Qatar Airways has won the annual SkyTrax airline award for the best Economy Class in the world, which means a lot in these tough economic times when passengers are increasingly moving to the back of the plane from the front.


Qatar Airways recently revamped its Economy Class meal service using a more environment friendly, upmarket, appetising and stylish way.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar clearly has his priorities well targeted, summing up his airline's approach

“Most airlines invest heavily in developing their premium cabins and, while we continue to do this, Qatar Airways strives to innovate in Economy Class ensuring our high standards are maintained and passenger expectations are exceeded worldwide.”

Etihad Airways won the prize for the best Business Class, narrowly beating Singapore Airlines, who won the prize for best First Class. Virgin Atlantic won the prize for best Premium Economy Class, a high in demand travel class nowadays

Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates won the top five spots for "Airline of the Year 2009" respectively.

View the full results here.

Most travellers to Bengaluru International Airport are aware of the 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit on the highway and the two "Police Interceptor" vehicles to catch speeders and video capture them in the act.

These anonymous photographs shows a police Jeep speeding, but being let off, while a private citizen who was also speeding was hauled up at the same time.

It appears that some speeders are more equal than others.

Police Jeep registration KA-02-G-991 travelling at over 100km/h on the highway approaching Air Force Station Yelahanka. Observe the lack of an English number plate as specified by the RTO.


The Jeep approaches the "Interceptor" at over 100km/h. In the adjacent lane a Maruti Baleno is also speeding.



The traffic constable hauls up the Maruti Baleno for speeding making the car pull over. The police Jeep brakes as the constable moves to haul it in as well.


The inspector manning the "interceptor" realises that a senior officer is in the Jeep, salutes and lets the Jeep proceed.



The police Jeep speeds away with a puff of exhaust smoke while the private citizen is hauled in.


I have tremendous respect for the traffic police, and wish the rest of Bangaloreans also do. But when the police indulge in such blatant "selective enforcement" it lowers their prestige, their respect, and most important, their moral authority.

These photographs by someone (not me) who was travelling from the airport to the city.

Liz Matzelle captured this two minute video of a Cessna 152 registration N4937P trying to land on the super long runway at Paine field, home of Boeing. The antics of the pilot are hilarious.

Thanks to Liz.