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Airlines and Aviation

Emirates introduces retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan

Emirates will be introducing its newest Airbus A380s fitted with its latest cabins, including Premium Economy, to Manchester and Milan. The latest retrofitted A380s will operate on EK017/018 to Manchester from 6 June, and on EK091/092 to Milan from 1 July. With the introduction of Emirates' newly retrofitted A380 to Manchester, the airline will expand its Premium Economy offering to nearly 5,000 weekly seats in and out of the UK from June. The enhanced service to Manchester complements the four daily retrofitted A380s currently serving the Dubai-London Heathrow route, the Emirates A350 operating to Edinburgh, and the soon-to-launch refurbished Boeing 777 scheduled to serve London Stansted from May. Milan will become Emirates’ second Italian gateway to offer the airline’s latest cabins and Premium Economy seats following the planned deployment of the airline’s A350 to Bologna later in June. These additions will expand Emirates' network of retrofitted A380 destinations to 19 global points, underscoring the airline's commitment to investing in the very best customer experience in the sky and adding more premium cabin options and choice across geographies. By July, travellers from Manchester and Milan will be able to experience Emirates' latest cabin features onboard the four-class A380 on the full journey to key points across Australasia and Asia including Sydney, Singapore, Osaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more. 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. The onboard experience is rounded off with meticulously selected in-flight amenities, a curated menu, and extensive beverage options, including the Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, a global exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy passengers.

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad’s A380 to fly on Abu Dhabi – Toronto route

Etihad Airways is excited to announce that its legendary A380 will serve the Abu Dhabi – Toronto route in time for Summer 2025. The famous double-decker will start flying between Zayed Abu Dhabi International (AUH) and Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) on 24 June 2025, perfectly timed for the busy summer travel period and key corporate market. It means the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, serving up the legendary flying experience, is on the way to the land of the maple leaf. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We’re delighted to start flying our remarkable A380 to Canada, and we know our guests love the onboard experience. Whether they are flying in Economy, Business, First or the three-room suite in the sky, The Residence, they will relish the attentive service from our dedicated crew. The timing and comfort provided by the A380 means they can arrive in Toronto fresh and ready for anything. "Deploying the A380 on the popular Toronto route is a strategic move to meet customer demand for increased capacity while expanding our network. Given Toronto's popularity among Etihad's customers, enhancing our capacity in the Canadian market is a logical step. This will strengthen connections to the broader GCC and Indian subcontinent and attract more visitors to experience the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi." The increase in capacity on the Toronto route gives more opportunity for guests to visit Abu Dhabi, either as a stopover or a destination. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme further enhances connectivity, enabling travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi. To celebrate the launch of the A380, Etihad is launching a sale from today until 5 March, with special themed one-way fares to Abu Dhabi in Economy starting at CAD $ 880, in Business Class from CAD $ 2,380, and in First Class from CAD $ 8,380, and return fares from CAD $ 1,380 in Economy, CAD $ 3,380 in Business Class and CAD $ 10,380 in First Class for travel between 24 June and 8 December 2025. Welcome onboard Step into a world of luxury on Etihad’s A380, where every guest is treated to a unique and elevated experience. In Economy Class, the journey begins with a dedicated welcome area that sets the tone for an enjoyable flying experience. The cabin features 68 extra legroom seats, offering an additional 4 inches of space, along with 337 Economy Smart seats. These seats are designed for maximum comfort, boasting Etihad's signature fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, Business Class passengers can enjoy the exclusive Business Studios, which provide 70 private spaces for a stress-free journey. The upper deck also houses The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area situated between the First and Business cabins. Etihad has collaborated with Armani/Casa to bring sophistication to the Business experience, offering premium ceramics, glassware, cutlery, and fabrics. Comprehensive Wi-Fi ensures that business travellers can remain productive and in touch throughout their journey. First Class takes luxury to new heights with the First Apartments. These nine private spaces are equipped with designer tableware, a spacious leather lounge chair, and a separate ottoman that transforms into an 80" lie-flat bed. First-class guests also have access to personal vanity units and the exclusive First-class shower room. The Residence At the pinnacle of luxury is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service. Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options. Toronto flight schedule – all times local. From 24 June, 2025 A380 Flight No Departure airport Departure Time Arrival airport Arrival Time Frequency EY21  Abu Dhabi (AUH) 02:40 Toronto (YYZ) 09:00 Daily EY22  Toronto (YYZ) 13:40 Abu Dhabi (AUH) 11:00+1 Daily        

