In the past few months, there has been a lot of activity on the ‘seaplane’ front in Europe. Mainly, this activity has been floating around Greece along with the development of a new network of seaports. The concept has been in circulation for some time however, now it seems closer to fruition than ever before.… Continue reading HYDROPLANES: A new trend or a new dimension?
Author: Nikolas Koukos
How Working Roles Changed
I have been thinking a lot recently, how some roles and job characteristics might have changed as result from the happenings of the past year. Having a higher awareness and alertness about hazards, I envisage particular aspects of our working environment in the future to be different from how they were twelve months ago. I… Continue reading How Working Roles Changed
Airports in adverse weather
There is something exciting and remarkable about airport winter operations. Over the past few days, I have followed how the heavy snowfall affected European airports. Once again, some locations were clearly stunned by the storms. The situation brings back amazing memories from the time when I served in operational roles among a team of colleagues… Continue reading Airports in adverse weather
The laser beam hazard
In recent times, we have experienced a trend that poses great risk to aircrews and flight safety. ‘Laser pointing’ is a practice carried out by brain-muddled individuals and is extremely dangerous. A number of States and governments around the world, including Canada, United Kingdom and Australia, have taken the matter seriously to the extent of… Continue reading The laser beam hazard
2021 Greek Bicentennial Celebrations
Celebrations in Greece are always a very serious business. You only have to look how Greeks revel their ‘Name-Day’ a custom to celebrate their Christian (holy) name even more than birthdays. Similarly, other celebrations like Easter for example in Greece are magnificent and they have not slightly lost their radiance over the years. It is… Continue reading 2021 Greek Bicentennial Celebrations
Concorde: The Master of Commercial Flight
January 2021 was a special point in aviation’s history as it marked the 45th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight. To be precise, on 21st January 1976, two Concorde jets took off at the same time on two different routes. These were the first scheduled supersonic passenger services. British Airways flying on the London –… Continue reading Concorde: The Master of Commercial Flight
Film tourism is an ideal travel experience
Film tourism is a relatively recent phenomenon that started emerging in the 1990s and many industry professionals refer to the segment as film-induced tourism. As we know, the various types of tourism result mainly from people’s different motivations to travel. With this point in mind, it is clear that ‘film tourism’ is a specific segment… Continue reading Film tourism is an ideal travel experience
Preparing for the passengers of the future
As the air transport sector wrestles to survive from the battle with the pandemic disaster, I cannot help thinking about ‘normality’ in the future. I do not want to generalise but in the current climate, it is fair to say that everyone wishes for a speedy return to normal life. Indeed, during the transition we… Continue reading Preparing for the passengers of the future
Aerodrome Safeguarding is Heart of Operations
Aerodrome Safeguarding is the most important process in ensuring the safety of aircraft operations! Some readers may find this to be an amazing opening statement to this article. However, I stand by this view with great conviction. After many years front-line service, I have no doubt in my mind that aircraft operations are adequately sheltered… Continue reading Aerodrome Safeguarding is Heart of Operations
How enjoyable are long haul flights?
When travelling on long haul flights most of us experience the occasion in different ways. Irrespective if we fly regularly or from time to time, we all think either of long distance journeys to be an inevitable chapter or as the exhilarating stage of the trip. Whichever way, I want to share with you a… Continue reading How enjoyable are long haul flights?
Take advantage of Duty Free shopping
Following the UK’s departure from the EU those travelling between the UK and EU countries have the opportunity to do duty free shopping. This will be a similar approach to the EU in line with the rest of the world. For British travellers, will enjoy up to 50% off high street prices on a range… Continue reading Take advantage of Duty Free shopping
Employability in aviation after the pandemic
I was invited to take part in an online roundtable discussion last week, on the subject of Employability in Aviation after the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with other industry experts and professionals from diverse backgrounds, we analysed the employment situation within the aviation sector following events and experiences over the past year. The workshop organized by… Continue reading Employability in aviation after the pandemic
Worrying traffic figures
For anyone who understands the aviation industry, the traffic figures published today by Heathrow Airport are rather worrying. On an article titled Restart Aviation for Global Britain, the company listed generic traffic figures for 2020 as well as a description of all traffic specifically for the month of last December. Last year’s traffic figures show… Continue reading Worrying traffic figures
Anything you can do, I can do better
In light of all the striking announcements and proposed developments by London’s major airports, now I am even more intrigued regarding the future of aviation in the south of England. For me, the contest between the major players – Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stanstead and Luton Airports – to attract business and customers is getting… Continue reading Anything you can do, I can do better
UK Points-Based Immigration System
Following the full exit of the UK from the EU the free movement of people ended on 1 January 2021. In order to manage the new arrangement effectively, the UK introduced a points-based immigration system. In the new system, both the EU and non-EU citizens receive equal treatment concerning people wishing to enter the country… Continue reading UK Points-Based Immigration System
Where Will You Go?
OK everyone, hands up those who at this moment dream about their next leisure trip! Personally speaking, I have arms, hands and fingers stretched high above my head. In fact, I had them raised before finished asking you the question. Such is my desire to travel again soon that I cannot wait any longer for… Continue reading Where Will You Go?
The Joys οf Leisure Flying
Despite the many nuisances that come with it, I have always contended that leisure air travel is one of the most charming activities. Leisure flying presents convenience, speed and fulfilment to us and this is the main reason we can never have enough of it. Yet, on occasions, it can be uncomfortable – especially in… Continue reading The Joys οf Leisure Flying
Come Fly With Us . . . If You Are Allowed
We are now in the middle of winter, start of January 2021. Along with many other industries, businesses and markets the Coronavirus pandemic has affected the air travel sector gravely. Successively, the shutdown of the flying segment dispersed many undesirable effects onto other domains like hospitality, retail, transport and tourism touching them mercilessly with devastating… Continue reading Come Fly With Us . . . If You Are Allowed
Air Travel For Persons With Disabilities
One of the principles shared with a convincing belief among those who work within aviation is to support the rights of people with disabilities. Likewise, in all the years that I have served in the industry, I have yet to come across any organization or agency who did not believe that everyone should have equal… Continue reading Air Travel For Persons With Disabilities
Will Air Travel Bubbles Ever Burst?
For all the years I have been working in aviation, I cannot recall another time when the industry introduced similar methods to those like the “air transport bubbles” in order to keep the sector alive. Some way along the corona episode, this tactic was a response to the pandemic. It was an attempt to restart… Continue reading Will Air Travel Bubbles Ever Burst?