SLIM DOWN
Airlines are launching slimmer planes and it’s great news for certain types of passengers
A number of airlines have already made the move to slimmer planes
PASSENGERS are set to experience a new form of aviation travel next summer when airlines begin to introduce slimmer planes.
These smaller and more efficient aircraft are due to solve a number of growing issues travellers face on their holidays with certain people rejoicing over the change.
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As the weather warms up and holiday season kicks into gear, passengers flying on United Airlines across the Atlantic will soon be able to embark on a new kind of journey.
They are offering direct flights from the US East Coast to destinations all across Europe such as Spain, Italy and even Greenland.
But unlike in previous long-haul trips the planes used will be single-aisle jets.
These could spell the end of large hub airports which are often packed out with travellers trying to make their connecting flights.
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But the slim and direct flights to smaller destinations will help to reduce congestion at these aviation hubs and lower travel times.
Traditionally, airlines were forced to put on connecting flights on large planes to keep costs down.
But as the world ushers in a new form of travel with the advancement of smaller aircraft the way we travel is set to change.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 and Airbus A321XLR are due to be among the planes making the single aisle journey's going forwards.
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Their smaller size allows them to depart and land at higher rates at local airports with the number of crew both on the ground and in the air a lot less.
Patrick Quayle, senior vice-president of global network planning and alliances at United Airlines spoke to the about the change.
Inside the brand new, luxury Emirates flight from Edinburgh to Dubai
He said: “Smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 737 Max 8 have enabled new nonstop service to burgeoning niche leisure destinations within reach from the US East Coast.
“Our point-to-point portfolio taps into the growing interest in diverse European locales."
Frequent flyers are set to be thrilled by the change with the frustrating issues of long airport wait times and missed connections set to drastically lower.
Elsewhere, budget airlines are also trying to revamp business by using new, more efficient planes.
The A321XLR Airbus is the frontrunner for cheaper airlines to use as an alternative to Boeing.
It can continuously fly for 11 hours at a time and is set to be used Wizz Air under their planned routes from the UK to Saudi Arabia.
Other airlines, including Aer Lingus and Iberia, are also enquiring about using the model for transatlantic flights, the FT reports.
Icelandair is also considering using the aircraft for flights from its Reykjavik hub to Texas, California and Dubai.
It comes as an airport in Saudi Arabia has just opened its newly-expanded terminal - making it one step closer to becoming the world's biggest.
On January 8, King Khalid International Airport completed the first phase of its Terminal 1 overhaul.
The renovations to will see capacity at the airport increase from three million passengers per year to seven million passengers.
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The UK government has also approved plans to expand London City Airport.
London Stansted Airport has revealed plans to welcome another 20million in the next 16 years, ahead of a £1.1billion renovation.
5 common mistakes that could impact your flight
FLIGHT attendant Beth Windsor shared the common mistakes passengers make that could negatively impact their flights:
- Walking Barefoot: The plane's floors are very dirty and can lead to infections. It's better to wear hotel slippers or sandals if you want to remove your shoes.
- Using Seat Pockets: These pockets are rarely cleaned and can contain unpleasant items like dirty nappies. It's best not to store personal items in them.
- Drinking Plane Tap Water: Plane water tanks are rarely cleaned and can harbor harmful bacteria. Stick to bottled water to avoid illness.
- Booking Bulkhead Seats: These seats often accommodate bassinets for babies, which can lead to noisy flights. Opting for an exit row may help you avoid this issue.
- Getting Too Drunk: Alcohol affects passengers more due to low cabin pressure, potentially leading to quicker intoxication and possible trouble. Drink in moderation and stay hydrated with water.
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