Qantas and British Airways Increase Flight Services on Joint Services Agreement

Australia’s Qantas announced on Tuesday plans of enhancing Joint Services Agreement (JSA) with British Airways. Enhancements will strengthen their Singapore hub and offer better services on flights between London Heathrow and Australia.

Qantas and British Airways are set to develop their long-running Joint Services Agreement (JSA). The two airlines aim to strengthen their Singapore hub and offer better products and services to passengers booking flights between London Heathrow and Australia. The move is seen as a part of the Qantas Group’s plan to create a competitive global airline business.

Qantas will maintain its Airbus A380 operations from Melbourne and Sydney to London via Singapore. The carrier also proposes to construct a new premium lounge at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. On the other hand, UK’s flag carrier, British Airways will upgrade its London to Sydney (via Singapore) operations from a Boeing 777 to Boeing 747.

These developments will consolidate Singapore’s standing as the principal hub in the relationship, reinforcing the two airlines’ competitive position in the Asia-Pacific region. Both airlines are known to be premier carriers. Cheap flight tickets may not be their forte, but the carriers still enjoy popularity among travellers for offering quality on-board services.

Under the updated Joint Services Agreement, Qantas will offer flights on Australia – Bangkok and Australia – Hong Kong routes, while British Airways will provide services on Bangkok – London and Hong Kong – London routes. This move is aimed at maximising the carrier’s respective operational strengths and will come into effect from 2012 beginning. BA also plans to augment the frequency of London – Hong Kong flights from 14 per week to 17 per week.

Australia’s Qantas will discontinue its Bangkok – London and Hong Kong – London routes and BA will terminate Bangkok-Sydney operations in favour of Qantas operating flights on the route. This will ease early retirement of Qantas’ four Boeing 747 aircrafts.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce remarked that the time was right to restructure the JSA between British and Qantas Airways.

“Strengthening our relationship with British Airways is an important element of our new strategy for Qantas International,” Mr Joyce said in the company’s press release that was posted on the website on Tuesday.

“Singapore will become the focal point of the JSA relationship, with daily Qantas A380 services from Melbourne and Sydney and onward to London, increased British Airways capacity and a new premium lounge.

“The new approach is a smarter use of both airlines’ resources that will enhance our competitive position in Asia and in the Australia – Europe market.

“Regardless of which airline is operating flights between Australia and the United Kingdom, we are focused on delivering a smooth and enjoyable flying experience for passengers. Restructuring the JSA will put us on the front foot in the fiercely competitive Australia – UK air travel market,” Mr Joyce further elaborated.

Qantas Announces New Lounges and Fleet Upgrades

Qantas also announced that it is going to invest almost $400 million in new international lounges, in-flight entertainment and aircraft refurbishment to enhance travellers’ experience.

“Qantas will construct a new First Lounge and Business Lounge in Los Angeles, three times the size of the current space, as well as new First Lounges in Singapore and Hong Kong,” Mr Alan Joyce was quoted in the company’s press release.

Mr Joyce stated that the introduction of the A380 in 2008 brought new levels of customer satisfaction and now the airline aims to make sure that consistent superiority is maintained across the fleet and lounge network.

“In February last year, Qantas announced a $250 million upgrade for nine Boeing 747-400s to meet the changing demands of the airline’s international customers. The first reconfigured B747 will commence services between Brisbane and Los Angeles in October, operating three return services per week,” he said.

The Qantas Group additionally launched a new low-cost airline, Jetstar Japan, in partnership with Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi. The airline is aimed at Japanese market and will serve travellers who seek cheap flight tickets.

Emirates Airline Daily Flight Service to Johannesburg with Airbus A380 Superjumbo

Dubai-based airline Emirates will offer a daily service into Johannesburg on the A380 superjumbo from 1 October 2011.

Emirates’ first scheduled A380 service to Africa comes after a surge in the number of South African travellers flying with Emirates – with passenger numbers up 12 percent.

“We have enjoyed a successful partnership with South Africa since launching services in 1995, and now connect our Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban gateways to our vast global network through 42 non-stop flights each week to Dubai,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “The very positive trends we have witnessed over the last 12 months will only be boosted by the arrival of our flagship A380 aircraft, which has set a new benchmark for air travel.”

