Search found 1564 matches

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by raffik
Mon Jan 15, 2024 9:45 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Airbus A321XLR Development / Testing / Production / Deliveries - 2024
Replies: 107
Views: 25840

Re: Airbus A321XLR Development / Testing / Production / Deliveries - 2024

Any confirmed dates for the entry into service of the MEA A321XLR? MEA is said to be significantly deferring their order (they were originally going to be the first operator). Considering MEA’s financial position and Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis I wouldn’t hold my breath on seeing them anytim...

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by raffik
Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:44 am
Forum: Non-Aviation
Topic: Lloyds Banking Group share price
Replies: 5
Views: 937

Re: Lloyds Banking Group share price

My partner was Lloyds customer service group manager for Lloyds for 15 years and was offered voluntary service in 2002. As part of his redundancy, he was given a large amount of shares. We cashed half of the shares, at the time worth about £80k which cleared our mortgage. The rest of the redundancy ...

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by raffik
Mon Nov 26, 2018 12:47 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Embraer E2 Flight Testing And Production Thread - 2018
Replies: 481
Views: 83539

Re: Embraer E2 Flight Testing And Production Thread - 2018

The Lebanese Spotters group who were onboard the test flight from Beirut to Antalya has stated that MEA has no intention of placing an order with Embraer for those aircraft. Is it usual for Embraer to send over an aircraft and print up promotional material with MEA's livery on advertising if MEA has...

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by raffik
Tue Oct 23, 2018 11:16 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA: 787s to Beirut?
Replies: 32
Views: 5451

Re: BA: 787s to Beirut?

Thanks for the responses guys. It's unfortunate though that no thread about aviation in Lebanon can go without a political discussion- whether or not it's safe, etc. I have my opinions but I truly don't want to get into it here. It's too bad that it seems BA 787s to BEY won't be happening any time ...

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by raffik
Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:07 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA: 787s to Beirut?
Replies: 32
Views: 5451

Re: BA: 787s to Beirut?

Would the B787 be allowed to fly to a risky destination like BEY? Wouldn't it be more adequate an older A321? Hm. I want to ask what you mean by risky, or what the risk difference would be between an A321 or a 787, but the first question needs to be who 'allows' aircraft to fly places? What authori...

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by raffik
Tue Oct 23, 2018 8:31 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA: 787s to Beirut?
Replies: 32
Views: 5451

Re: BA: 787s to Beirut?

Would the B787 be allowed to fly to a risky destination like BEY? Wouldn't it be more adequate an older A321? The only "risk", as it were, would be not having access to parts to fix an airplane if it went tech. On that note, does anyone fly a 787 into BEY on a regular basis? Ethiopian, Ai...

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by raffik
Tue Oct 23, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA: 787s to Beirut?
Replies: 32
Views: 5451

Re: BA: 787s to Beirut?

[code][/code] I remember the post as well. I think somebody called Cedric said that BA would start operating from September or October on the route but as of yet, I cannot see this has happened. It's still scheduled as an A321 service but watch this space- perhaps somebody on here will know if and w...

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by raffik
Wed Sep 19, 2018 12:59 pm
Forum: Travel, Polls & Preferences
Topic: Flat beds on narrowbodies
Replies: 20
Views: 4299

Re: Flat beds on narrowbodies

BA have flat beds on their mid haul A321s which operate to the Middle East and Moscow.
Very comfortable as well!

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by raffik
Mon Aug 13, 2018 5:15 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?
Replies: 60
Views: 6446

Re: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?

Relations between Lebanon and Israel are worse than most of the other countries mentioned above. Unfortunately, the reason why these routes are not happening is down to politics and politics alone. Beirut could have the safest security in place at the airport and flights to the United States or Cana...

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by raffik
Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:58 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?
Replies: 60
Views: 6446

Re: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?

Wasn't Air Canada at one time proposing to fly YYZ to Beirut a few years ago? They actually sold tickets in 2003 (I believe) and time tabled a service using 767s but it was withdrawn the day before the first flight. Air Canada then attempted to launch flights last year in a code share agreement wit...

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by raffik
Mon Aug 13, 2018 10:38 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?
Replies: 60
Views: 6446

Re: If Beirut-US flights return, which cities could gain service?

Montreal and New York would most likely be their prime destinations. The A330s they have are more than capable of operating such distances perhaps with the addition of crew rest facilities. They are on the brink of renewing their wide bodied fleet so if they did intend to launch longer hauls than th...

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by raffik
Sun Jun 17, 2018 8:01 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

stl07 wrote:
So is Jordan getting a Dreamliner too?


