British Airways plans to increase number of seats in its Boeing 777 economy class

British Airways has drawn up plans to increase the number of seats on its Boeing 777 economy class flights from 280 to 332. This would be achieved by adding an extra seat per row. At present, there are nine economy seats per row and, as per the revised proposal, seating space will be shrunk to create 10 seats per row which would mean an extra 52 seats in the cabin.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 7 November 2016.

BA has indicated that the refurbishment will also include new entertainment systems, with bigger screens. A spokeswoman of BA has added that '.. we are flying more customers than ever before to our expanding network of destinations ... to meet this demand, we are updating our Boeing 777 cabins to bring us into line with many of our competitors and allow us to offer even more low fares...'
The chief executive of British Airway's parent company IAG has told investors that BA is responding to a market opportunity and the move would allow BA to "lower the average cost per seat, charge a lower price and stimulate demand".


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Iran attracting tourists and becoming a favorite tourist destination

Iran used to be, till recently, being considered out of bounds due to political pressure but, it is now emerging as a favorite destination for tourists. New direct flights from London and Paris to Tehran, coupled with the country's fascinating history and affordability, are positioning Iran as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2017.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 15 September 2016.

British Airways launch direct flights from London to Tehran earlier this month after Air France relaunched its service in April and other airlines are expected to follow with direct flights. The competition could help to lower prices.
Of course, those traveling to Iran have to take care not to travel completely to border areas with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. As far as New Zealand is concerned, there is no direct flights to Tehran and passengers would have to change to other flights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha.
The UK has relaxed its travel advisories, lifted sanctions and reopened its Iranian embassy in London and, consequently, more number of Britons are traveling to Iran.


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British Airways resumes flights to Tehran after four years

With the lifting of sanctions against Iran after four years, direct flights to the country has been resumed by British Airways. The airline has described Tehran as "an important destination" and it will operate six return flights per week between London Heathrow and the Iranian capital of Tehran. This could increase to a daily service later this year.
It may be recalled that the service had been suspended in October 2012 due to instability in the Middle Eastern country.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 1 September 2016.

Sanctions had been imposed on Iran because of its involvement in the field of nuclear related activities and, in January, the sanctions were lifted after the international nuclear watchdog confirmed that the Tehran government had met all its obligations under a deal with six world powers.
The first BA flight to Iran will be a Boeing 777 that will take off from Heathrow on Thursday at 9.10pm. It had been expected that flights would resume in July, but it was delayed while the route was established. Air France had resumed flights between Paris and Tehran in April after an eight year hiatus.


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British Airlines have suspended all flights to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt indefinitely

British Airways and a number of other airlines like EasyJet and Monarch have suspended all flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, the favorite tourist spot in Egypt, "indefinitely" because of continued security concerns following the bombing of a Russian jet in the sky over Egypt.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz darted 22 June 2016.

It may be noted that no flights have operated between the UK and the Red Sea resort since November last year after the terrorist bombing of a passenger plane in which all 224 on board were killed. BA had initially cancelled flights up until specific dates pending a change in Government advice. But, it has now indicated that since the safety and security of the customers will always be the topmost priority they have suspended all flights from Gatwick to Sharm el-Sheikh indefinitely. Those who hold bookings on any cancelled services for the coming winter season can claim a full refund or can opt for a new booking to an alternative destination.
Similarly, EasyJet, the low-cost carrier, "remains committed to resuming services to Sharm", but that can happen only when the Government changes its advice. Monarch has, incidentally, cancelled all flights to Sharm up to and including October 30. It has added that it expects to resume services from the beginning of the winter season. And, Thomson Airways has suspended its flights to Sharm until at least September 28.


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