BA lease Qatar planes to beat Mixed Fleet strike
I wrote about the planned BA strike by Mixed Fleet cabin crew Unite members in this article. The strike is due to start on 1 July until 16 July. BA have said that they will get all their customers to their destinations (but not when!). BA have applied this week to the UK Civil Aviation Authority to use nine Qatar registered Airbus A320 or A321s between July 1 and July 16. They have done this citing exceptional needs to be able to keep their operations from being disrupted. Whether this is approved or not remains to be seen.
This would be a wet lease meaning that the BA would lease both the plane and the crew. Unfortunately with different configurations to BA’s short haul aircraft this could result in some downgrades, but at least it increases the chances of getting to your destination on time.
Unite union are, of course, not pleased by this. They estimate that this will costs BA £5000 per hour when restoring staff travel, would actually give BA a small amount of money from each ticket. They are also unhappy that Qatar crew will be operating UK services when they will not have had the relevant criminal background checks required for British crew. They are disputing whether the CAA should grant the request as they do not believe the circumstances are ‘exceptional’.
Of course, this deal will help out Qatar Airways. They are currently struggling to use their aircraft since the diplomatic dispute with 4 neighbouring countries started earlier this month. Qatar has had to cancel all flights to and from UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. There have been images on social media showing the usual busy Doha lounges virtually empty. Qatar owns a 20 percent stake in BA parent IAGso this move makes a lot of sense. The official BA announcement is here.
Jamie Oliver to open Gatwick South restaurant including take on board food
The second ever Jamie Oliver’s The Diner is to open at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal (now BA’s home) this August. This follows the flagship branch in London’s Leicester Square. This will be Jamie’s second Gatwick restaurant as there is also a Jamie’s Italian at Gatwick North.
The restaurant is a homage to great American comfort food, serving up home-cooked style dishes in a relaxed setting.
Dishes on offer will include:
- Super Food Breakfast: Poached free-range eggs, baby spinach, super grains and pulses, smashed avocado, toasted super nuts and seeds
- Naughty Chocolate Pancakes: Chocolate chunk pancakes, caramelised banana and honey-toasted pecans
- Jamie’s Insanity Burger: Prime beef patty, free range maple bacon, Jamie’s kickin’ bourbon burger sauce, Sparkenhoe cheese and flash pickles
- Jamie’s Super Corn and Quinoa Salad: Charred corn, quinoa, avocado, feta, alphonso mango, baby plum tomatoes, garlicky lime dressing and crispy maple bacon
The Diner will also have a ‘grab and go’ deli section if you want to take some food on your flight. You will be able to pick up a super food wrap, super food salad or Jamie Oliver inspired burrito, selecting from a choice of pulled, smoked meats, slow-cooked beans, wholegrain rice or quinoa, avocado, low fat yoghurt or Jamie Oliver’s secret chilli sauce.
Jamie Oliver said:
“I’m chuffed to be opening a new diner at Gatwick Airport South Terminal. Airports can be pretty crazy places so we’re creating the perfect space to chill out with some good food, and maybe a drink or two, before you start your holiday. Everyone is welcome, no matter how long you stay. We’re totally upping the game in airport food. It’s all about the diner food you love, made with incredible, sustainable produce. There’s going to be plenty of delicious healthy dishes, as well as some naughty ones that I’ve tried my best to keep in check, but each one is guaranteed to taste delicious!”