Features

Etihad Airways’ A380 Returns to Singapore: A New Era of Luxury Travel Begins

If you’re dreaming of your next grand adventure, there’s thrilling news on the horizon. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has ushered in a new chapter of luxurious travel by introducing its much-loved Airbus A380 to the Singapore route for the very first time. On Sunday, 2 February, the iconic double-decker made a stylish debut at Singapore Changi Airport, marking a significant milestone that elevates the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and the vibrant city-state of Singapore. Unparalleled Luxury at 30,000 Feet Imagine soaring through the skies with all the comforts of a five-star hotel—that’s precisely what the Etihad A380 offers. This isn’t just any aircraft; it’s the world’s largest passenger plane, and it’s brimming with features that redefine luxury air travel. At the pinnacle of opulence is The Residence—the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Yes, you read that right. Travellers can indulge in a private living room, a separate bedroom with a double bed, and an ensuite shower room. All this comes with the dedicated service of a personal butler trained by the Savoy Hotel in London. It’s an unmatched experience that turns a long-haul flight into a lavish retreat. But the luxury doesn’t stop there. The upper deck also boasts The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area designed for First and Business Class guests. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, socialise, or savour a cocktail from the onboard bar while cruising at cruising altitude. With nine First Apartments offering private sanctuaries and 70 Business Studios providing exceptional comfort, the A380 ensures every passenger feels like a VIP. Boosting Capacity and Connectivity The introduction of the A380 isn’t just about luxury; it’s also about meeting growing demand. The aircraft increases the route’s capacity by 28%, adding over 700 more seats a week to this popular daily service. In total, the A380 can accommodate 486 passengers, including 405 Economy Smart seats designed with comfort in mind. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, shared his enthusiasm: “As a vibrant and dynamic city, Singapore is always going to be a key destination in our global network. The decision to deploy our much-loved A380 boosts our travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Singapore and highlights our resolve to go beyond by delivering fantastic travel experiences across Etihad’s growing global network.” He further added: “Bringing the A380 to Singapore, along with our broader network expansion plans—including increased frequency on key routes—demonstrates our strong growth momentum in Asia. This added capacity reflects the growing demand we’re seeing for travel to and from Singapore.” Strengthening Ties Between the UAE and Singapore The UAE and Singapore share robust ties across multiple sectors such as trade, culture, and business. For Australian travellers, this means enhanced opportunities not just for leisure but also for business connections in sectors like aviation, energy, and technology. Whether you’re a globetrotting executive or planning a family holiday, the upgraded service caters to all. Singapore: A Destination Worth Exploring More than just a stopover, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures offering a rich tapestry of experiences. From the futuristic architecture of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India, there’s something to captivate every traveller. Indulge in world-class shopping along Orchard Road, explore the lush greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or take a night safari at the award-winning Singapore Zoo. Foodies will relish the diverse culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to the humble yet amazing hawker centres where you can sample local delights like chilli crab and Hainanese chicken rice. Discover Abu Dhabi During Your Stopover With the enhanced capacity, visitors also have more opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi’s unique charm. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme is a game-changer, allowing travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, wander through the artistic halls of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or get your adrenaline fix at Ferrari World. The city beautifully blends its rich cultural heritage with modern attractions, making it a destination worth exploring. Seamless Global Connections Etihad’s expanded services offer seamless and timely connections to key destinations worldwide. Whether you’re heading to Europe, exploring the Middle East, or venturing further into Asia, the increased flight options provide greater flexibility and convenience. For Australians, this means smoother journeys and more choices when planning international travel. Why This Matters to Australian Travellers As an Aussie, long-haul flights are often part and parcel of international travel. The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi-Singapore route enhances comfort, making those extended hours in the air far more enjoyable. The ability to experience luxury amenities like The Residence or unwind in The Lobby transforms the journey itself into a memorable part of your trip. Moreover, the opportunity to explore two dynamic cities—Singapore and Abu Dhabi—in one trip adds immense value. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or a mix of both, the enhanced services cater to the diverse needs of Australian travellers. Embracing Sustainable Travel While luxury is a highlight, Etihad Airways is also committed to sustainability. The Airbus A380 is known for its fuel efficiency relative to its capacity, and Etihad has been proactive in implementing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. So, when you choose to fly with Etihad, you’re not only indulging in unparalleled comfort but also supporting efforts towards a greener future. Making the Most of Your Journey Planning ahead is key to maximizing this enhanced travel experience. Here are some tips: Book Early: Premium offerings like The Residence are in high demand. Secure your spot well in advance. Explore Stopover Options: Take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to break up your journey and explore more. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Etihad’s network expansion plans for new destinations and increased flight frequencies. Final Thoughts Etihad Airways’ introduction of the A380 to Singapore is more than just an aircraft deployment; it’s a statement of intent to deliver exceptional travel experiences. It bridges two dynamic cities and offers travellers—especially from Australia—a wealth of opportunities to explore, relax, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Ready to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary? Discover the world anew with Etihad Airways and experience the pinnacle of luxury and service. Whether you’re setting out on a business trip, a family holiday, or an epic solo adventure, the skies have never been more inviting. Curious about what The Residence feels like? Or perhaps you’d like tips on exploring Singapore and Abu Dhabi? Stay tuned for our upcoming guides where we’ll delve deeper into making the most out of your Etihad Airways experience.