Amman will get the euro configured A320 according to sources here.

For a long time Amman was an add on to Beirut, it took a while for it to get a direct service. I’m guessing RJ are happy to pick up the business

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by raffik
Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:41 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

Just as an aside, BA operates wide bodied service to Beirut when the war first finished in the early to mid 90s with the 767. When the service was handed down to British Mediterranean, it went to an A320 and then A321 with BMED. The 787 could be filled I’m guessing but it’s a shame they don’t have a...

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by raffik
Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:36 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Next A330 Neo orders....
Replies: 217
Views: 58862

Re: Next A330 Neo orders....

MEA have stated they will either be placing an order for 5 A330NEO in the next month or ordering 5 787-900. Seeing as their fleet has been all airbus for decades, I'd be surprised if they didn't order the A330NEO! They have 5 A330-200s that will be replaced soon

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by raffik
Mon Jun 11, 2018 9:41 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

Some midhaul destinations are operated by short haul A320s and some flights are cancelled for the next few weeks as one of the midhaul aircraft requires unexpected maintenance. One of the reasons for the a320 service to Amman. Weird thing is that the rest of the summer season is to be operated by a...

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by raffik
Wed Jun 06, 2018 6:45 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

Very confusing. So, we are no closer to finding out the fate of the Beirut route. BA sending a Euro configured A320 to Amman doesn't sound very comfortable for a 5+hour flight, especially in Business. Does anyone know with any certainty the fate of the midhaul 321s - are they all being removed? Will...

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by raffik
Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:46 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

Is it definite that all Mid Haul A321s are going to be converted? The last time this topic was brought up, people were adamant that 4 A321s were going to be left in the Mid Haul config. Mixed fleet crew already operate the 321 so that doesn't necessarily mean that they can't continue to operate to B...

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by raffik
Mon Jun 04, 2018 8:51 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA 767/A321 replacement
Replies: 42
Views: 13892

Re: BA 767/A321 replacement

I asked the same question last year and was told by people that not all of the ex BMI A321 fleet were being configured in to European configuration- they were hanging on to a small fleet of A321s in the mid haul layout which will continue to operate to the likes of Beirut etc. I regularly fly LHR-BE...

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by raffik
Wed Apr 18, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Middle East Airlines (MEA) decision next month: Airbus A330-900neo or Boeing 787-9
Replies: 54
Views: 10636

Re: Middle East Airlines (MEA) decision next month: Airbus A330-900neo or Boeing 787-9

Interested at people thinking it's odd that MEA have wide bodied aircraft! :roll: Some of the African routes are in excess of 7 1/2 hours- similar to London to New York, or London to Dubai.. MEA does not have an extensive route network but what came out of the reshuffle in the late 1990s is a shift ...

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by raffik
Sat Aug 05, 2017 3:19 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA Mid Haul A321 Routes?
Replies: 6
Views: 3051

Re: BA Mid Haul A321 Routes?

AMM & TLV as well. Although TLV has a mix of 777/787/321 Looking from this Winter TLV seems to be going 777/744. BEY seems to be staying 321. Yep, currently. Next year the midhaul configuration should be phased out. Wonder what they're going to do with the route then. I can't imagine them getti...

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by raffik
Sat Aug 05, 2017 1:29 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA Mid Haul A321 Routes?
Replies: 6
Views: 3051

BA Mid Haul A321 Routes?

I have flown these aircraft extensively back and forth between London and Beirut- very comfortable in Economy and Business. However, I have read that these aircraft will be reconfigured for short haul operations. Does anybody know what will happen to the Beirut route once these A321s are reconfigure...

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by raffik
Mon Jul 24, 2017 8:34 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA W17 LHR longhaul changes
Replies: 9
Views: 4672

Re: BA W17 LHR longhaul changes

Any news on Beirut? Now that the A321s are being reconfigured to short haul config?

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by raffik
Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:32 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Arabian aviation thread - 2017
Replies: 389
Views: 53544

Re: Arabian Aviation Thread

MEA launching non stop services to Madrid from next year as per their Facebook post dated 11/7/17

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by raffik
Wed Jul 12, 2017 9:50 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

Hope LH will upgrade their BEY offering into lh product instead of the lousy A321 cabin they offer. Something similar to the AF product. Or at least an in between like the BA A321 service to BEY. Strangely, BA is phasing out the inherited ex BD A321s with the "mid haul" configuration with...

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by raffik
Tue Jul 11, 2017 10:38 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

Thank God more rational people than you decide what air Canada can and can't do. The level of stupidity on this forum is staggering. Time to find a new hobby. Peace out! Hisham. Peace Out yet your posts are anything but peaceful. It is beyond me why you are so patronising and dismissive of other pe...

