Category Archives: Business

Cathay Pacific error sees $16,000 flights sold for $675

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Airline says it will honour huge accidental discounts on business and first-class fares

It was the New Year’s Eve travel sale that appeared to be too good to be true: business and first-class flights on Cathay Pacific from Vietnam to New York for $675 (£534), rather than the standard $16,000.

It turned out to be a ticketing error, but the airline promised to honour the sale. “Happy 2019 all, and to those who bought our good – VERY good surprise ‘special’ on New Year’s Day,” the Hong Kong-based carrier tweeted on Wednesday. “Yes – we made a mistake, but we look forward to welcoming you onboard with your ticket issued. Hope this will make your 2019 ‘special’ too!”

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Plane crash deaths jump sharply in 2018 – but fatalities ‘still rare’

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Analysis shows that 500 people died in major accidents last year compared with none in 2017

The number of people killed in plane crashes jumped sharply in 2018, according to new analysis.

There were more than 500 deaths stemming from passenger airline crashes in 2018, according to Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 and the Aviation Safety Network, but both groups emphasised that fatal crashes remain rare.

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Turning air into drinking water: Africa’s inspired inventors

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Finalists for the Royal Academy of Engineering Africa prize reveal their designs, from gloves that translate sign language into speech to smart lockers that dispense medicines

The Royal Academy of Engineering Africa prize, now in its fifth year, has shortlisted 16 African inventors from six countries to receive funding, training and mentoring for projects intended to revolutionise sectors from agriculture and science to women’s health. The winner will be awarded £25,000 and the three runners up will receive £10,000 each.

From smart gloves that turn sign language into audio speech, to water harvesting systems that change air into drinking water, five inventors on course to transform the continent for the better spoke to the Guardian about their innovations.

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