Latest news with #AirbusA380s
Business Insider
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The once-maligned Airbus A380 is here to stay — and Emirates' $180 million deal proves it
Emirates ' iconic double-decker jets are only growing more important for the Dubai-based airline. While many airlines have retired some of their Airbus A380 s since the pandemic, Emirates has just bought some more. Doric Nimrod Air Three Limited, a Guernsey-based lessor, announced last Friday that it had agreed to sell Emirates four Airbus A380s in a $180 million deal. Emirates had already been leasing these planes for the past 12 years, but this commitment is a signal of further confidence in the type. No airline can buy brand-new A380s because Airbus ended production in 2021 after 18 years of the superjumbo. Emirates' hub-and-spoke route model sees it fly over 50 million passengers a year, with many transiting through its Dubai base to reach other destinations. This relies on huge planes with a large capacity, like the A380, to efficiently transport people on the most popular routes, such as London to Dubai. Emirates President Tim Clark previously told Business Insider it is "probably the most profitable asset we've got." Emirates is by far the biggest operator of the type. According to data from Ch-aviation, it owns 118 Airbus A380s — about 60% of all those operated by airlines. The airline will take ownership of the four A380s between August and November, said Doric Nimrod Air Three Limited. Plus, the enormous planes look set for an upgrade. Executive Traveller reported that at last month's annual general meeting for the International Air Transport Association, Clark said an all-new first-class suite is coming to the A380. "In fact, I've got another design of first class coming up, which is on the drawing board," he reportedly said. "Like a hotel, you've got to keep at it, and we'll change out the products." The capacious jet is known for hosting a range of luxuries, such as onboard bars and showers on Emirates. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has a $24,000 three-room suite available on its superjumbos — with a bedroom, shower, and living room, called " The Residence." However, operating an A380 is expensive because it has four engines, which use huge amounts of fuel. This has prompted carriers such as Air France, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines to ditch the A380 during or soon after the pandemic. Although Emirates plans to continue flying its A380s through to the late 2030s. Clark previously told BI that he would like to see Airbus make a new version of the A380. He added that a modernized version, with new materials and Rolls-Royce engines, could be up to 25% more fuel efficient. The "compelling nature" of a four-engine plane remains "quite clear to many, many people," he said.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
I flew on one of the world's best airlines – what to expect in premium economy as a 6ft2 passenger
The airline is soon launching the world's longest flight TAKING OFF I flew on one of the world's best airlines – what to expect in premium economy as a 6ft2 passenger Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're going to spend 22 and a half hours on a plane, give or take, there are a few things you need. Comfort, entertainment and friendly staff rank high among the list of must-haves. (Also WiFi - but more of that later.) Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 I tried out Qantas' premium economy seats on one of their longest flights For these, a seat in Qantas' premium economy cabin while taking the slog from London Heathrow to Sydney (with a 2-hour layover in Singapore) ticks the boxes. As a 6ft 2in man mountain, I've had my share of uncomfortable experiences on long-haul flights. So a trip to Australia - the longest I'd ever attempted - did give me a slight sense of dread. An upgrade to premium economy on the upper deck of one the airline's Airbus A380s made the journey bearable, though. The seats were roomy enough to twist one way or another in sleep and also had the all-important extendable head-rest that adjusts from the sides for crucial extra support while dozing. With a decent pillow from the cabin crew (plus blanket, eye mask and all the usual gubbins) it was about the easiest I've found it to get some kip on a plane. The food was decent, and staff were more than happy to dig out an extra glass of wine when I was up to stretch my legs. The usual array of films and TV shows were available to pass the time on the entertainment system, but for those of us who like to alternate movies with in-flight games the selection wasn't the best. Which kind of brings me to the biggest criticism of the service - no WiFi. While I wouldn't necessarily use it, I know for others it would be an absolute necessity. Airline launches world-first onboard suites that are five windows long Qantas say it's in the process of being rolled out across the wider fleet and will be available on A380s in early 2026 (and free to all passengers). With non-stop flights between Heathrow and Sydney planned for early 2027, it's a good job it will be sorted. With no stopover in Singapore to jump on WhatsApp and Instagram, how would you update your family on what a wonderful journey you're having? Return from Heathrow to Sydney from £1475 economy, from £3097 premium economy. We've tried out some other amazing premium economy cabins as well. The Sun's Head of Travel Caroline McGuire raves about Norse Atlantic Airways' - here's why. Her'e's the airline that launched the first ever premium economy seat. And one airline has revealed plans to ditch premium economy.
