TRIP REPORT: HOP! Paris - Dubrovnik

GLOBAL AVIATION NEWS

Condor makes Airbus order

German leisure airline Condor said it would order sixteen Airbus A330neo jets to replace its existing wide-body fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft. "The first aircraft is expected in autumn 2022, whilst the replacement of the entire long-haul fleet is scheduled to be completed by mid-2024. As the German launch customer for the Airbus A330neo, Condor is thus focusing on latest technology, maximum efficiency and the highest level of customer comfort", Condor said. It did not say how it would acquire the planes but market sources said it was expected to buy an unspecified number from Airbus with the rest to be rented from leasing companies. The deal comes a day after EU regulators approved 525.3-million euros in German aid for Condor that will help the airline restructure after an earlier decision was annulled by a European court. It follows a competition between Airbus and Boeing to provide the A330neo or Boeing 787 to Condor, the sources said. Condor has a mixed fleet of planes from both planemakers but relies solely on its ageing 767s for long-haul needs. The A330neo is an upgraded version of the A330 passenger plane with recent Rolls-Royce RR.L engines. It competes with the newer but more expensive Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Sources said the deal will provide a home for undelivered A330neo jets originally earmarked for Indonesia's Garuda or Malaysia’s AirAsia. Both carriers are debt-strapped and their finances have worsened during the pandemic, raising doubts over A330neo deliveries. Airbus is also in talks to replace Boeing jets at another European leisure carrier, British airline and holiday group Jet2. If confirmed, the deal could involve the purchase of around 50 Airbus jets, worth some $5 billion before industry discounts of at least 50%. But while Airbus is seen as a front-runner, talks between Jet2 and suppliers are said to be ongoing.
Source: Reuters

TRIP REPORT: HOP! Paris - Dubrovnik

TRIP REPORT

Written by Papoumada

This trip was taken in late October of last year, just before the start of the 2020/2021 winter season.

Charles de Gaulle Airport was eerily empty. At our gate, our temperature was checked. Boarding was conducted in such a way in order to maintain social distancing.

When we boarded, the cabin on the Embraer 190 was still rather empty, however, it filled up, although one seat was left empty next to each passenger. There was a group of pilgrims on board going to visit Medjugorje, which took up most of the aircraft. Originally, this flight was supposed to be operated by an Air France Airbus A320. We booked an exit row seat free of charge thanks to our status, however, we didn’t get it because of the equipment change. Even worse, our friend paid fifteen euros to have an exit row but wasn’t allocated the seat.

On this flight, the Air France Magazine was again part of the on board product, since it was discontinued during the height of the pandemic.

Upon departure we were first issued health declaration forms, while service started shortly after. The cabin crew members were very pleasant. We had a choice of drinks and some crackers. The crew was aware of our seat change and said they would file a complaint. They came by a bit later and offered us champagne as an apology for the seat change, which was a very nice touch.

The toilet on board is quite small but was clean and had some additional disinfectant wipes.

Soon enough we landed in Dubrovnik. The crew gave out instructions on how disembarkation was supposed to take place with social distancing. Despite their best efforts, everyone just got up to leave.

We were bussed to the terminal, less then 200 metres from our plane. After passing through passport control, the suitcases were already waiting for us.

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Comments

Anonymous09:09
How come they didn't use the airbridge in DBV?
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Anonymous09:24
I love AF, still think they have quite a nice style. Even though, Hop! is a regional airline it still looks great. Them ovaled figures are typical for CDG.
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