Articles tagged “lhr”

A step in the right direction, although some passengers might balk at the price tag and wonder why the UK government can't apply the same tests when they return.

Several big names are linked to this pilot, not the least of which are the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and The Rockefeller Foundation, and to other schemes afoot. But are they the answer to restarting travel, and can they convince governments that Covid-19 testing, not quarantines, is the best way to reopen borders?

The business traveler's favorite, and formerly Europe's conduit to doing business (and lunch) with the capital’s bankers, London City Airport remains quiet and is preparing to lay off staff.

Quarantine measures don't steady the nerves of already anxious corporate travel managers, who can now only hope for more bilateral agreements to help staff get flying again.

On a branding and product level, Virgin Atlantic has long punched above its weight. But overall, Virgin Atlantic is just another undersize airline trying to squeeze out a profit amid intense competition. Perhaps Heathrow's expansion will change that. But don't bet on it.

It's strange to see an airport and its biggest customer at loggerheads. IAG CEO Willie Walsh is rapidly losing his patience with the expansion project, and the UK government might decide to follow suit.

American Airlines is once again expanding its seasonal service to traditionally less-trafficked destinations in Europe where tourism growth is reaching new highs.

China is a long way from being an open market, but for carriers in China and the UK, this is welcome news. And since it means more flights, and more competition, it could lead to sightly lower fares.

Heathrow has managed to function as a major international hub despite its runway limitations. But future passenger growth means it will need to expand, if it is to hold a leadership position both in Europe and around the world.

Airport performance and user experience needs to be assessed against global standards and not domestic mediocrity. And that's just the start of it.