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.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 14 March 2008
Man arrested trying to run onto runway at Heathrow Airport
A man armed with a rucksack managed to get past security and onto the runway into the path of an oncoming aircraft at London Heathrow. An enquiry is now being conducted.
The man's actions disrupted flights for the day yesterday, he was arrested just before reaching the tarmac but the north runway was shut whilst armed officers held their guns towards him.
This incident came just 1 day before the Queen was expected to open the new terminal five. It's believed the rucksack contained clothes.
Police have said they don't know the man's motive but are confident it's not terror related. Workers at Heathrow believe it's a sign of protest over the new terminal and he wanted to cause havoc.
Gordon Brown has said that he's satisfied everything possible is being done to ensure security at the opening.
He later said: “I think the important thing about the Heathrow incident is that the person was detained, that all the security precautions went quickly into action, that he’s now being interviewed and that all possible steps were taken so that when this incident happened the arrest took place.”
A BAA spokesman said: “Clearly this incident is a matter of some concern and will be fully investigated in conjunction with the police.”
Twenty flights were cancelled by various airlines and outgoing flights diverted to the south runway.
This incident is the second in a number of weeks where security has been breached.
The man's actions disrupted flights for the day yesterday, he was arrested just before reaching the tarmac but the north runway was shut whilst armed officers held their guns towards him.
This incident came just 1 day before the Queen was expected to open the new terminal five. It's believed the rucksack contained clothes.
Police have said they don't know the man's motive but are confident it's not terror related. Workers at Heathrow believe it's a sign of protest over the new terminal and he wanted to cause havoc.
Gordon Brown has said that he's satisfied everything possible is being done to ensure security at the opening.
He later said: “I think the important thing about the Heathrow incident is that the person was detained, that all the security precautions went quickly into action, that he’s now being interviewed and that all possible steps were taken so that when this incident happened the arrest took place.”
A BAA spokesman said: “Clearly this incident is a matter of some concern and will be fully investigated in conjunction with the police.”
Twenty flights were cancelled by various airlines and outgoing flights diverted to the south runway.
This incident is the second in a number of weeks where security has been breached.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Leaving a rainy Heathrow, destination Kuala Lumpur!
Leaving a rainy Heathrow, destination Kuala Lumpur!
Labels:
Boeing 747,
Heathrow Airport,
KLIA,
Malaysia Airlines
Monday, 25 February 2008
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!!
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Budget Airline, Budget Costs
Budget airline Ryanair have been ordered to pay French president Nicolas Sarkozy costs of €1 for using an unauthorised photograph of Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni.
The couple had borrowed a billionaire industrialist's private jet to fly to Egypt for a Christmas break where they exchanged gifts costing €84,000 (£62,000).
Ryanair obtained their photograph and used it to advertise cheap flights in a Paris newspaper, the President failed to see the funny side and took the airline to court.
The Sarkozys, who were married last weekend won their case against the Irish company with Sarkozy being awarded a requested €1 in symbolic damages, his wife received €60,000.
The couple had borrowed a billionaire industrialist's private jet to fly to Egypt for a Christmas break where they exchanged gifts costing €84,000 (£62,000).
Ryanair obtained their photograph and used it to advertise cheap flights in a Paris newspaper, the President failed to see the funny side and took the airline to court.
The Sarkozys, who were married last weekend won their case against the Irish company with Sarkozy being awarded a requested €1 in symbolic damages, his wife received €60,000.
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