Search Results fora380
Historic Milestone: Qantas’ First A380 Flights to South Africa
Yesterday marked a significant milestone in aviation history as Qantas launched its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg, making it the first time the national carrier has operated the Superjumbo to Africa. This historic flight not only symbolises a new era of travel between Australia and South Africa but also brings a host of exciting enhancements for passengers. Doubling Capacity and Reintroducing First Class The A380 will operate up to six times per week, nearly doubling the capacity on this route with an additional 130,000 seats per year. This upgauge means that Qantas will now offer over 280,000 seats annually between Australia and South Africa. The A380, with its capacity for 485 passengers across four cabins, reintroduces First Class on this route for the first time since 2018. The luxurious first-class features 14 individual suites that convert into 212-centimetre beds, arranged in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration. Additionally, the number of Premium Economy seats will double, offering more comfort and options for travellers. Enhanced In-Flight Experience First and business-class passengers can enjoy the upper deck lounge, which features booth-style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar, and the option to order signature drinks and snacks. This lounge provides a unique space for relaxation and socialising during the flight. A Rich History of Connecting Continents Qantas has a long history of flying to South Africa, dating back to 1948 with a Lancastrian survey flight from Sydney to Johannesburg. The first passenger services began in 1952, taking 66 hours and earning the nickname “Wallaby Route.” Today, Qantas’ nonstop flights significantly shorten this journey, with the A380 flight times being 14 hours and 40 minutes from Sydney to Johannesburg and 11 hours and 55 minutes on the return leg. Expanding Network with Airlink Partnership Along with the A380 launch, Qantas has announced a new codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based carrier Airlink. This partnership will expand Qantas’ network into South Africa, offering seamless connectivity to nine additional destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, and Hoedspruit. Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn points and status credits on these codeshare flights, enhancing their travel experience. Looking Ahead Qantas also plans to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg by mid-2025, pending regulatory approval. This expansion will further strengthen the connections between Australia and Africa, supporting tourism, business, and trade. Final Thoughts As Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace stated, “The A380 is a favourite among our frequent flyers, and it will be great to see the Flying Kangaroo in the land of the springbok.” With the introduction of the A380 and the new codeshare partnership with Airlink, Qantas is set to offer unparalleled travel options and comfort for passengers heading to Africa. Fares for the new A380 flights are available now on the Qantas website and through travel agents. Codeshare connections on Airlink will be available for travel from late October 2024. All Qantas international fares include a checked baggage allowance, food and beverages, and inflight entertainment as standard.
Emirates celebrates South Africa with spectacular, first-ever A380 flypast
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, takes to the skies to celebrate its longstanding and ongoing commitment to South Africa, with the country’s first ever A380 flypast. Running up the score, the remarkable low-level aerial showcase also marks Emirates’ first ever flypast in Africa and the first international airline to execute such a feat in South Africa. Honouring its shared love for rugby with over 62,000 enthusiastic spectators, Emirates flew the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft over Emirates Airline Park, just before kick-off of the much-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks test match. Flying at an altitude of just 500 feet above the ground, the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft saluted rugby and aviation fans, in its latest signature livery. The Emirates A380 took off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 16:00, travelling at a speed of 140 kts, reaching the stadium at 16:58, perfectly timed to follow South Africa and New Zealand’s national anthems. The impressive aerial feat follows months of thorough and cross-functional planning between stakeholders including multiple teams at Emirates, South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Emirates pilots, Flight Operation Managers and Air Traffic Controllers working together with the Emirates Lions team. The teams worked together across every element of the aerial display, taking into account air traffic patterns at different times of the day with different weather and wind conditions. UAE National Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, A380 Deputy Chief Pilot commanded the flight, joined by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Abdalla Al Hammadi, both Technical Pilots for the Airbus A380 and Captain Richard Fiess, A380 Captain. Captain Mubarak has flown with Emirates for 19 years and has completed over 7,200 hours in the cockpit of the iconic A380. He has commanded similar flypasts for Emirates, including UAE National Day celebrations for the past four years and headlining the commercial aircraft flypast formation at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. He also participated in the iconic flight promoting Expo 2020, which saw an A380 fly around an Emirates Cabin Crew at the very top of the Burj Khalifa; the unprecedented formation flight with the Jetman team back in 2015; and with the Red Arrows in 2022. Afzal Parambil, Country Manager of Southern Africa, Emirates said: “Tonight’s record-setting flypast is a powerful display of our unwavering commitment to South Africa. It represents not just an achievement of technical excellence, but encapsulates our ongoing partnership with key stakeholders in South Africa, including the Civil Aviation Authority, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Emirates