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I flew on one of the world's best airlines – what to expect in premium economy as a 6ft2 passenger
IF you're going to spend 22 and a half hours on a plane, give or take, there are a few things you need. Comfort, entertainment and friendly staff rank high among the list of must-haves. (Also WiFi - but more of that later.) 2 I tried out Qantas' premium economy seats on one of their longest flights For these, a seat in Qantas' premium economy cabin while taking the slog from London Heathrow to Sydney (with a 2-hour layover in Singapore) ticks the boxes. As a 6ft 2in man mountain, I've had my share of uncomfortable experiences on long-haul flights. So a trip to Australia - the longest I'd ever attempted - did give me a slight sense of dread. An upgrade to premium economy on the upper deck of one the airline's Airbus A380s made the journey bearable, though. Read more on airline reviews The seats were roomy enough to twist one way or another in sleep and also had the all-important extendable head-rest that adjusts from the sides for crucial extra support while dozing. With a decent pillow from the cabin crew (plus blanket, eye mask and all the usual gubbins) it was about the easiest I've found it to get some kip on a plane. The food was decent, and staff were more than happy to dig out an extra glass of wine when I was up to stretch my legs. The usual array of films and TV shows were available to pass the time on the entertainment system, but for those of us who like to alternate movies with in-flight games the selection wasn't the best. Most read in News Travel Which kind of brings me to the biggest criticism of the service - no WiFi. While I wouldn't necessarily use it, I know for others it would be an absolute necessity. Airline launches world-first onboard suites that are five windows long Qantas say it's in the process of being rolled out across the wider fleet and will be available on A380s in early 2026 (and free to all passengers). With With no stopover in Singapore to jump on WhatsApp and Instagram , how would you update your family on what a wonderful journey you're having? Return from Heathrow to Sydney from £1475 economy, from £3097 premium economy. We've tried out some other amazing premium economy cabins as well. The Sun's Head of Travel Caroline McGuire raves about Norse Atlantic Airways' - here's why. Her'e's the airline that launched the And one airline has revealed plans to 2 There was more than enough space - but the lack of WiFi will annoy some
Tourism Breaking News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates layers on retrofitted aircraft with latest product, including Premium Economy to more cities
Post Views: 49 Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments. Emirates' latest schedule, capacity enhancements and newly retrofitted aircraft deployments are in response to increased demand across the airline's network and offer opportunities for more customers to enjoy the airline's signature onboard experience, especially its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin. The airline's ambitious retrofit programme is progressing with remarkable momentum, as one aircraft undergoes a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh every three weeks. Emirates' engineering teams have retrofitted 60 aircraft since the start of the programme in November 2022. Emirates' latest schedule enhancements, all effective from 26 October, include: • Ramping up operations to Milan with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 101/102. The third daily flight will be served with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. • Emirates' linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248 will become daily flights. • After being served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 from 20 July, the airline will upgrade its services to Shanghai on the EK302/303 to the iconic Airbus A380, and the airline's second daily flight to the city, EK 304/305, will be served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. • From this winter, the third daily flight between Dubai and Singapore will be served with the airline's flagship A380 on the EK 314/315. Emirates will upgrade its second daily Zurich flight, EK 85/86, from 1 February 2026 to an A380, replacing the current retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. Premium Economy will debut on Emirates flight EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, also starting from 1 February 2026. Despite a dynamic operating environment, it's been business as usual across the Emirates network, and the airline continues to ramp up its operations to respond to demand this summer and the upcoming winter period. Customers can enjoy the latest Emirates products onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s with a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features 6 or 8 First Class suites, 38 or 40 Business seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy seats. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. Tickets can be booked on the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores or via both online and offline travel agents.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Residents ‘living in fear' as UK flight paths set for overhaul
