Tag Archives: A380

British Airways to relaunch the Boston route with Airbus A380s

British Airways is gradually reintroducing its formerly grounded Airbus A380s.

BA will restore the London (Heathrow) – Boston route with A380s on May 15, 2022 on a daily basis.

End of the Runway: The first two Airbus A380s are being dismantled at Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport

Many pilgrims go to Lourdes for rejuvenation and healing. It has not worked the same way for two former Singapore Airlines Airbus A380s.

At Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport (LDE) the first two A380s are facing a sad end to their relatively short airline careers.

The first two Airbus A380s (9V-SKA msn 003 and 9V-SKB msn 005, above) to enter airline service are now being scrapped out at the airport. This work started a few weeks ago.

9V-SKA was delivered to Singapore Airlines on October 15, 2007 and ushered in the first A380 service between Singapore and Sydney on October 25, 2007.

Both aircraft were flown to the airport initially for storage and now parting out. The decision was made after there was no secondary market for these two oldest A380s.

In addition, the former Singapore Airlines 9V-SKD and 9V-SKE have also joined the storage site.

Javier Rodriguez reporting from France.

Airbus develops package of new A380 Cabin Enablers, including “New Forward Stairs” option, for A380 customers

Airbus is developing a full spectrum of new Cabin Enablers for customers of its flagship A380 airliner. The latest is the “New Forward Stairs” (NFS) option which was presented at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg. Together these cabin enhancements will make this very efficient and comfortable airliner even better: Overall cabin optimisation is expected to result in the freeing-up more cabin floor space for around 80 additional passengers*. This would bring airlines significant additional revenues.

With this latest proposal of the NFS option, the package of new cabin enablers for the A380 now comprises the following:

New Forward Stairs – 20 more passengers (Business, Premium Economy & Economy Classes)

The NFS involves relocation of the forward stair from Door 1 to Door 2, and combining the entrance of the NFS to the upper deck (going up), with the adjacent staircase to the lower-deck crew-rest (going down). The NFS would make room for up to 20 additional passengers.

Combined Crew-Rest Compartment (CCRC) – three more passengers (Premium Economy)

For the CCRC, the existing flight-crew-rest (behind the cockpit in the mezzanine area at Door 1) is moved down and combined with the cabin crew rest on the lower deck. This innovation frees space for three extra Premium-Economy passengers at the front of the main-deck.

11-abreast 3-5-3 economy layout on the main-deck – 23 more passengers (Economy Class)

Thanks to an innovative seating concept developed by Airbus and its seating partners, Airbus is able to maintain an 18inch seat-width while offering airlines an 11-abreast Economy Class on the main-deck in a ‘3-5-3’ configuration. This enables an increase in capacity of 23 seats – adding significantly to the A380’s revenue-generating potential.

New Aft-Galley Stair Module (AGSM) – 14 more passengers + two food trolleys
The AGSM involves the redesign of the rear-stair from a spiral agreement to a straight/square one. On the main-deck, this allows valuable storage volume for galley modules. Overall the AGSM provides space for 14 more revenue passengers plus two extra food trolleys.

Upper-deck sidewall stowage removal – 10 more passengers (Business Class)
The option to remove the sidewall stowages on the upper-deck increases the wall-to-wall cabin width at foot-rest height – which makes space for up to 10 more business class seats / beds when an angled herring-bone arrangement is used.

Nine-abreast Premium Economy on the main deck – 11 more passengers (Premium Economy)
The A380’s generous main-deck cross section – significantly wider than any other commercial airliner – is allowing seat manufacturers to optimise their Premium Economy (PE) seat designs to create the industry’s most efficient and comfortable PE layout possible. This layout enables 11 more PE seats than in an eight-abreast layout.

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of €67billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

497 passengers is the airline’s average capacity of the A380s currently in operation today – which are consistently attracting above-average passenger load factors. With all these A380 cabin enablers, the A380 seat count would move from 497 to 575 in four classes, and generate significantly more revenue for airlines.

Photo: Airbus.

Emirates to bring the Airbus A380 to Washington Dulles, will go double daily to Los Angeles

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Emirates (Dubai) is planning to introduce the Airbus A380 on the daily Dubai – Washington (Dulles) route starting on March 27, replacing the current Boeing 777-300 ER per Airline Route.

In other news, Emirates also announced that it plans to launch a second daily service from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday July 1, 2016.