Air

Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok till 25th April

German flag-carrier Lufthansa announced that it is extending its Airbus A380 service from Bangkok to Munich till 25th April for the peak Songkran holiday season.  In response to growing demand during this key travel period, Lufthansa will operate its flagship aircraft on this route, offering passengers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience between the two major cities. Lufthansa vice-president for the Asia Pacific and joint ventures in the east Felipe Bonifatti said: "We are excited to extend our A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route during the Songkran holiday season. The A380 offers unparalleled comfort and capacity, and we are confident that our passengers will appreciate the extra space and top-tier service as they travel during the busy Thai New Year period." Lufthansa’s decision to continue the deployment of the A380 for the Songkran season follows the airline's continued commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers.  With its wide-body design and cutting-edge technology, the Airbus A380 is ideal for long-haul flights, offering passengers an elevated level of comfort when flying with the national airline of Germany. Comfort in the skies The A380, known for its spacious cabins, cutting-edge amenities, and state-of-the-art technology, will be deployed for additional flights starting in early April 2025, coinciding with the annual Songkran Festival in Thailand.  As one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand, the Songkran holiday attracts millions of travelers both domestically and internationally.  Lufthansa’s decision to extend its A380 service aims to provide travelers with enhanced capacity and superior comfort during this busy travel period.

Global

Etihad Airways first flagship airbus A380 arrives in Singapore

  Etihad Airways’ popular A380 made a stylish debut at Singapore Changi Airport on Sunday, 2 February, marking the first time the airline has flown its Big Bird to Singapore. The milestone further enhances the travel experience between the UAE and the Asian powerhouse. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, brings Etihad's celebrated inflight features to the Singapore route, including The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck also features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "As a vibrant and dynamic city, Singapore is always going to be a key destination in our global network. The decision to deploy our much-loved A380 boosts our travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Singapore and highlights our resolve to go beyond by delivering fantastic travel experiences across Etihad’s growing global network. “Bringing the A380 to Singapore, along with our broader network expansion plans - including increased frequency on key routes - demonstrates our strong growth momentum in Asia. This added capacity reflects the growing demand we're seeing for travel to and from Singapore.” The UAE and Singapore enjoy robust ties across multiple sectors, including trade, culture, and business, and the route caters to leisure travellers as well as providing strong business connections, particularly in sectors like aviation, energy, and technology. The A380 increases the route's capacity by 28%, offering 486 seats, including The Residence, nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats. As well as being a global financial hub, Singapore offers a vibrant mix of stunning architecture, lush gardens, diverse cuisine, and world-class shopping, making it a must-visit destination for travellers, for business, pleasure, or both.   The enhanced capacity also offers visitors more opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi’s unique charm and culture, while providing seamless and timely connections to key destinations worldwide. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme further enhances connectivity, enabling travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the city’s growing appeal as a fashionable destination.          