“Our A380 demonstrates the future of aviation – both in terms of passenger experience and environmental sensitivity,” he added. “By launching the aircraft to Johannesburg, we are further underlining our commitment to serving South Africa and we anticipate very strong demand from leisure and business travelers keen to experience its unique features and unparalleled levels of comfort in the air.”

The 489-seat Emirates A380 offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats in Economy Class. First Class passengers have access to two Onboard Shower Spas, while all premium passengers on the upper deck can socialise at 40 000 feet in the Onboard Lounge. Beverages and bar snacks are served once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude – all the way until descent.

The A380 service will operate daily as EK761, departing Dubai at 04h40 and arriving at O R Tambo International Airport at 10h50. The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 14h10 and arrives in Dubai at 00h10 the following day.

The arrival time of the A380 in Dubai will offer passengers from South Africa convenient connections to an extensive range of destinations within Europe, which following the 1 June launch of Geneva and the Copenhagen launch on 1 August, will stand at 27.

Emirates currently operates a three times daily service to Johannesburg, a double-daily service to Cape Town and a daily service to Durban; while the airline’s fleet of 15 A380s operate on services from Dubai to London Heathrow (double-daily), Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Jeddah, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland.

Air France Start Daily Flight Paris to Washington D.C. With Airbus A380 in June

Washington D.C. will get its first Airbus A380 service on June 6 when Air France starts daily flights between Paris and Washington Dulles International Airport.

The Air France flights, using a brand-new, 516-seat A380, will feature four classes. The aircraft will be configured with nine seats in La Première (first class); 80 seats in Affaires-Business (business class); 38 seats in Premium Voyageur (premium economy); and 389 seats in the A380?s Voyageur (economy-class) cabin. There are more seats in the economy cabin alone than in most long-haul intercontinental aircraft.

Air France’s Premium Voyageur – located between Business and Economy – offers passengers 40 per cent more space than does Voyageur. Premium Voyageur provides fixed-shell seating for privacy, a 19-inch wide seat that reclines to 123 degrees, a 39.8-inch seat pitch, noise-canceling headsets, 10.4-inch screens, a PC outlet and a business-class amenity kit. Passengers also have priority check-in and boarding.

Premium Voyageur, not yet on the Air France A380 serving New York JFK, offers business travelers who are not allowed to travel in Affaires-Business some business-class amenities nevertheless. Air France now offers its Premium Voyageur cabin on most of its long-haul aircraft, including its Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s and A340s.

The new A380 will also feature Air France’s new business class. Debuting throughout 2011 on other aircraft, the carrier’s new Affaires-Business cabin offers improved lie-flat seats; better connectivity, with USB ports and power; a new subdued, cabin ambience and more dining choices.

Washington will be Air France’s fifth A380 destination from Paris, It currently serves New York JFK, Tokyo and Johannesburg, and will be starting A380 service to Montreal on April 22. The carrier currently operates four Airbus A380s and is taking delivery of two more for the new Washington and Montreal flights.

Because the Airbus A380 seats so many more passengers than other long-haul aircraft, Air France will rationalize its capacity on its Washington D.C. and Montreal routes with the entry of the new airliner. Weekly frequencies between Paris and Montreal will decrease from 28 to 20 when the A380 starts services in April, and Washington frequencies will drop from 21 to 14 beginning June 6.

Washington Dulles is ready for service by the large-capacity, according to officials of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). The airport authority needed to design special jetbridges for the large, double-decker aircraft, install a new hydrant fuel pit for its refueling, and modify some taxiways, including relocating some lights and signs. The airport’s runways were long enough and strong enough for the plane.

An official for the MWAA said that when the airport’s underground Aero Train system was built to carry travelers between terminals, the structure of the tunnels was made strong enough so that no tunnel modifications would be necessary in order for them to bear the A380?s high weight.

Air France will use two adjacent gates for the A380 in the A concourse at Dulles – with gate A20 to be used for boarding lower-deck passengers and A22 for upper-deck passengers.

A test run of the A380-800 at Dulles was performed in March 2007, when Lufthansa brought the A380 to the airport during a series of route-proving flights. Lufthansa doesn’t currently operate the A380 to Washington.

Substantially larger than the Boeing 747-400, the four-engine, wide-body A380 is 239 feet long, 80 feet high and has a wingspan of 262 feet. Inside, the cabin is 164 feet long on the main deck, 147 feet long on the upper deck.

