Attempt to ban early morning flights arriving at Heathrow

The governement are being taken to court in an attempt to ban flights landing at Heathrow before 6am.

Three years ago it was discovered that the Department of Transport were accused of failing to act when in fact planes had been placed in the incorrect noise category.

Around sixteen 747 long haul flights arrive at Heathrow between 4.30 and 6.00am.

Coucils taking the court action are accusing the airport of taking advantage of a legal loophole allowing Boeing 747 to land at night but bans other aircraft from doing so.

Lawyers are claiming that residents aren't protected from noise at night and closing this loophole would force airlines to use quieter jets or scrap early arrivals altogether.

Edward Lister Wandsworth Council leader said:

"We are aiming to achieve some much-needed relief for residents in the 4.30-6am period. Those aircraft types which break the rules should be grounded. There are currently no controls at this time of day. If we win, it could mean the Government having to set limits for the first time at a time of day when many people are still asleep."

The case continues.

A380 soon to fly into London Heathrow

Heathrow airport have commenced developments to accommodate the A380. Terminal 3 will see a pier be demolished to allow space for the plane's wingspan.

The new development will be 280m long and 3 storeys high. Passengers will be able to disembark from both levels of the aircraft.

Managing Director of BAA said that preparations are going well: "The A380 will be an important aircraft for Heathrow... but we are also ensuring that our new facilities can accommodate all types of aircraft and meet the needs of all our airlines," he said.

A new pier will see 4 new aircraft stands designed to serve new models of aircraft such as the Airbus A320.

Airlines planning to operate the A380 to Heathrow include Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Qantas.

Touch Down at KLIA - 01/02/2008

Leaving a rainy Heathrow, destination Kuala Lumpur!

Leaving a rainy Heathrow, destination Kuala Lumpur!

Malaysia Airlines MH004 - We need the toilet!!

Well I've never experienced a flight like it. An hour after take off from KLIA the captain suddenly spoke through the speaker into the cabin.

"Ladies & gentleman we have a problem in the cabin which I need your full attention about."

My first response "Oh my god the plane's gonna go down!!." The captain then went on to say that 7 of the 14 toilets onboard the aircraft weren't working, or rather the flush had packed up! So we had 2 options, to either divert back to KLIA which will take an hour, or proceed onto London with the use of only 7 toilets.

Everybody in the cabin then had to vote, proceed or turn back. The result - an overwhelming 'carry on to London'. And so the flight continued as normal.

After many hours of watching films and playing Solitaire we were flying over Europe. Again another announcement from the captain,

"Ladies and gentleman, the toilet situation has just worsened, all toilets are now not functioning. Again 2 options, carry on to London which will take 1.5hrs or divert to Frankfurt taking 30mins. Please vote now."

Again another overwhemling decision to carry on the extra mile straight to London!!

After another very long hour and a half and many crossed legs, the flight finally landed at Heathrow and many anxious passengers disembarked from the aircraft!!.

There's a first time for everything!!

It's a Date for the Airbus A380

On March 18th the world’s largest passenger aircraft will fly into and out of Heathrow for the first time.

The plane is of course the Airbus A380, which will be winging it’s way into London for it’s first commercial flight from Singapore.

Singapore Airlines will take delivery of their third A380 in March which will enable the airline to begin services to Heathrow.

The first A380 commercial flight to London, will leave Singapore’s Changi Airport on Tuesday, March 18th at 9am and arrive at Heathrow at 3.05pm the same day.

The aircraft will then return to Singapore leaving Heathrow at 6.55pm and arriving back into Singapore on Wednesday.