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates A380 returns to Copenhagen for the first time since 2020

  The A380 touched down just in time to celebrate the airport’s jubilee, marking 100 years of operational excellence. The airline’s daily A380 flight will depart Copenhagen at 14:45hrs and arrive in Dubai 00:10hrs local time. Peter Krogsgaard, CCO, Copenhagen Airport, commented: “We have been looking forward to welcoming the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft back to Copenhagen. “It’s a fantastic way to start the new year, seeing the world’s largest passenger plane, with a total of 615 seats, return to Denmark after a hiatus of nearly five years.” Morten Balk, Emirates’ Country Manager in Denmark, said: “We are incredibly proud to finally bring back the Emirates A380 to Copenhagen – what a sight to see it gracing our runway again. “We look forward to once again offering our customers unparalleled travel experiences and the signature products and services our A380 is known for. “With more than 43 percent additional seating, more customers will now be able to enjoy greater flexibility and more travel options, to over 140 destinations worldwide via our home and hub, Dubai.” The return flight, EK151 will depart Dubai at 8:30hrs and arrive in Copenhagen at 12:30hrs, local time. The Emirates A380 serving Copenhagen will operate in a two-class configuration, offering customers 58 lie-flat seats in business class and 557 seats in economy class.    

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates unveils bold A380 livery celebrating AC Milan’s 125th anniversary

Emirates, the Official Airline Partner and Principal Partner of AC Milan, has unveiled a bold A380 livery emblazoned with the club’s trademark colours, celebrating the Rossoneri’s 125 year-legacy of excellence and generational impact on global football. Both sides of the Emirates A380’s fuselage have been adorned with vibrant red and black stripes, taking inspiration from AC Milan’s logo. The Club’s official badge, displaying Milan’s flag alongside the ACM acronym and founding year, are seamlessly emblazoned right next to the ‘Milan 125’ wordmark. Flanking the design on the other side is the silhouette of a player in the Club’s Emirates ‘Fly Better’ jersey kicking a football in mid-air, symbolizing the spirit of ambition and innovation of the partnership between AC Milan and Emirates AC Milan fans around the world will have the chance to spot the special livery featuring their favourite club as it flies across the airline’s network starting from 26 November. Emirates’ AC Milan 125th Anniversary A380 livery was fully designed, produced and installed in-house by the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre teams. Emirates first signed a sponsorship agreement with AC Milan in September 2007. The following year, the relationship was elevated to Top Institutional Sponsor. The prestigious jersey sponsor deal first featured during the 2010/2011 season, connecting Emirates to a loyal legion of over 500 million Rossoneri fans all over the world. Since then, Emirates has been visible on AC Milan jerseys during official matches and competitive fixtures, with close to 1000 goals scored by players donning the airline’s shirt branding. Emirates’ special livery stands as a bold testament to AC Milan's rich heritage and global influence as the Club celebrates its 125th anniversary. This unique collaboration not only honours the Rossoneri’s history but also symbolizes the enduring strength of a partnership rooted in shared values of innovation, tradition, and excellence. Together, AC Milan and Emirates continue to inspire a new generation of fans, uniting the past, present, and future under one shared vision.  

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates A380 welcomes over 7,000 visitors at Bahrain International Airshow

The airline showcased its iconic flagship aircraft for trade and industry visitors, aviation aficionados, and the wider public for an up-close glimpse into the largest passenger aircraft in the world. The Emirates A380 on display featured four classes and was one of the latest aircraft to be retrofitted with the newest generation cabins including Premium Economy, alongside updates across First, Business, and Economy class cabins. The airline has embarked on a multi-billion dollar retrofit programme to elevate the travel experience for its customers for years to come. As part of the programme, the airline rolled out Premium Economy with more spacious seating and thoughtful touches that makes routine travel an unforgettable experience. Visitors to the aircraft were also able to tour the Onboard Lounge, and the iconic Shower Spa in First Class. Emirates has been serving Bahrain since 2000 and has carried close to 8 million passengers to and from Bahrain since the start of its operations. The airline currently operates 21 weekly flights on its Boeing 777 aircraft and connects travellers from the Kingdom to more than Emirates’ 140 global destinations via its hub in Dubai.  