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by raffik
Tue Jul 11, 2017 10:27 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

After all the issues with the flight discussed here, a lot is beyond you raffik. As for "we all know...", speak for yourself. I don't know such nonsense. You love Lebanon, which is admirable, but countries don't make policies based on your feelings. Cheers, Hisham. Thank you for your rath...

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by raffik
Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:52 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

I hope they will reconsider. And I think AC will be happy this never happened. Small market, low yield, no onward connections from BEY, long route. It really makes you wonder what they were thinking.a1 Air Canada have wanted this route since 2003. The market out of Beirut is not small at all- they ...

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by raffik
Mon Jun 26, 2017 11:00 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

Interesting- I have also been reading snippets of news regarding this service. Let's see what happens. I am sure they would do very well. Two years would be enough time for MEA to acquire a better trans atlantic aircraft (or configuration) for such a long service. Currently I believe their A330s are...

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by raffik
Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:15 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

Number of pax and European airlines using BEY does not matter. Hezbollah and Iran consider the US as their enemy not Europe. The Iranian president was in Europe last year. Anyway, this discussion is going in circles so I'm will no longer talk about the security issues in this thread. Hisham. I resp...

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by raffik
Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:27 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA's "World Images" Tailfins - 20 Years On
Replies: 80
Views: 11585

Re: BA's "World Images" Tailfins - 20 Years On

I really enjoyed the World Tails and completely promoted the airlines as a global carrier.

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by raffik
Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:14 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Re: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

Well, countless European airlines have provided safe and efficient service to Beirut for decades now. I hope AC stick to their guns and at least are able to try the route. For those saying there is not enough market to provide a proftable non stop service, I disagree. Many Lebanese are having to tra...

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by raffik
Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:46 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?
Replies: 130
Views: 21199

Air Canada Montreal -Beirut now very likely?

I was reading today a very recent article which quotes Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu as working to provide regulatory and security clearances with the help of Lufthansa at Beirut International Airport to provide non stop services from Montreal to Beirut, long awaited. Not sure if anyone else has mo...

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by raffik
Mon Apr 10, 2017 11:49 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Arabian aviation thread - 2017
Replies: 389
Views: 53544

Re: Arab Carriers thread.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2017/Mar-03/395957-expansion-of-rafik-hariri-international-airport-in-the-works.ashx Expansion for Beirut Airport is approved. Anyone has any suggestions on how they can expand the terminal? To the right of the terminal there is what looks to be old fre...

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by raffik
Mon Apr 10, 2017 11:47 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: BA Considering Long Haul Buy on Board
Replies: 65
Views: 13364

Re: BA Considering Long Haul Buy on Board

Interesting article. Didn't BA also deny rumours of Buy on Board for short haul flights in the early days?
I don't think it is unlikely in the near future but who knows, the airline seems to be on a course of stripping back the "luxuries" customers have been used to

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by raffik
Wed Aug 10, 2016 10:41 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Why no direct BEY-North America?
Replies: 18
Views: 5817

Re: Why no direct BEY-North America?

MEA would jump at the chance to return to North America (they flew there in the 80s with their 747s) but I don't see it happening for a while. After the US barrack bombings in the 1980s, any chance of flights resuming were out of the window. America considers the security arrangements at Beirut to b...

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by raffik
Wed Jul 20, 2016 8:54 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Int Airlines serving local produce inflight.
Replies: 18
Views: 3163

Re: Int Airlines serving local produce inflight.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) serve local produce on flights departing Beirut. All morning flights offer a traditional Lebanese sweet breakfast choice known as Knafeh. Served even with the little sesame flat breads and rose and orange blossom syrup- offered in Business and Economy. Starters include loc...

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by raffik
Sun Jun 05, 2016 8:04 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: MEA New Cabin?
Replies: 11
Views: 5023

RE: MEA New Cabin?

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/Armodeen" class="quote" target="_blank">Armodeen</a> (<a href="#2" class="quote">Reply 2</a>):<br/><i>Oh really? <acronym title="Macae (MEA / SB...

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by raffik
Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:40 pm
Forum: Travel, Polls & Preferences
Topic: Why Do Some Americans Drive Long Distances
Replies: 116
Views: 10082

RE: Why Do Some Americans Drive Long Distances

Is the poster being deliberately dense? This must be the most bizarre threads I have read on here for a few years. There could be a hundred different reasons why people choose to driver rather than fly. I have a few friends who are very wealthy and the one thing they have in common is that they are ...