The second Los Angeles flight will be operated with an Emirates’ Airbus A380-800 aircraft in a 3-class configuration with 14 private suites in First class, 76 seats in Business class and 401 seats in Economy class.

The new service, flight EK217, will depart Dubai at 3:00 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 8:00 p.m.

The return flight, EK218, will depart Los Angeles at 10:30pm. and arrive in Dubai approximately 16 hours later at 1:30 a.m. The new service will supplement the current EK215 Airbus A380-800 flight departing Dubai at 8:55 a.m. and landing in Los Angeles at 1:55 p.m. The existing return flight, EK 216, departs LAX 4:45 p.m. and arrives in Dubai 7:35 p.m. the following day.

Copyright Photo: Arnd Wolf/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A380-861 A6-EEI (msn 123) in the “United for Wildlife” special scheme visited Munich.

Emirates aircraft slide show:

Emirates expands its relationship with Real Madrid with a new logo jet, announces three new A380 destinations

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Emirates (Dubai) has expanded its relationship with the Real Madrid Football Club with this unique Airbus A380 logo jet.

Additionally Emirates previously announced it will deploy its Airbus A380 to even more destinations across its network in 2016 – reinforcing its commitment to provide an enhanced onboard experience for its passengers.

Birmingham (BHX), Prague (PRG) and Taipei (TPE) have been added to the growing list of Emirates A380 destinations, making Emirates the first and only airline to operate a scheduled A380 service from each of these destinations. Emirates’ daily Birmingham flight, EK39/40, will be up-gauged to an A380 beginning March 27, 2016. Emirates A380 services to Prague and Taiwan will start from May 1, 2016. Additionally, Barcelona will be served with a second daily Emirates A380 service from June 1, 2016.

Flying the world’s largest fleet of A380 aircraft at 71, Emirates continues to set the pace for A380 deployment. Since Emirates launched is first A380 flight in 2008, the aircraft has flown over 42 million passengers, covering more than 630 million kilometers.

Emirates’ inaugural A380 flight to Birmingham, EK39 will depart Dubai at 07:35 and arrive at 12:20 and will be operated in a two-class configuration. EK40 will depart Birmingham at 14:20 and arrive in Dubai at 00:35 (+1). The addition of an A380 on this route follows the recent introduction of Emirates’ third daily flight to Birmingham, as well as the airline’s milestone 15th year of operations to the city being celebrated this week.

The daily Emirates Dubai-Prague route, operating as EK139, will depart Dubai at 09:05 and arrive in Prague at 13:30. The return leg, operating as EK140, will depart Prague at 15:40 and arrive in Dubai at 23:35. The A380 route will be operated in a three-class configuration, representing a 44 per cent increase in capacity.

In Taiwan, Emirates will up-gauge its service to a two-class A380 service, representing a 44 percent increase in capacity. Emirates flight EK366 will depart Dubai at 04:35 and arrive in Taipei at 16:50 the same day. The return flight EK367 will leave Taipei at 23:30, arriving in Dubai at 05:05 the next day. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport recently completed enhancements making it compatible with the double-decker aircraft.

Barcelona will be served twice daily with an Emirates A380 service, in a three-class configuration. From June 1, 2016, the second A380 service flight EK187 will depart Dubai at 15:45 and arrives in Barcelona at 20:55, while the return leg, EK188 departs Barcelona at 22:40 and arrives in Dubai at 07:25 the next day. The first A380 service to Barcelona was launched on February 1, 2014.

On a three-class configured Emirates A380, there are up to 429 seats in Economy Class, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 14 Private Suites in First Class where passengers also have access to the world’s only onboard Shower Spas. First Class and Business Class passengers can also socialise at 40,000 feet at the Onboard Lounge. Emirates’ two-class configured A380 features 58 flat-bed seats and the Onboard Lounge in Business Class, and 557 spacious seats in Economy Class.

There are currently 36 A380 destinations on the Emirates network, setting the industry benchmark for both A380 connectivity and customer experience.

Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A380-861 A6-EDA (msn 011) larger than life images of the Real Madrid star players on the rear fuselage with the team logo by the nose. A6-EDA arrives at London (Gatwick).

Emirates aircraft slide show:

Emirates unveils “United for Wildlife” Airbus A380 special livery

Emirates (Dubai) has revealed its first Airbus A380 wearing a special livery in support of United for Wildlife, a global collaboration that unites the efforts of the world’s leading wildlife charities in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

This livery features 6 wildlife species threatened by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, and aims to raise awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and communicate the need for urgent action. #WhoseSideAreYouOn.

