a step too far!