TfL unveils details of new Piccadilly Line trains
TfL has released images of its new Piccadilly Line trains, which are set to enter service in 2025. The first of the 94 trains has arrived at the Siemens Mobility Test and Validation Centre in Germany for testing, having travelled from the production line in Vienna at the end of July.
The new trains, which will replace the existing fleet dating from the 1970s, will increase capacity by around 10 per cent and feature walk-through, air-conditioned carriages and improved accessibility.
Weekend walkouts at Gatwick called off but more strikes loom.
There will be no strike action at Gatwick this weekend (4-8 August) after GGS ground handlers, contracted at the airport by British Airways, voted to accept an improved pay offer
Following the announcement of the walkouts, further negotiations were held with GGS and an improved offer worth 10.3% was agreed. In addition, the workforce will receive a significant market rate adjustment in their shift pay, further increasing the value of the offer.
However, while it brings to an end one pay dispute at Gatwick, another is under way following another strike ballot, which could see ground handlers serving a range of airlines, including Delta Air Lines walk out. No dates have yet been set for the new action
SkyTeam launches hand baggage compliance checker for connecting customers
SkyTeam has launched a new tool enabling customers to check the hand baggage allowance when travelling on more than one member carrier on one itinerary. Passengers can use the Carry-on Calculator to input their class of travel and the airlines they are flying with, to receive information on the hand baggage policies for each carrier.
A recommended allowance is also advised based on the most restrictive carry-on and personal item allowance for every flight, including bag dimensions and maximum weight, to ensure the customer complies with requirements across all stages of the journey.
Travel news as a glance:
- British Airways to launch flights from Heathrow to Belgrade, Cologne, Riga and Turin.
- Emirates to offer premium economy on flights to 13 cities by end of the year.
- Etihad to launch flights to Boston.
- Finnair transforms worn-out uniforms into garden furniture.
- KLM to offer more flights from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
- Iberostar cuts food waste with AI technology.
- Thai Airways returns to Sapporo with 787-9.