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by raffik
Wed Jan 06, 2016 3:32 pm
Forum: Non-Aviation
Topic: Two Israeli Arab Passengers Forcibly Removed
Replies: 60
Views: 11830

RE: Two Israeli Arab Passengers Forcibly Removed

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/B747400ERF" class="quote" target="_blank">B747400ERF</a> (<a href="#11" class="quote">Reply 11</a>):<br/><i>Are you new around here? Or are you ...

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by raffik
Wed Jan 06, 2016 12:47 pm
Forum: Non-Aviation
Topic: Two Israeli Arab Passengers Forcibly Removed
Replies: 60
Views: 11830

RE: Two Israeli Arab Passengers Forcibly Removed

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/B747400ERF" class="quote" target="_blank">B747400ERF</a> (<a href="#9" class="quote">Reply 9</a>):<br/><i>typical hate speech</i></font></td></t...

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by raffik
Thu Nov 19, 2015 9:18 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Iraqi Airways To Start Baghdad To Washington
Replies: 33
Views: 16399

RE: Iraqi Airways To Start Baghdad To Washington

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/SCQ83" class="quote" target="_blank">SCQ83</a> (<a href="#5" class="quote">Reply 5</a>):<br/><i>non-stop flights Lebanon-US are not allowed. I d...

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by raffik
Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:58 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: RJ DXB AMM Lands In TLV
Replies: 38
Views: 13383

RE: RJ DXB AMM Lands In TLV

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/directorguy" class="quote" target="_blank">directorguy</a> (<a href="#19" class="quote">Reply 19</a>):<br/><i>Would have been interesting had it...

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by raffik
Wed Sep 30, 2015 11:24 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Virgin Atlantic Wants To Take Over Moscow From EZY
Replies: 31
Views: 11071

RE: Virgin Atlantic Wants To Take Over Moscow From EZY

I wonder how Virgin would make it work with Easyjet couldn't.
It's not exactly a route that doesn't see plenty of competition from other operators.
Interesting though, I wonder if it demonstrates they are considering other mid haul desintations

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by raffik
Fri Aug 21, 2015 11:07 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: MEA 320 To KAN?
Replies: 16
Views: 3204

RE: MEA 320 To KAN?

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/Marvinhsv" class="quote" target="_blank">Marvinhsv</a> (<a href="#7" class="quote">Reply 7</a>):<br/><i> Quoting raffik (Reply 6): Are <acronym ...

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by raffik
Thu Aug 20, 2015 7:57 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: MEA 320 To KAN?
Replies: 16
Views: 3204

RE: MEA 320 To KAN?

Are MEA loads really that low that they need to operate an A320 on such a route?

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by raffik
Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:54 am
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Wonderful Ryanair Spoof!
Replies: 2
Views: 2199

RE: Wonderful Ryanair Spoof!

That is very funny (and true!)

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by raffik
Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:46 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: Is BEY Under Slot Restrictions
Replies: 7
Views: 2034

RE: Is BEY Under Slot Restrictions

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/brightcedars" class="quote" target="_blank">brightcedars</a> (<a href="#4" class="quote">Reply 4</a>):<br/><i><acronym title="Emirates (United A...

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by raffik
Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:44 pm
Forum: Civil Aviation
Topic: American/Israeli Files Suit Against Kuwait Airways
Replies: 292
Views: 25241

RE: American/Israeli Files Suit Against Kuwait Airways

<table border="0" align="CENTER" width="95%" class="quote"><tr><td><font size="2" face="ARIAL, Helvetica, Geneva" color="#9A9DA0">Quoting <a href="/profile/pvjin" class="quote" target="_blank">pvjin</a> (<a href="#169" class="quote">Reply 169</a>):<br/><i>So for example a homosexual / adulterer flyi...

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by raffik
Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:46 am
Forum: Technical/Operations
Topic: Flap Settings During Windy Landings
Replies: 17
Views: 8870

Flap Settings During Windy Landings

Why is it that pilots select a lower flap setting when landing in turbulence?
Is it because they need a faster approach speed? Thanks and apologies if it's been discussed already.

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by raffik
Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:51 am
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: Whaleing Home: AF LAX-CDG-TLV + Paris Layover
Replies: 27
Views: 21293

RE: Whaleing Home: AF LAX-CDG-TLV + Paris Layover

Great trip report The A380 looks really comfortable- shame on <acronym title="Air France">AF</acronym> for the catering though. It looks like they chose the cheapest option available? The champagne was a nice touch though. I'm surprised they use a short haul configured A320 to <acronym title="Tel Av...

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