The A380 first went into service in October 2007 with Singapore Airlines. Besides Air France and Lufthansa, it also is operated by Emirates and Qantas. Korean Air is scheduled to begin operating the A380 this year.

Singapore Airlines Plans Global Expansion Strategy as Rising Competition in Asia Aviation Industry

Goh Choon Phong, who takes over as chief executive today, may get offers for the last major remains of Singapore Airlines’ global expansion strategy as he confronts rising competition in Asia. Virgin said in December it had received tie-up inquiries, and Singapore Airlines’ outgoing CEO, Chew Choon Seng, called the investment ”underperforming” two years ago and has said the airline would consider a sale.

In Asia, Mr Goh faces low-fare competition on long-haul routes from Jetstar and AirAsia X, as well as renewed efforts by Cathay Pacific and Korean Air Lines to lure away lucrative business-class travellers. And Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have ordered close to 300 planes since 2007 as they build hubs linking Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
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Delta Air Lines and Middle Eastern airlines are among the carriers exploring a Virgin tie-up, Sky News reported in December, without saying where it got the information. Singapore Airlines’ stake complicates a deal as local ownership rules limit non-European investors to minority stakes.

”Either Singapore Air sells or Branson loses effective control by selling part of his stake,” said Andrew Miller, chief executive of CAPA Consulting, which advises airlines.

Singapore Airlines was ”very supportive of our business strategy, including the review by Deutsche Bank”, Greg Dawson, a Virgin spokesman, said.

Mr Chew, who spent almost four decades at Singapore Airlines, sold a leasing arm and spun off a ground-handling unit while CEO to focus on the carrier’s flying business. He will take over as chairman of Singapore Exchange Ltd today.

Mr Chew’s predecessor, Cheong Choong Kong, bought stakes in Virgin and Air New Zealand to expand overseas. The value of the Air NZ investment was written down in 2001, and the remaining holding sold three years later.

Competition is intensifying in the premium market, which accounts for 40 per cent of Singapore Airlines’ sales. Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific is working on a $HK1 billion ($A126 million) business-class upgrade to lure executive travellers.

Korean Air, which aims to get 50 per cent of passenger sales from premium classes by 2019, will receive its first five Airbus SAS A380s next year. And Emirates is building a fleet of 90 A380s.

source : Bloomberg

Singapore Air A380 Delivery Delayed After Koito Industries Failed to Deliver Seats on Time

Singapore Air’s A380, configured to carry 471 passengers, is fitted with 60 business-class seats on the second level of the double-decker aircraft, according to its website

Singapore Airlines Ltd., the first carrier to fly the Airbus SAS A380 commercially, said the introduction of its 12th superjumbo has been delayed after Koito Industries Ltd. failed to deliver seats on time.

Singapore Airlines Ltd., the world’s second-largest carrier by market value, said the introduction of its 12th Airbus SAS A380 has been delayed after Koito Industries Ltd. failed to deliver business-class seats on time.

The plane had been due for delivery this quarter and “has been delayed as a result of the issues that Koito has faced,” Nicholas Ionides, a spokesman for the carrier, said in an e-mail reply to Bloomberg queries. He said the delay isn’t affecting the airline’s current operations and he expects the plane to arrive before the end of March.

The postponement is the second time Singapore Air has pushed back introduction of an A380 because of late Koito seat deliveries. Rivals All Nippon Airways Co., Continental Airlines Inc. and Thai Airways International Pcl have also suffered delays after Koito in February admitted it falsified test results and made unauthorized design changes to its seats for at least a decade.

“We are working closely with Airbus, Koito and the relevant regulatory authorities and expect the issues to be resolved soon,” Ionides said in the e-mail.

Koito Industries spokesman Hidetsugu Matsudaira had no comment on the Singapore Air statement.

Koito rose 3.5 percent to 150 yen at the 3 p.m. close of Tokyo trading. Parent Koito Manufacturing Co., part-owned by Toyota Motor Corp., advanced 0.2 percent to 1,270 yen. Singapore Air fell 0.6 percent to S$15.70 at the 5 p.m. close in Singapore trading.

Seat Glitch

Singapore Air’s A380, configured to carry 471 passengers, is fitted with 60 business-class seats on the second level of the double-decker aircraft, according to its website. The carrier received its 11th superjumbo in July, six months late because of the seat glitch.

