Road Warrior

Get away with summer deals on long-haul flights This is a good week to plan any future long-haul travel and take advantage of the British Airways summer sale. There are reductions of up to 30 per cent on many business destinations. World Traveller Plus fares, the premium economy service, has prices from €849 to Beijing, €1,005 to Hong Kong and €756 to Dubai, all of which are return fares from Dublin. Fares are valid until next March with a blackout period over Christmas and can be booked online or with your travel agent up to July 14th. US government asks questions of 'big four' airlines The United States justice department is investigating the big four air carriers over "possible unlawful coordination". The department has requested documents from airlines related to expansions, as well as documents related to meetings with analysts or officials at other airlines.

Despite the fall in fuel prices domestic airfares have continued to rise. Over the last seven years there has been consolidation in the market and more than 80 per cent is now controlled by four carriers: American, United, Delta and Southwest. Capacity is less than it was in 2007 and load factors are strong.

Hotel group's eco-friendly plan is paying off Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is on track to hit its 30/20 target: 30 per cent reductions in energy use and 20 per cent less water usage by 2020. It also plans to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent. The environmental programme began in 2008 and so far has seen energy use drop by12.08 per cent, carbon emissions by 16.07 per cent and water use by 17.26 per cent across the group.

These improvements have come about by using high-efficiency LED lighting, solar power, low-flow taps and fixtures and other measures. Air shows will be flying in for the weekend Aviation lovers are in for a treat on the weekend of July 18th-19th with two air shows taking place. On Saturday Shannon Airport will mark 70 years of transatlantic services with a six-hour display. There will be jet fighters, aerial acrobatics, stunt fliers and parachutists. See shannonairdisplay.com. Tickets are €5 for adults from eventbrite.ie.

The free annual Bray Air Display will be on Sunday from 2pm and will feature a whole host of aerial masters. All three Irish airlines will be represented as will the air-sea rescue service. More here: brayairdisplay.com. The Air Corps, the Black Knights, the Irish Parachute Club and MIG-15 will be at both shows.