The so-called A350-8000 might be more fuel efficient than Boeing's 777-9 -- but that wouldn't make it more popular. After initially downplaying the idea, Airbus executives have started to seriously consider launching an even larger version of the new A350 widebody jet. This new model -- tentatively named the A350-8000 (or perhaps the A350-1100) -- would compete with the 7...
Map Happy features the best travel hacks, gear and tech to be the best traveler that you can be. If you have 17+ hours to spare and want to travel on the longest commercial flight, here's the ticket. Emirates currently holds the record for the world's current longest active commercial flight.Airways News reports that the first flight, which runs nonstop from Auckland, in New Zealand,...
Veteran metal band Iron Maiden will have to find alternate transportation for the South American leg of their tour after their official plane sustained major engine damage Saturday during a fuel stop in Santiago, Chile. Thankfully, there was no fire or fuel spilled and the band, its support crew and equipment were not on board at the time. On the band's website, they explained that their...
Ryanair launched its first customised jet this week, with 60 business class seats and fine dining catering facilities on offer to clients. Business looks brisk, too. Since its launch, the airline has been flooded with booking enquiries, according to its Head of Communications, Robin Kiely. "We were inundated with requests not just from corporate bookers and finance companies, but also h...
Qatar Airways is expanding its its network to 14 new destinations. Spread across four continents, the new routes will further expand the reach of the airline’s network, and will include the world’s longest flight, between Doha and Auckland, New Zealand. Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announced the new routes at ITB Berlin, where he remarked: “Qatar Ai...
There is a lot of potential for the growth of business jets sector in India but the country has to overcome bottlenecks like lack of parking space at the airports, a top executive of Embraer Executive Jets said. “India is a big country with infrastructure challenges and we see a lot of potential. However, there are bottlenecks and restrictions to operate business jets like lack of parking...
AI pilot boarded aircraft 4 hours after scheduled departure time of Mumbai-Bhubaneshwar flight, passengers return to the terminal building from the aircraft in protest The national carrier, Air India, that has been short-staffed and has been struggling to manage its operations, had to delay one of its flights on Thursday afternoon, as the pilot had not reported for duty. The flight was not only...
A team led by a 15-year-old pilot from England took first place Saturday in the World Drone Prix, a new contest hoping to take flight both in this Mideast country fascinated by the technology and with sports fans worldwide. Luke Bannister of Somerset led Tornado X-Blades Banni UK to win a $250,000 purse, part of $1 million in prizes handed out in the inaugural edition of this race as a Cabinet-...
Rockwell Collins Inc is forecasting a double digit decline in its corporate jet business this fiscal as uncertainty in China, Russia and Brazil weighs on buyer confidence. The business jet market has struggled to rebound since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and concerns over a slowdown in China and depressed Russian and Brazilian economies is further dampening confidence. “We’r...
Aviation fans and adrenalin junkies were out in droves to witness the qualification rounds of the Red Bull Air Race in the capital. Taking place yesterday on Abu Dhabi Corniche, the aerial race marks the start of the championship’s 2016 season, which will take place in eight destinations. Fourteen pilots competed yesterday to determine the order of play in today’s main event...
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be further adjusting its range of servicesfrom Zurich and Geneva in its 2016 summer schedules. Alicante in Spain will receivescheduled service from Zurich, while the vacation destination of Lamezia Terme inSouthern Italy will be served from Geneva. The new summer schedules will also seefrequencies increased to various existing European and intercontinenta...
Last week UAE capital Abu Dhabi hosted traditional air show of the same name. Between us, it is difficult to attribute this show to any significant international events. The absence of any contract, two dozen planes and helicopters, much more limousines and visitors, ready to buy, all at once for exorbitant prices – these are first impressions of three days spent days in Al Bateen Executive...