The airline plans to operate its 12th A380 between Singapore and Los Angeles, via Narita, Japan, when it’s delivered, Ionides said today. The aircraft will replace the Boeing Co. 747-400 currently used on the route.

Koito said in April it would stop taking orders for plane seats for as long as three years to focus on maintenance, including checking about 1,000 commercial planes in which its seats are installed. The Yokohama-based seat manufacturer paid 3.6 billion yen ($43 million) in compensation in the year ended in March and expects to pay another 3.3 billion yen this fiscal year.

Thai Airways, Thailand’s largest carrier, said in October it’s seeking as much as $180 million in compensation from the seatmaker.

Koito also makes business-class seats for Singapore Air’s Airbus A340-500s, as well as first-class seats for its Boeing Co. 777-300ERs, according to Ionides.

Global Aviation Industry Future : Airline Industry Expects Economic Recovery

The global airline industry is making a robust economic recovery and will need $3.6 trillion in new aircraft over the next 20 years, Boeing Co. said Thursday, July 15 in its annual long-range forecast.

In all, airlines will need 30,900 new jets between now and 2029, with more than two-thirds of the demand for smaller single-aisle jets such as Boeing’s 737 and Airbus’ A320, Boeing said in its 2010 Current Market Outlook.

Airlines have seen a rebound in passenger and freight traffic this year and should return to profitability in 2011, company officials say.

“For passenger traffic in 2010 we’re expecting to see a 5 to 6 percent improvement over where we were last year; in terms of cargo, somewhere around 14 percent or more,” Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president for marketing, said in a recent briefing in advance of Farnborough International Air show in Britain.

Airlines have been able to manage their way through the economic downturn fairly well by keeping costs down, Tinseth said. “We’re starting to see more airlines returning to profitability – returning to profitability really before we expected it,” he added Boeing’s 20-year forecast is slightly brighter than last year’s, when it predicted demand for 29,000 aircraft worth $3.2 trillion for 2009-2028. This year’s report says 21,160 single-aisle jets worth $1.7 trillion will be needed, along with 7,100 twin-aisle planes such as the 777, 787 and Airbus’ A330-340 family, worth $1.6 trillion.

The world will need 720 large aircraft such as Boeing’s 747 and Airbus’ superjumbo A380, worth $220 billion, and just 1,1920 regional jets – those under 90 seats – worth $60 billion.

The report, now in its 46th year of public release, is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market, and reflects the improving, yet still unstable conditions facing the industry.

It noted that commercial aviation has weathered many downturns in the past. Yet recovery has followed quickly as the industry reliably returned to its long-term growth rate of approximately 5 percent per year. Boeing expects the same resilience in the first half of 2010 as the industry rebounds from the recent severe downturn. Passenger traffic is projected to rise 6 percent for the year, with similar annual growth rates for 2011 through 2014.

Responding to improving demand, global airline financial performance is forecast to improve to the break-even point in 2010, following a $10 billion net loss in 2009. Asia-Pacific airlines, reflecting the region’s strong economic growth, are forecast to lead the world in profits during 2010, followed closely by North American airlines, which are exercising capacity discipline. Emerging markets are expected to be profitable, led by Latin American airlines. Europe is the only region forecast to lose money in 2010, owing to the lagging economic outlook and airspace disruptions from volcanic ash.

Worldwide economic activity, reflected in the global gross domestic product (GDP), is the most powerful driver of growth in commercial air services and the resultant demand for airplanes. The global GDP is projected to grow at an average of 3.2 percent per year for the next 20 years. Reflecting the economic growth, worldwide passenger traffic will average 5.3 percent growth and cargo traffic will average 5.9 percent growth over the forecast period. To meet the demand for commercial aviation services, the number of airplanes in the worldwide fleet will grow at an annual rate of 3.2 percent.

Air transport throughout the world continues to change in response to market opportunities and challenges. New airline business models and the dynamic growth of air travel in the emerging economies throughout the world are diversifying the demand for airplanes. As global air travel declined in 2009, there were still many markets and business models that experienced growth. Over the next 20 years, 77 percent of demand for new airplanes will come from outside North America, with about 34 percent of deliveries going to the Asia Pacific region.