Lions and, of course, the strong relationship we’ve built with our customers and travel partners here over the years. For almost three decades, we’ve unlocked an array of choices for our customers, by offering an outstanding on-ground and in-flight experience coupled with seamless global connectivity, and we’re not slowing down now. We look forward to the next 30 years, and beyond, of serving South Africa and spotlighting its many attractions to the world.” Pieter Burger, Ellis Park Stadium Managing Director, said: “The flyover has become such a pre-match entertainment staple at the iconic Emirates Airline Park. First witnessed in 1995 at the final of the international rugby showpiece where the South African national rugby team was victorious, to have had this moment tonight against the very same opposition was a thrilling experience for fans watching at the stadium and at home. We are extremely grateful to our long-time partner Emirates who were pivotal towards the success of this project, together with all other role players involved. From a lasting memory perspective, this will certainly be up there for those who had the privilege to witness the moment.” The flypast also marks the return of Emirates’ second A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, enhancing more customer choice and travel options with Emirates’ iconic onboard products and world-class service. EK761 departs Dubai at 04.05, landing in Johannesburg at 10:15, with the return flight, EK762, departing Johannesburg at 13.25 and touching down in Dubai at 23.45, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations in the Far East, Europe and the Middle East. Emirates is one of the world’s biggest supporters of rugby. In South Africa, Emirates’ investment in the sport is headlined by its steadfast title sponsorship of the Emirates Lions, including naming rights of the team’s home stadium, Emirates Airline Park. The airline also sponsors the action-packed Cape Town Sevens, a regular fixture on the Sevens World Series calendar and one of the most popular live sporting events in South Africa, regularly drawing over 100,000 spectators. Globally, Emirates can be found at the centre of the action from grassroots to professional leagues as the sponsor of Rugby World Cup since 2007, with prominent presence planned at the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Australia. Firmly established as a long-term partner of South African aviation, tourism, and trade, Emirates has been serving the market for 29 years, connecting over 20 million travellers to/from South Africa with more than 140 destinations on its vast global network, via Dubai. The airline serves customers traveling to and from South Africa with 42 weekly flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, with additional connectivity to regional points across the country offered by its codeshare and interline partners South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair.
Etihad flies its A380 to Mumbai
Gardens by the Bay and Singapore skyline reflection on blue water at blue hour in Singapore. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is hailing its long-standing connection with India by deploying its iconic Airbus A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period, marking 20 years since its inaugural flight to the city. Starting from 1 September until 31 December 2024, the double-decker aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), enhancing the travel experience on this popular route. Since its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004, Etihad’s relationship with India has deepened. The airline currently offers nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities, with plans for further expansion. This supports its mission to seamlessly connect Indian guests to Abu Dhabi and its global network, enabling them to visit friends and family, pursue education, and engage in business worldwide. In a move to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for its Indian customers, Etihad recently became the first international airline operating in India to launch a Hindi website, allowing customers to access information in their preferred language. Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market is evident through its embrace of India’s love for cricket, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings. Additionally, its brand ambassador partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif has further solidified its presence in the region, with a captivating series of videos shared across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will showcase the A380 on three-days a week for a period of four months.” And there is more to look forward to with Etihad set to unveil a number of exciting new partnerships and initiatives for the region across the rest of the year. Etihad is offering some very special A380-themed fares to celebrate the four-month visit to Mumbai, including First class fares of AED 8,380 Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return, and INR 190,383 Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return. Meanwhile in Business class fares of AED 2,380 Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR 50,381 Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return are up for grabs until 25 August, for travel between 01 September and 13 October. The A380 experience Economy passengers can look forward to enhanced comfort, with 68 Economy Extra legroom seats offering an additional four inches of space, alongside 337 Economy Smart Seats featuring innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, the Business Studios™ present 70 private suites, each thoughtfully designed in collaboration with Armani/Casa and equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. The experience is further elevated by The Lobby lounge area, ensuring a sophisticated and productive journey. The First Apartments offer pure luxury, featuring nine private suites, complete with designer tableware, plush leather seating, and a spacious ottoman that converts into a bed. First-class passengers also receive personalized amenities and have access to an exclusive shower room for added comfort. By early 2025, Etihad Airways will have its sixth A380 in operation.
