Aviation with Style

  The economy passenger’s dream ticket – a free upgrade at the departure gate – now looks endangered. Online upgrade auctions that allow travellers with cheap tickets to make blind bids for unfilled business class seats are on the rise, as airlines across the world catch on to the innovative new way of making extra cash. Last week Austrian Airlines became the latest carrier to start taking bids-for-beds, following in the footsteps of Air New Zealand, El Al of Israel, Etihad of Abu Dhabi and Virgin Atlantic. In future, passengers buying cheap tickets for long-haul flights via Vienna are invited to bid for an upgrade to the business class cabin, which boasts 2 metre-long flat beds. If successful, they also get fast-track security, access to business lounges and improved catering. The technology behind the bidding services has been developed by American software developer, Plusgrade, which claims it is in talks with several other carriers about offering the facility.

Boeing stated it still expects to deliver more than 60 787s for 2012. 15-20% of the deliveries are expected in 2Q2013. Total commercial aircraft deliveries are still expected to be between 635 and 645 for the year. Boeing also provided the following highlights for its commerical aircraft programmes and its  Commercial Aviation Services unit for 1Q2013: Boeing 737: Programme build rate raised to 38 per month, marking a 20% production rise over the past two years; American Airlines finalised an orders for 100 737 MAXs, with options for another 60; Iceland Air finalises an order for 16 737 MAXs; Ryanair announced commitment for 175 737-800s; 737 MAX meets design-to-loads milestone, defining what forces the aircraft structure will experience in operation; Boeing delivers its 1000th airplane to China , going to China Eastern Airlines ; GE Capital Aviation Services ( GECAS ) takes delivery of its 350th 737, becoming the third customer to r