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Gatwick Strikes: Some Suspended, Others Still Going Ahead
We gave you all the details about the proposed Gatwick strikes two weeks ago. Since then, some of the planned strikes have been suspended following fresh negotiations, but not all disputes have been resolved. Several walkouts are still scheduled, with potential disruption over the coming weeks.
Red Handling Strikes Suspended (for now)
Workers, including baggage handlers, flight dispatchers and check-in staff, have postponed strikes for two more weeks until Unite receives proof that pension payments have been made.
A new deal is on the table: Red Handling will pay the costs of lost interest on unpaid contributions, and new terms, such as staff overtime pay, have been agreed. An independent audit will make sure the situation doesn’t happen again.
Members will soon vote on a new offer under which Red Handling must pay a bonus if payday is late. The outcome of the ballot will determine the strike on 1st June.
Unite Regional officer Ben Davis said:
“Red Handling has returned to negotiations and made an improved offer and therefore Unite has suspended strike action to allow members to be balloted on the proposals.”
Redline Oil Strikes Will Go Ahead
No such progress for Redline Oil Services. Plane refuellers will strike in two four-day blocks. The strike is going on now until 20th May and again from 23rd to 27th May, overlapping the school half-term period.
Talks broke down after a revised pay offer was unanimously rejected. EasyJet is expected to bear the brunt of the disruption, but knock-on delays could affect other carriers, including Air India and Uganda Airlines.
You should brace for potential delays, even on non-strike days.
Etihad Orders 28 Boeing Aircraft, Including 787s and 777Xs
Etihad has just announced an order for 28 Boeing 787 and 777X wide-body aircraft, worth nearly $14.5 billion. The exact number of each has yet to be confirmed, but deliveries will start in 2028. All aircraft will be powered by General Electric engines.
The current Etihad fleet consists of around 100 aircraft, including Boeing 777 and 787 models. Airbus aircraft include A320, A321, A350 and A380. The newest member of the fleet is the A321LR (First cabin on a single-aisle aircraft with long-haul capability), which will fly from August. While the new orders are all Boeing, the fleet is still mixed!
Etihad is targeting a fleet of over 170 aircraft by 2030 as part of its “Journey 2030” strategy. The 777X, once sidelined from its five-year plan, is now firmly back on the agenda. Designed to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and range, the aircraft is aimed at key long-haul markets with higher capacity and reduced operating costs. It features folding wingtips, the largest composite wings ever fitted to a commercial aircraft, and state-of-the-art GE9X engines. Certification is now in its final stages.
It’s a good time for Boeing. Just last week, it was confirmed that BA has 38 Boeing planes on order, including 6 x 777- 9s and 32 x 787-10s. Qatar Airways also confirmed its largest-ever order of 210 Boeing aircraft (160 plus options to buy 50 more) valued at around $96 billion.
What do you think about this Etihad order? Let us know in the comments below!
ITA Airways Opens Lounge at Milan Linate Airport
ITA Airways has just opened its revamped flagship lounge at Milan Linate. The Runway Lounge fills a 482 square metre space and features premium design touches throughout, including Poltrona Frau furnishings and IGuzzini lighting.
You’ll find a dedicated illycaffè bar and an aperitivo station by Campari. If you get a chance to visit, make sure you try the Runway Shakerato – a take on the Milanese Campari Shakerato.
The lounge is on the first floor of the Schengen departure area, close to gates A17 and A21. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Inside, the space is divided into three distinct zones – dining, relaxation, and business – with seating for up to 125 guests.
The standout feature is the ‘silent room,’ which features a replica of an aeroplane cabin.
You’ll also find private workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a digital newsstand.
How to Access the Lounge
ITA has left SkyTeam but hasn’t yet formally joined Star Alliance, so lounge eligibility is limited and slightly more complicated:
- Business Class passengers flying on an ITA or Lufthansa Group Flight (no guests). Lufthansa Group includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Austrian, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Airlines.
- Volare Premium or above Status holders in the ITA loyalty programme (up to one guest + two children).
- Miles & More Senator or above status holders flying on ITA or a Lufthansa Group airline (one guest + children under 18).
- Star Alliance Gold members flying Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, or Austrian (one guest). Star Alliance Gold matches to status levels like MileagePlus Premier Gold, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Miles&Smiles Elite. Read more about airline alliances here.