Etihad’s iconic A380 heads east to Singapore and Thailand network goes tri-daily
Gardens by the Bay and Singapore skyline reflection on blue water at blue hour in Singapore. Etihad Airways is delighted to announce it will start flying its A380 double-decker to Singapore (SIN) from 1 February 2025. The Asian-Pacific powerhouse becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London and New York, as well as Paris which will be served by the A380 from 1 November. It means Etihad will have its sixth A380 in operation by the start of 2025. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to announce that our iconic A380 aircraft will begin serving the Singapore route early next year. “This aircraft provides our business and leisure travellers with an exceptional flying experience and seamless connections to our Middle East, European, and North American networks. It highlights Etihad’s dedication to optimising travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond, ensuring more convenience and comfort for our guests. “We will have our sixth A380 online next year as we build our capacity further to cater for the travel needs of our guests.” The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, Business Studios™ feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and Wi Fi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence At the pinnacle of comfort 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. Singapore Singapore may be small, but it’s brimming with attractions, making it the perfect spot for a city getaway. Positioned almost directly on the equator, this tropical city offers an exotic climate and a rich blend of cultures. Explore the vibrant temples and markets of Little India, discover the shops, eateries, and parks of Chinatown, and savour top-notch fish curry at one of the many bustling street food markets. Stroll down Orchard Road for the trendiest boutiques and cap off your day with a sunset drink on Marina Bay’s rooftop, where you’ll find the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool—an experience not to be missed. Thailand Etihad is boosting flights to Thailand to 41 per week from 27 October, 2024. Answering the call from customers, Etihad will fly three-times a day to bustling Bangkok, giving travellers even more flexibility and timing convenience when planning their trip. Additionally, Etihad will fly to Phuket, Thailand's dazzling beach paradise, 20 times a week, offering more opportunity for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at the many fabulous beaches of Karon, Patong and Kata, or explore the rich cultural heritage of the city. As with Bangkok, services are conveniently timed to give guests optimum choice and maximise their stay. The latest frequencies are now open for booking. Guests who book on etihad.com can take advantage of a complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi, transforming one holiday into two and enjoying a free stay for up to two nights at their preferred hotel in the vibrant capital of the UAE.
Emirates to operate second A380 Service to Bali to serve seasonal demand
Emirates has announced that it will operate a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Bali, starting 1 September and until 26 October, to meet the surge in travel demand to the island during the upcoming peak season. From 1 September to 26 October 2024, Emirates’ flight EK398/399 between Dubai (DXB) and Bali (DPS) will be upgraded to an Airbus A380, replacing the current Boeing 777 service. The upgraded service will build upon the success of Emirates' first-ever A380 service to Indonesia, launched on 1 June 2023, while also driving more inbound traffic to Bali during one of the busiest times of the year and seamlessly connecting travelers from Indonesia to Dubai and beyond through Emirates’ extensive global network. Emirates continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and supporting Indonesia’s growing travel and tourism sector. By serving Bali with double A380 flights, the airline will offer more than 2,600 additional weekly seats to and from the island to help accommodate the growing demand during the peak travel season. With this additional service, more passengers to and from Indonesia can enjoy the iconic double-decker's best-in-class products and services, including its spacious cabins, the exclusive Onboard Lounge, and ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment. Emirates launched a non-stop daily service from Dubai to Bali in 2015, adding to its scheduled flights to Jakarta which began in 1992. Emirates flies to more than 144 destinations across six continents and currently offers double daily flights to Jakarta and Bali. .
Etihad Airways to Launch A380 Flights to Paris
Etihad Airways has announced that it will commence flights with its A380 double-decker to Paris, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) from November 1, 2024. The French capital will be the third major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience, following London and New York. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement about the new route. He said, “As a city celebrated for its style and ambience, Paris is the perfect destination for our iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes.” The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi—Paris route is a significant step in enriching leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad’s commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond, providing business professionals with a seamless and comfortable journey. Economy passengers can look forward to a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, Business Studios feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio has premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. The first Apartments are luxurious, with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and an oversized ottoman bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. At the pinnacle of comfort and exclusivity 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, making your journey truly exceptional. 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, ensuring a truly indulgent experience. This new route is a testament to Etihad’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience with more excellent connectivity and luxury, making business trips more accessible and enjoyable, and connecting travellers to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy and rich cultural landscape with the premium service Etihad is known for. The post Etihad Airways to Launch A380 Flights to Paris first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
Etihad’s A380 to say ‘Bonjour’ to Paris
Etihad Airways is delighted to announce it will start flying its A380 double-decker to Paris, CDG from 1 November, 2024. The French capital becomes the third major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience after London and New York. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris is the perfect destination for our iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes. "The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Paris route enriches both leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad's commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure that business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed. Features like The Lobby lounge and Business Studios create an ideal environment for productivity and comfort. By enhancing the travel experience with greater connectivity and luxury, we make business trips more accessible and enjoyable, connecting travelers to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy and rich cultural landscape with the premium service Etihad is known for." The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, Business Studios™ feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a big ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence At the pinnacle of comfort 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. Flight No, Departure airport Arrival airport Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY31 AUH CDG 02:40 07:30 Daily A380 EY32 CDG AUH 09:45
Emirates boosts flights to Osaka, introducing A380 fitted with Premium Economy
Emirates will be boosting its services to Osaka with the introduction of the A380 starting from 1 June 2024. The A380 to be deployed to Osaka will be retrofitted with the airline’s latest product, Premium Economy, making it the second Japanese gateway to operate with the newly upgraded aircraft. The upgraded service will offer increased seat capacity on flights to and from Japan’s second largest city, in addition to introducing the highly sought-after Premium Economy Class for customers, as well as refreshed interiors across First, Business and Economy Class cabins. From 1 June, Emirates’ four-class A380 will replace the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently operating the EK316/EK317 service to and from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). With upgraded A380 operations, Emirates will offer 910 additional weekly seats between Dubai and Osaka, offering more opportunities to connect to and beyond Dubai to popular destinations for travelers including Milan, Madrid, Brazil, Paris and London. Emirates celebrated the 20th anniversary of its services between Dubai and Osaka last year and during that time, the airline carried more than 220,000 passengers on more than 360 flights between the two gateways in 2023. Emirates’ four-class A380 deployed to Osaka will feature 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 56 seats in Premium Economy Class and 338 ergonomically designed seats in Economy Class. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with the 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. In the cabin, every inch of space anticipates customer needs with a generous seat pitch and width for working and relaxing, and customised features that offer function and convenience like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The experience is rounded off with expertly curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu and extensive beverage options. Emirates’ "ice" in-flight entertainment includes up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV programs, and music. Customers flying in both Business and First Class will enjoy access to Emirates' onboard lounge, while First Class passengers will have exclusive access to the airline’s luxurious shower spa. In addition, passengers can enjoy Emirates' award-winning signature hospitality, and meals prepared using carefully selected ingredients from around the world. In December 2023, Emirates launched its Premium Economy product on the Dubai-Narita route and it has so far garnered great interest from customers. The airline's distinctive product is currently available on flights to 14 other destinations globally, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai. The airline’s A380 operations to Kansai International Airport (KIX) come as Japan expects an increase in tourism through the unique attractions nestled within the Kansai region, such as Osaka and Kyoto, in addition to a packed schedule of events including the Osaka-Kansai Expo planned for 2025. Emirates also operates a daily four-class A380 service to Tokyo Narita, and a daily Boeing 777-300ER service to Tokyo Haneda. Through its scheduled operations to Japan's three largest international travel hubs, Emirates provides convenient air connectivity to serve the growing demand. As part of its commitment to travellers, Emirates last year announced the resumption of its Chauffeur-drive service in Tokyo Haneda for the airline's First and Business Class customers. Emirates had also introduced a complimentary shuttle bus service for the airline's Economy class customers from Tokyo Haneda airport to major train stations - Tokyo (TYO) and Shinagawa (SGW).
Emirates world’s first airline to operate A380 demonstration flight with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Today’s flight, proudly commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100% SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements, while being a more sustainable alternative. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%* over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel. Demonstration flights like the one conducted today pave the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100% SAF flying, as governments adopt broader strategies to support the production and scale up of SAF. The A380 demonstration flight underlines the performance and compatibility of SAF, making it a safe and reliable fuel source, and contributes to the growing body of research carried out by the industry to evaluate the beneficial effects of 100% SAF on aircraft performance. SAF is currently capped at a 50% blend limit in engines for commercial flights. The Emirates A380 demonstration flight comes as the aviation industry, international organisations, regulatory bodies and high-level officials driving policy-related decisions converge in Dubai for the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). Dedicated collaborators from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent and ENOC have been working on the testing, technical assessments and data analysis for today’s flight. The 100% drop-in SAF used on today’s flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems. The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, comprised of HEFA-SPK provided by Neste (hydro processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene). ENOC helped to secure the neat SAF comprised of HEFA-SPK, and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International Airport ahead of the demonstration, and also carried out into-plane services. The 100% SAF was used in one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while conventional jet fuel was used in the other three engines. The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt & Whitney Canada also ran on 100% SAF. Last week, robust engine testing for one A380 Engine Alliance GP7200 engine using 100% SAF was carried out, with the objective of validating the engine’s capability to run on the specially blended 100% drop-in SAF without affecting its performance or requiring any modifications. Ground engine testing took place at the state-of-the-art Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai. Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Airline said: "Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100% drop-in SAF powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. This is another proud moment for Emirates and our partners, as we put words into action with the research into and the trialling of higher concentrations of SAF to eventually lead to industry adoption of 100% SAF flying. This marks another significant step in validating the use of SAF in one of the engines of the A380, a wide-body aircraft with four engines. The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, and the work of producers and suppliers to commercialise SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years to help Emirates and the wider industry advance our path to lower carbon emissions." Julie Kitcher, Airbus Executive Vice President Communications and Corporate Affairs commented: "Seeing Emirates flying an A380, the world's largest airliner, powered by an engine running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuels is a symbolic moment. These fuels are the most effective way to address CO2 emissions in the aviation industry today and that they are supported increasingly by the world's leading airlines. SAF is vital to meeting the sector's target of net-zero emissions in 2050, but needs the backing of the whole industry. At Airbus, we are working to make all our aircraft 100% SAF-capable by 2030. We're also working with partners to grow the global SAF market in the coming years. Airbus's purpose as a company is to pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. Through our partnership with Emirates, we're matching ambition with action." "Engine Alliance and Emirates have a strong relationship that dates back 15 years to the A380 entry into service. We are proud to power Emirates’ latest SAF demonstration flight – and share a commitment to more sustainable aviation looking forward," said Amy Johnston, president of Engine Alliance, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. "Innovation and collaboration are the keys to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as this 100% SAF demonstration flight shows. GE Aerospace congratulates Emirates on this major achievement, and we are proud to be powering industry efforts toward a more sustainable future," said Aziz Koleilat, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Turkey at GE Aerospace. "All GE Aerospace and Engine Alliance engines can operate on approved SAF blends today and through extensive research and testing, GE Aerospace is helping lead the approval and adoption of 100% SAF in the aviation industry." "Increasing the use of SAF is critical to achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions for aviation, and we are dedicated to ensuring all of Pratt & Whitney’s engines and APUs are compatible with current and future SAF specifications, up to 100%," said Pratt & Whitney Chief Sustainability Officer Graham Webb. "This in-flight demonstration on an Emirates