The aircraft involved is Airbus A380-861 A6-EEI (msn 123).

The airline issued this statement and photos:

Two massive Emirates A380 jets take to the skies this week, wearing special livery in support of United for Wildlife, a global collaboration that unites the efforts of the world’s leading wildlife charities in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

The beautiful livery, featuring some of the planet’s wildlife threatened by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, aims to raise awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and communicate the need for urgent action.

The Rt Hon The Lord Hague of Richmond, Chair of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce said: “We welcome the efforts and commitment made by Emirates airline to combat the illegal wildlife trade. This is more than just an environmental issue. The illegal wildlife trade is now recognized as a serious and organised transnational crime. It drives corruption, is linked to money laundering and can damage economic development in many of the world’s poorest countries and communities. It will take a concerted effort, involving not only effective deterrents against poaching and smuggling, and vigilance in policing and punishing these crimes, but also efforts to increase consumer education to cut demand to protect these animals for the future.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Many animals, in particular African elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins, are under extreme pressure because of an unprecedented spike in the illegal wildlife trade. The world is in a global poaching crisis, and everyone has to do their part to stop this, before it is too late. Emirates believes that the global transport industry, including airlines, can play a significant role to break the supply chain of illegal wildlife trade. And at Emirates, we are committing the resources to do our part.”

Consumers too, can contribute in a big way, by boycotting products made from the parts of these endangered animals and discouraging others from doing so.

Emirates’ two A380s will be operating flights this week. The first one departed for London (LHR) on November 2 and a second will operate to Mauritius (MRU) on November 5, each wearing a different design featuring endangered wildlife. The decal on the first flight featured six endangered species, while the second flight will feature a decal with rhinos and elephants. Both designs cover the world’s largest passenger aircraft almost from nose to tail, spreading over the wings and under-belly of the plane. Approximately 40% of the surface area of the A380 will be covered by the decal. The larger of the two designs span over 42.5 metres in length and 6.2 meters in width, and weighs 70kg. Entirely designed, produced, and applied by Emirates’ in-house staff, both of these are the largest decals the airline has put on any aircraft, to date and took a team of 28 people 2.5 days to apply the decals on one A380, or approximately 900 man hours per aircraft.

In addition to its two A380s literally “flying” the flag for the cause, Emirates will run regular feature stories about wildlife protection in its inflight magazines, and showcase podcast interviews, wildlife programming and feature films on its award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. This subject was the cover story in the October edition of Emirates’ Open Skies magazine, which can be read here.

The airline is also collaborating with international organizations to train and better equip its ground and cargo staff to detect and deal with illegal wildlife products in transit. As the required paperwork for movement of some wildlife products is often forged, Emirates also made the decision to ban trophy shipments.

Quick facts about the threat to wildlife from poaching and illegal trade.

There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild. Illegal trade in their parts and products is one of the biggest threats to wild tigers. Between 2000 and 2014, the parts of at least 1,590 tigers were seized in Asia. ·
Rhino poaching in South Africa increased from 13 rhinos in 2007 to 1215 rhinos in 2014. That now equates to more than three rhinos a day. Africa-wide, 1,293 rhinos are reported to have been poached in 2014. ·
Around 30,000 African elephants are killed by poachers each year. Central Africa is worst hit with a poaching rate twice the continental average. Left unaddressed, poaching could cause the extinction of elephants in Central Africa.
The pangolin is the world’s most-trafficked mammal. Over a million pangolins are estimated to have been poached in the last ten years. ·
Park rangers are often ill equipped and inexperienced to tackle armed and ruthless poachers. Poaching syndicates have changed the way they operate and are now using sophisticated weaponry and equipment to increase their activities and avoid detection (helicopters, veterinary drugs, night vision equipment). 1,000 rangers are estimated to have been killed in ten years while protecting wildlife.

British Airways is bringing the Airbus A380 to Miami

British Airways (London) will begin flying its new double decker Airbus A380 between Miami and London (Heathrow) this weekend. The inaugural flight, flight BA209, will touch down at Miami International Airport on Sunday, October 25 and will depart as the BA208 the same evening.

The BA A380 can accommodate up to 469 customers across four cabins, including 14 First suites, 97 Club World business class seats with full flatbeds, 55 spacious seats in the private World Traveller Plus (premium economy) cabin, and 303 in World Traveller (economy).

At launch, British Airways will offer twice-daily service; the first departure will continue on the Boeing 747-400 aircraft, while the second departure will now feature the Airbus A380.

