I tend to agree Paul, theres nothing sells an aeroplane like one thats in service and earning its keep. Both the 707 and 747, two quantum leaps in civil aviation, are historical testament to that. I will have to research the 7E7 further, do these two aircraft actually have that much in common? Gratefull for any feedback. I think its just the timing thats wrong for China.

Andrew…….Yup the dispatcher at least has to know how to do the big sums but on a day to day basis will usually use an airlines own computerised weight and balance system or that of a handling agent approved by the relevant carrier. When I used to do it we always had to pass a manual load control course per carrier/a/c. type even though you would only ever “go manual” in the event of computer failure. But it did used to happen! Asiana for example always insisted on manual load planning and a manual load/trim sheet for every departure no computers allowed, could take several hours to complete whole process, whereas NCA used an entirely computerised system for planning and load/trim sheet, in fact on that one there was a trick whereby you could get the computer to “auto plan/trim” the entire thing…brilliant.

I would definately recommend Malev. Have flown to BUD twice with them, all sectors by Tupolev 134/154 ex LHR. Service and crews very good both times. Check out http://www.malev.hu/.

Be nice to see Poland insult O’Leary, but I think they are too proud and civilised to do so….More credit to them for that. Poland does’nt need Ryanair anyhow, most of it is well served by a myriad of other airlines. Trust me Poland, you’ve been spared the Donkeys A*#e of the airline community!

For me I guess its a toss up between Interflug and CAAK (now Air Koryo).
Interflug was an IL18 from LGW to TIA, should have been a TU-134 which it was on the return but I wasn’t complaining! The CAAK trips were PEK-FNJ-PEK, TU134 outbound and IL62M on return. I guess Interflug wins because it can’t be done anymore!
By the way Hand I remember Point Air very well as we used to do crew handling for them at STN when they used to send their ex Pan Am 707 in on maintenance, the 707 later carried the titles Point Air Mulhouse..They were nice crews, never saw the DC8 though.

Britannia……….like your avatar!

If the sole indicator of a “successful” airline is its balance sheet, and to many people that IS the sole indicator, then it has to be conceded that Ryanair is successful. But I think that there are many more indicators that point to the overall success or otherwise of an airline other than its balance sheet. Ryanair has a lamentable record in other areas. EZY is not immune from this syndrome, they just seem to come across better, perhaps not having M.O’L at the top there may be a clue! I don’t know.

Well it knocks spots off what they have now. I like this alot, great colours and a cheat line. To me it shouts “This is Irelands flag carrier” and would stand out on any ramp-Excellent!

Nice one kabir, I honestly thought that the project had died. Wasn’t there an Embraer/Argentinian design of similar layout? Look foreward to some pics when available.