Features

Etihad Airways’ Iconic Airbus A380 Returns to Paris

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has proudly announced the return of its flagship Airbus A380 to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This move enhances the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and the City of Light, connecting two vibrant capitals with unmatched luxury and comfort. A Grand Return The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, measures 73 meters in length and 24 meters in height. Its return to the Paris route brings back Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck also features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Designed and manufactured in Europe, with final assembly in Toulouse, the A380 is a testament to French aerospace engineering and innovation. Its return to Paris celebrates this legacy. Strengthening Connections Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, emphasized Paris’s importance in its global network, stating, “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris continues to be a key destination in our global network. The return of our A380 strengthens the travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Paris, reflecting our commitment to this important route.” Etihad’s broader network expansion plans include increasing to year-round, double-daily frequencies to key European cities such as Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid. This enhanced capacity reflects the rising demand in France, with more exciting announcements expected before the end of 2024. Cultural and Economic Ties The UAE and France share strong bilateral ties across culture, education, and business sectors. Both capitals are uniquely connected as the only cities in the world to house a Louvre Museum. The route caters to growing demand from leisure travellers and the strong business ties between the two countries, particularly in the aviation, energy, and luxury sectors. Increased Capacity and Enhanced Experience The return of the A380 increases the route’s capacity by 31 percent. An additional three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will join the service from 15 January 2025. Both aircraft will operate in a three-class configuration, offering the signature Etihad First Class experience on all frequencies. The A380 offers 486 seats, including nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, and 405 Economy Smart seats with 68 extra-legroom options. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features 8 First Suites, 28 Business Studios, and 190 Economy Smart seats. These aircraft will offer nearly 5,000 seats weekly, significantly boosting connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris. Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme further enhances connectivity, enabling travellers to extend their layovers into memorable stays with up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi. This highlights the city’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination. The enhancement of the Paris service marks another milestone in Etihad’s commitment to connecting global destinations and providing an elevated travel experience. For business or leisure, passengers can look forward to an unparalleled journey between Abu Dhabi and Paris.

Airlines and Aviation

First Global Airlines A380 enters heavy maintenance at EFW

The first aircraft to enter the Global Airlines fleet arrived at the Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) facility in Dresden on Friday 4th of October. 9H-GLOBL flew from Prestwick in Scotland to Dresden and was handed over to the expert team at EFW who will now perform maintenance across the aircraft. Global Airlines recently signed a multi-million Euro deal with EFW to perform the base maintenance inspection that will enable return to commercial service for its first fully acquired aircraft. 9H-GLOBL will now undergo all necessary maintenance, including mandatory inspections and component replacements, before repositioning within Europe for an interior overhaul, ahead of starting operations in 2025. James Asquith, CEO and Founder of Global Airlines said: “Seeing 9H-GLOBL, our first Global Airlines A380 land in Dresden was fantastic. Working with our friends at EFW, we will now progress towards our first commercial flights next year. It is hard to put into words just how much work goes into getting a commercial aircraft back up into the sky and the A380 is the biggest and most complex of them all. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of people across numerous organisations working around the world to make it happen. Quite an incredible step forward and I was delighted to be there on the ground to see it move into the hangar.” Asquith continued; “I don’t think many people will ever truly appreciate and understand the complexity involved in getting an A380 out of the desert, across the Atlantic and then into an MRO facility. This can only happen due to the dedication of our own internal team and the significant partnerships we have entered into in the last year.  There are too many people to thank here, but they know who they are and I want to share my heartfelt thanks with everyone that has invested so much of their time and focus on getting us to this point. But our journey continues and there are exciting times to come.”    

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