British Airways aircraft slide show:

Lufthansa Group to fly to 261 destinations in 101 countries this winter, the A380 to be operated on the Frankfurt – Hong Kong route

Lufthansa Group (Frankfurt) has issued this summary of new services for its upcoming winter schedule effective October 25:

The Lufthansa Group Airlines – Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa and Swiss – will become even more attractive for leisure travellers this winter, as the airlines are adding more destinations that appeal to tourists and leisure travelers to their schedules. As always, passengers can trust in the first-rate service, the quality and the reliability of the Lufthansa Group.

With the introduction of the new winter schedule on October 25, 2015, the Lufthansa Group Airlines will offer their customers one of the densest route networks worldwide, featuring more than 20,380 flights per week. This winter, via their hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna and Brussels, as well as via many point-to-point routes, the Lufthansa Group Airlines will serve 261 destinations in 101 countries (previous year: 260 destinations in 100 countries). Furthermore, in cooperation with 30 partner airlines, more than 18,000 codeshare flights will round off the respective flight offering, giving passengers access to an almost global network. The winter schedules of the individual Group airlines will apply from Sunday October 25, 2015 until Saturday March 27, 2016.

From October 2, the new price concept on domestic German and European routes will also apply to Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa. In Economy Class, travellers can individually choose between the three graded fare options “Light”, “Classic” and “Flex”. These options vary mainly with regard to the possibility of making advance seat reservations, re-booking or cancelling flights, and permitted free luggage allowances. Since tickets went on sale last July, the new low-priced “Light” fare option has proved popular with customers. For all options, the Lufthansa Group Airlines as a premier airline still permits one free item of hand baggage. Passengers are also offered free snacks and drinks on board, fixed seat allocation at the check-in counter as well as bonuses for “award miles”, “status miles” and “select miles”.

The most important news from the Lufthansa Group Airlines:

Lufthansa

This winter, Lufthansa will serve 197 destinations and operate a total of 9,900 flights per week. With the introduction of the winter schedule, Lufthansa is expanding its new intercontinental flight offering, which is tailored to the needs of leisure travelers. Tampa (Florida), a new destination since September 25, is the first of several new holiday destinations due to be added to the Lufthansa route network from Frankfurt in the coming months.

From the end of October, Nairobi (Kenya) will be included in the Lufthansa flight schedule, and at the beginning of December, Cancun (Mexico), served mainly by charter flights, Malé (Maldives) and Mauritius will follow, with Panama City rounding off the new timetable in March 2016.

Good news for all Airbus A380 fans: this winter, for the first time, Lufthansa will operate its flagship on the Frankfurt-Hong Kong route. Services from Luxembourg will also be expanded, and with 28 weekly flights from Frankfurt and 24 flights from Munich, the Benelux countries will be served much more frequently than before.

The new winter timetable will offer passengers an hourly connection from Munich to Dusseldorf and Berlin-Tegel. The easy-to-remember flight times, which already apply to connections from Munich to Frankfurt and Hamburg, will now be extended to Dusseldorf and Berlin. Lufthansa flights from Munich to Berlin will take off on the hour, and to Dusseldorf at half past the hour.

This winter, Cape Town will once again be connected with the Munich hub. From October 25, the Airbus A340-600 in a four-class configuration will take off daily for South Africa. Lufthansa customers can also escape the cold winter weather and fly to new destinations in the Canary Islands. On October 25, the new connection between Munich and Fuerteventura will be launched; on October 31 Tenerife will follow. Travelers in search of a new, cooler winter destination will also be able to fly nonstop from Munich to Finland’s largest and most famous winter sports center. From December 19, 2015, Lufthansa will take off every Saturday to Kittilä, 170 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The nearby skiing resort of Levi is the largest winter sports center in Lapland.

Germanwings and Eurowings

In the 2015/2016 winter timetable, Germanwings and Eurowings will offer a wide range of flights to 100 destinations in 36 countries, including intercontinental destinations. Germanwings flights to Berlin-Schönefeld will complement the carrier’s existing services to Berlin. A total of 35 flights per week will take off from Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport. Germanwings will thus be the only airline flying from Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart to Berlin’s Tegel and Schönefeld airports.

