READY FOR TAKE-OFF

Flights ++ Airports ++ New routes

FLY AND FEAST

BRITISH Airways will be dishing up 450,000 Brussels sprouts as part of the traditional Christmas dinners served to passengers over the festive break. Don’t like them? The airline is also handing out 135,000 mince pies. Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Cape Town are among its most popular getaways, with more than 700 flights taking off on New Year’s Eve ( ba.com).

WINTER SALE

VIRGIN Atlantic has launched a sale offering savings across its entire network including hotell packages. Bargains include Gatwick to Grenada efrom £407 07 return, and four ur nights in Las as Vegas ( right) t) from £369 per er person including dsw flights from Heathrow and roomonly - accommodation - at t the familyfriendly - Circus Circus Hotel & Casino ( virginnatlantic.com).

QUICK PRESENT

NEED a last-minute Christmas gift for someone who loves flying? Wingly, a website that arranges leisure flights in small aircraft flown by licensed private pilots around the UK, is offering a 20 per cent discount on gift cards until January 1. Prices start at £60 for a £75 voucher valid for a year ( wingly.io).

ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE

THE world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft has taken to the skies above the Canadian port of Vancouver. The inaugural test flight of the six-seater seaplane operated by Harbour Air lasted 15 minutes, heralding a new era of low cost, environmentally friendly aviation ( harbourair.com).

WASTE NOT

EVERY year, 11 million clear plastic bags are handed out to passengers taking liquids through security at Stansted Airport. As part of a drive to be more sustainable, compostable versions will be trialled over Christmas. Consumable items that have to be surrendered are also sent to food banks, with more than 15 tonnes donated in the past two years ( stanstedairport.com).

TUNISIAN SUN

EASYJET is starting a twice-weekly summer service from Gatwick to Enfidha, the gateway to the beaches bordering the Gulf of Hammamet, Tunisia. Flights are available from May 2 with fares from £86 return. Iberostar has several highclass resorts in the area ( easyjet.com, iberostar.com).

DESTINATION AIRPORT

FANCY a day out at your local airport? Louis Armstrong New Orleans is one of several U.S. airports that now welcome non-flying visitors to shop, dine and accompany friends airside. Interested parties need to sign up in advance online and pass through security checks, with similar schemes available in Tampa, Pittsburgh and Detroit ( flymsy.com).