The Boeing forecast continues to predict that the greatest demand for new aircraft, by market value, will come from the United States, followed by China. Remarkably, the United Arab Emirates-with a population of less than 5 million, yet home to several highly competitive airlines-will be the third largest market by value.

The need to replace older, less efficient airplanes accounts for 44 percent of the projected market for new airplanes. The 2010 forecast anticipates 13,490 airplanes will be replaced over the next 20 years. This reflects rising fuel prices and the increasing economic burden of using older, less capable, and less efficient airplanes. At this replacement rate, 84 percent of the fleet operating in 2029 will have been delivered after 2010.

Today, there are 11,580 single-aisle aircraft in operation around the world, representing 61 percent of the total jet fleet. The single-aisle fleet is forecast to more than double, reaching 25,000 airplanes or 69 percent of the total fleet by 2029, largely reflecting the rapid expansion of air services in Asia, the rise of intraregional air travel in emerging economies, and the growth and geographic expansion of the low-cost-carrier model.

Among the 30,900 aircraft to be delivered over the next 20 years, 21,160 (69 percent of the units and 47 percent of the value) will be single-aisle airplanes. Demand for single aisles comes not only from growth markets, but also for replacing older aircraft such as the 737 Classics, A320s, and McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90s. It is forecast that there will be a wave of single-aisle aircraft retirements in the 2015 to 2017 timeframe as many of these older aircraft reach 25 years of age – a typical retirement age for jet aircraft.

The fastest growing market will be for twin-aisle airplanes. This segment is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.4 percent. The twin-aisle fleet will grow from 3,500 airplanes in operation today to 8,260 airplanes in 2029. In 20 years, much of the in-service fleet will be newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and 777, which offer more passenger comfort, improved efficiency, and better environmental performance than the airplanes they replace.

The next 20 years will see 7,100 new twin-aisle deliveries, which is about 23 percent of the total number of airplane deliveries for the period and 45 percent of the total market value. About 40 percent of the demand for twin aisles will come from the Asia Pacific region. The imminent introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and, later of the Airbus A350, is also driving demand, as these new aircraft offer significant efficiency improvements over the aircraft they are replacing.

There is expected to be little change to the size of the large aircraft fleet over the long term. The number of large airplanes in the fleet will grow from about 800 today to 960 in 2029. Nearly all the gain in large aircraft is coming from the freighter market. The number of large passenger airplanes in operation today is around 500. The large airplane passenger fleet will remain at approximately that level over the long term.

The 720 new large airplanes forecast to be delivered represent only 2 percent of the total aircraft deliveries. Yet with a value of $220 billion, large airplanes account for 6 percent of the total market value. About 43 percent of the deliveries will go to Asia, with China and Southeast Asia accounting for most of the delivery demand. The Middle East, with its already substantial backlog of aircraft in this category, accounts for another 23 percent of the large airplane market. More than half of those airplanes are already on order.

China Southern Airlines is Set to Receive the Airbus A380 Superjumbo

Delivery of the China Southern Airlines A380 had been due to arrive just before the 2008 Beijing Olympics but was deferred- now it looks like the first of its five A380s will be delivered next year.

Airbus mounted the vertical tail on China Airlines’ first A380 superjumbo on Tuesday at the A380 assembly line in Toulouse. It takes about eight hours to install the tail, which is almost equivalent to the size of an A320 wing and when joined to the fuselage its tip stands 24 metres from the ground.

China Southern is the only mainland carrier to order the A380, with rival Air China insisting it has no plans to acquire the aircraft because it prefers the rival Boeing B747. It expects to receive its first A380 plane in 2011.

Asia-Pacific carriers who have ordered the A380 superjumbo include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Korean Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, and THAI Airways.

Business class travellers will be intereted to know that the carrier has announced a new premium economy class on flights to Australia. It has started rolling out Premium Economy Class service on its service between Guangzhou and Sydney using the all-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

China Southern Premium Economy travellers enjoy superior seating and cabin service from standard economy with special advance round trip fares.

From October 31st the carrier will offer the Premium Economy service on services from Guangzhou to Brisbane and Melbourne. The re-designed A3380-300 cabin offers 47 Premium Economy seats separated by curtains, and portable doors to guarantee travellers a discreet private space.