This winter, for the first time, the new Eurowings will take off from its new Austrian base in Vienna, from where it will operate nonstop services to Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and London. In November 2015, the airline will launch long-haul flights from Cologne/Bonn Airport with the Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The first of six intercontinental destinations will be Varadero in Cuba. Further destinations will be Phuket and Bangkok in Thailand, Dubai as well as Puerto Plata and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Swiss

This winter, the new Swiss flagship, the Boeing 777-300 ER, will enter scheduled service on routes from Zurich. From January 2016, the new long-haul aircraft will be deployed on the Zurich-New York route.

With the introduction of the winter timetable, Swiss will boost frequencies on its routes to Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Miami (Florida), and will also expand its services from Geneva to destinations in Russia and Portugal in order to meet seasonal demand. In total, Swiss will thus fly to 105 destinations in 49 countries this winter.

Austrian Airlines

In the 2015/2016 winter season, Austrian Airlines will offer its passengers a wide range of flights to as many as 130 destinations in 59 countries. The airline will focus on tourist destinations such as Miami (Florida), which will be served five times a week. From October, it will also offer flights to Mauritius and Colombo (Sri Lanka), and from November, to Marrakesh (Morocco). In response to seasonal demand, Austrian Airlines will thus offer its passengers an attractive range of sunny destinations in the winter as well as in summer.

Brussels Airlines

Once again, Belgium’s leading airline is underlining its position as the Africa specialist with the launch on October 26 of a new connection between Brussels Airport and Ghana. From that date, the Ghanaian capital Accra will be served four times a week. The flight schedule offers ideal connections to Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and the USA.

This winter, Brussels Airlines is also expanding its European flight schedule. The airline will fly to Bremen five times a week, while Zagreb (6 flights/week) and Billund (12 flights/week) will be served for the first time. Last but not least, Brussels Airlines has good news for sun-lovers. The Canary Islands Tenerife and Gran Canaria will be connected twice a week with Brussels Airport. As well as introducing new destinations, Brussels Airlines will increase frequencies on existing routes. During the winter months, more flights will therefore be available to Monrovia (Liberia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

Top Copyright Photo: Javier Rodriguez/AirlinersGallery.com. Lufthansa’s Airbus A380-841 D-AIML (msn 149) arrives back at the FRA hub.

Lufthansa aircraft slide show:

Etihad Airways and partners raise $500 million in international markets

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), its airport services business and five of its equity partners have successfully completed an innovative new platform financing transaction, raising $500 million on the international markets.

According to the group, “Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia and Jet Airways have together taken a new step forward in their strategic business development through this unique fund-raising initiative.”

The group continued:

“At a series of roadshow meetings, held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and London, the shared vision and strategies of the airlines were laid out to financial institutions. These highlighted the growing network coordination and revenue development initiatives, coupled with joint procurement and business synergy projects, across the airlines.”

Allocation of the funds raised will be nearly 20 percent each to Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, Airberlin and Alitalia; 16 percent to Jet Airways; and the remainder to Air Serbia and Air Seychelles.

The funds raised by the transaction will be used largely for capital expenditure and investment in fleet, as well as for refinancing, depending on each individual airline’s needs.

The transaction marks the first time that Etihad Airways and its partners have raised funds together. To date, Etihad Airways has already raised in excess of $11 billion (US) from more than 80 financial institutions, to help fund its expansion strategy.

The funds have been raised through a special purpose vehicle, EA Partners IBV. Goldman Sachs International, ADS Securities and Anoa Capital are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering.

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380-861 A6-APA (msn 166) departs from London (Heathrow).

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Lufthansa to operate around one half of its long-haul flights today due to the pilots’ strike

Lufthansa (Frankfurt) has issued this statement:

Lufthansa has published a special timetable for its services for Tuesday, September 8.

The action has been taken following a call by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union (VC) for its members at Lufthansa German Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo to take strike action.

A total of 1,500 passenger flights (including some 170 long-haul services) and seven cargo flights were scheduled to be operated during the planned strike period today.

With a relatively large number of cockpit personnel indicating their willingness to fly, the airline will be able to operate more than half of its intercontinental passenger services despite the VC’s strike call.

All in all, 84 long-haul services from or to Frankfurt, Munich or Düsseldorf will have to be cancelled, while 90 such flights can be operated.

The willingness of many pilots to work despite the strike call will also permit all seven scheduled cargo flights for Tuesday to be performed. Lufthansa Cargo will thus be able to maintain its full flight program.

All Lufthansa customers holding tickets for long-haul travel from or to Frankfurt, Munich or Düsseldorf are urged to check the latest status of their flight on LH.com well in advance of their scheduled departure.

Lufthansa aircraft slide show: