The other travel news stories of the week...
Superjumbo touchdown
Air France-KLM Group took delivery yesterday of its first Airbus A380. The aircraft is fitted with a lounge bar and on-demand video, luxuries that have complicated assembly of a model already plagued by production delays. Air France is the first European airline to receive the world’s largest passenger aircraft, which will link Paris and New York after its maiden voyage, on November 20th.
Letting airlines take travel comfort to the next level with showers, enclosed suites or bar lounges has made the A380 a hit on routes in Asia.
Knock-on for Knock?
Locals in Knock, Co Mayo, are concerned about the potential impact on religious tourism of the “apparitions” there recently, as well as another forecast to take place at the shrine today. According to a Fáilte Ireland spokesman, 1.6 million people visited Knock last year, making it one of the most visited places in Ireland. Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam said: “The shrine of Knock will be best served by retaining its authentic identity.”
€11
the amount, in billions, that the world's airlines are expected to lose this year because of the fall in consumer spending and cuts in company travel, according to the industry body lata.