International Premium Economy Class on China Southern Airlines offers a premium travel experience and includes 40% additional space. The seat pitch has been extended from Economy pitch of 32 to 37 inches for expanded legroom. Special personal touches include newspapers, double-thick wool blanket and pillows; fresh seasonal fruits, noise-reduction headphones, private washing kit and savoury red and white Australian wines. At the airport there is an exclusive Premium Economy check-in counter where travellers can enjoy the special privilege of a private Premium Economy check-in counter and an extra luggage allowance of 15kg. They also benefit from priority baggage delivery upon arrival, boarding at passengers’ convenience and priority class upgrade (if Premium Economy cabin is overbooked). Sky Pearl Club members travelling in Premium Economy Class will earn 110% FFP mileage and through to December 30th, will receive an additional 3,000 bonus FFP miles.

China Southern has also 13 Boeing B787s on order.

Emirates Airlines Flights Services to Hong Kong with Airbus A380 Superjumbo

Hong Kong is one of luxury flight destinations, currently serving 11 airlines flights to Hong Kong. One of the airlines that serve the purpose of flights to Hong Kong is the Emirates airlines.

Emirates airline is one of largest airlines using the Airbus A380. Emirates airline to start flight service to Hong Kong in 1991 and currently manages airline Emirates has two daily services. Currently, Emirates airline has been serving two flights, one direct flights and one flight via Bangkok. The A380 will be added to flights EK384 and EK385 which fly to Hong Kong via Bangkok. Emirates’ other daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hong Kong will continue to be operated with Boeing 777 aircraft.

Hong Kong is one of luxury flight destinations, currently serving 11 airlines flights to Hong Kong.

Emirates airline will become the second airline that will serve regular flights to Hong Kong with Airbus A380 aircraft. Other airlines that provide flights services to Hong Kong with an Airbus A380 is Singapore Airlines.

On September 1st Emirates will begin daily flights with the A380 to Manchester and from 31st October the carrier will recommence non-stop services between Dubai and New York’s JFK airport.

Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East and Australasia, said: “This commercially-vibrant metropolis became part of Emirates’ ever expanding network back in 1991, and today we operate a double-daily service between Hong Kong and Dubai, one non-stop and one flight via Bangkok. We also operate 18 weekly Emirates SkyCargo freighter services.

“We are proud to be able to demonstrate our commitment to Hong Kong by putting our flagship aircraft on this route. Our passengers from Hong Kong now have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful service and comforts available on this aircraft and our passengers from Thailand will have the option of flying the A380 to either Dubai or Hong Kong.”

So what can one expect on board the Emirates A380? Imagine showering in one of the two onboard shower spas in First Class and using signature amenities from the airline’s premium spa brand Timeless Spa. Whether you’re travelling in First Class or Business Class, you can relax in the onboard lounge with a cocktail at the fully-stocked bar or savour some hot and cold canapés.

In the First Class suites you can sleep in a fully flat bed equipped with massage function, while in Business Class there are flat-bed seats with access to the aisle. In all classes, there is mood-lighting and ice, the award-winning, in-flight entertainment system featuring over 1200 channels of on-demand entertainment.

Emirates Expands Airbus Fleet for Dubai Flights

The mega airbus, the A380 has made quite an impression since it was introduced and Emirates airline is planning to expand its fleet with yet another aircraft.

The airline is set to add one more 517-seat Airbus A380 to serve flights from Heathrow to Dubai. The airline is taking delivery of the aircraft to be introduced from 1 July this year.

Currently Emirates offers a daily departure from Terminal 3 at Heathrow each afternoon. The new addition to the fleet offers an evening service which will fly direct to Dubai. Read more

Qantas Airways to Investigate Damage Tire of Airbus A380 Landed in Sydney

Airbus A380 aircraft owned by Qantas Airways was damaged when it landed at Sydney airport. The plane suffered damage to the aircraft tires. When the plane landed ban sparks a worrying issue of passenger aircraft.

Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing a loud bang as flight QF32 touched down late on Wednesday, while media said two tyres burst. Video footage showed bright flashes from under the plane.

None of the 244 passengers was hurt in the incident, which comes just a day after a Boeing 747 was forced to abort a flight from Sydney to Singapore.

“On landing last night, two tyres were damaged. The aircraft was assessed on the runway by engineers and it was determined it was unable to be towed to the gate,” a Qantas spokeswoman told AFP.
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