Residents near British airports are 'living in fear' as the Government prepares to overhaul flight paths for the first time in 70 years. The Department for Transport (DfT) says the plans to modernise UK airspace will deliver quicker, quieter flights and promote growth in the aviation sector. However, campaign groups say that the changes could create more noise pollution for communities near airports, including areas that do not currently fall beneath existing flight paths. Here is everything we know about the proposed 'skyways', including how they could impact holidaymakers and residents. Britain's air corridors date back to a time when aircraft navigated the skies using ground-based beacons. In the 1960s, Britain's air traffic grew from one million to 15 million passengers per year, meaning airports had to establish set arrival and departure routes. Many of these are still in place today, meaning flight routes designed for Comets are now being flown by Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s. Some of the problems in UK airspace include a requirement for aircraft to ascend in steps after take-off, complex routing, and pilots having to delay descents to manage the workload of their air traffic control colleagues on the ground. Announcing plans to overhaul the UK's air corridors, Mike Kane, the Aviation Minister, said: 'Redesigned 'skyways' will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry, not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change. 'Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term, sustainable future.' If delivered as promised, a modernised airspace system will equate to fewer delays and quicker flight times. It is also potentially good news for passengers with an eye on their carbon footprint. The DfT says that allowing aircraft to use modern navigation technologies will boost efficiency and reduce the need for pilots to enter holding patterns before getting permission to land on busy runways. In September 2024, easyJet released a report on the ineffectiveness of the UK's airspace systems. The airline said that seven of its 10 least efficient routes occur inbound into London Gatwick, and that its UK operations had the 'greatest inefficiencies' of anywhere in Europe. In total, easyJet predicts that airspace inefficiencies across Europe increased CO2 emissions by 663,710 tonnes per year. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS (National Air Traffic Services), said: 'The UK's airspace network is one of the busiest and most complex in the world. We handle a quarter of Europe's traffic despite having only 11 per cent of its airspace, with one of the best safety and delay records anywhere. However, we have to modernise airspace if we are to maintain this level of performance as traffic grows towards 3 million flights per year.' It is unknown how the new 'skyways' will be drawn. One possibility is that aircraft approaching airports could be channelled into new, relatively narrow highways in the sky. If this is the case, some communities near airports might see a greater number of planes flying overhead. But groups close to the process say hard information is thin on the ground. A spokesperson for Stop Heathrow Expansion told The Telegraph: 'The only documents we have seen recently relate to the outcome of the consultation on a UK airspace design service, which appear to be concerned with the way changes will be made, rather than the changes themselves.' Sally Pavey, the chair of the campaign group Campaign Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), says: 'There is a real lack of transparency in this process. Residents currently overflown, and those not, are totally unaware of the motorways being designed above their homes that will purely benefit aviation as no compensation being offered with this process.' 'Residents must live in fear of what is being planned for above their heads and homes,' she added. Paul Becker, Policy Director at Heathrow Noise Action Plan (HACAN) says: 'This announcement means even longer periods of uncertainty before overflown communities receive any clarity on what changes will take place to flight paths. 'The development of new flight paths will mean communities across London and the South East [will be] adversely impacted by aircraft noise for the first time. It is also possible that currently overflown communities experience an increase in the intensity of noise they endure as well as more frequent noise disturbances, particularly if expansion at Heathrow goes ahead.' All airports taking part in the airspace change process are following a process which includes stakeholder input and public consultation, details of which are published on the Civil Aviation Authority's website. The latest announcement (made on June 2, 2025) confirms that the DfT will develop a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) alongside the CAA, to be managed by the UK's air traffic management service NATS. This is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. It is understood that changes to London's airspace are unlikely to be complete until the 2030s, although new 'skyways' around airports outside of the capital could be in operation before the end of the decade. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