A380 continues to build momentum towards establishing future standards for 100% SAF, which will help maximize the potential lifecycle emissions reduction for all commercial aircraft flying in the decades ahead." "Sustainable Aviation Fuel plays a crucial role in reducing the emissions of air travel, but to fully leverage its decarbonisation potential we need to enable 100% SAF use. Test flights like this Emirates A380-flight using Neste’s SAF are an important step towards 100% SAF certification and we applaud Emirates for its efforts to help pave the way forward. Neste is working closely together with partners to accelerate the availability and use of SAF and we look forward to growing the supply of SAF also to Dubai," said Jonathan Wood, Vice President Commercial Management and Business Development from the Renewable Aviation business at Neste. "Virent congratulates Emirates Airline on another successful demonstration flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel featuring Virent’s cleaner-burning BioForm® SAK", said Virent President and General Counsel Dave Kettner. "With Virent’s plant-based fuels technology, this test flight showed that 100% renewable fuel can meet current specifications and work flawlessly in today’s commercial airline engines. It’s critical that a consortium of companies, like this group, come together to bring sustainable aviation fuel into more widespread use. Virent will continue to collaborate with future-focused companies, and through this collaboration we can continue to reduce emissions and power a more fuel-efficient airline industry." His Excellency Saif Humaid al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC, said: "At ENOC, we recognize the importance of working collaboratively with strategic partners and industry experts to realise a more sustainable future for all. We are pleased to have contributed to fueling Emirates’ first 100% sustainable aviation fuel demonstration flight on an Airbus A380, which brings us a step closer to decarbonising the UAE’s aviation sector and transforming it into a regional hub for low carbon aviation fuels. We remain committed to supporting the UAE’s efforts in the aviation sector to ensure continued sustainable growth." Earlier this year, Emirates successfully completed the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region on a GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER. Last month, the first Emirates flights operating with SAF provided by Shell Aviation took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Shell supplied 315,000 gallons of blended SAF for use at the airline’s hub in Dubai. The airline recently expanded its partnership with Neste for the supply of over 3 million gallons of blended SAF in 2024 and 2025 for flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol and Singapore Changi airports. Emirates currently uplifts SAF in Norway and France and the airline continues to seek opportunities to use SAF at various airports as supply becomes available. Emirates participates in a range of industry and UAE government working groups, along with ongoing stakeholder engagements to help scale the production and supply of SAF. Last year, together with the UAE GCAA, the airline contributed to the development of the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, and has been an active participant in the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and GCAA.
Lufthansa Relies On The A380s To Grow Its Network
Due to factors such as delayed deliveries of new Boeing 777-9s, Lufthansa intends to continue flying its recommissioned Airbus A380s into the late 2020s or early 2030s. According to the airline’s CEO, Carsten Spohr, putting the double-deck type back into service will help Lufthansa to expand globally even if supply chain and quality concerns hinder new aircraft deliveries. Lufthansa restarted A380 flights in June after suspending them during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Late 20s, early 30s,” Spohr adds when asked how long Lufthansa hopes to keep its Rolls-Royce Trent 900-powered A380s in service. “It depends on demand and when Airbus and Boeing can deliver additional planes.” Lufthansa halted its 14-strong A380 aircraft during the Covid-19 pandemic. Six of the planes were subsequently sold. The airline, therefore, decided to give the A380 a reprieve: in June, Lufthansa put one of the planes back into service as part of a strategy to recommission six of them. However, Lufthansa’s senior management has agreed to expand the active fleet to include all eight of its remaining A380s by 2024. “The eight we own will all be back… including with a new business class product,” Spohr added. Lufthansa runs three jumbos on routes from Munich to New York and Boston and plans to bring them to other destinations, such as New Delhi and Washington-Dulles International Airport, by 2025. Spohr views the double-deckers as a critical tool that will allow Lufthansa to backfill capacity that it planned to have but does not have due to Airbus and Boeing failing to deliver on delivery obligations. Lufthansa can continue its worldwide growth with the A380s, he says. Other airlines that use A380s include British Airways, Emirates, Korean Air, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. Boeing’s ongoing delays in certification and service entry of the 777-9 have notably affected Lufthansa’s fleet strategy. The German airline and Emirates are “launch customers” for the 777-9. Boeing delayed the first 777-9 delivery by two years, until 2025, in 2022, citing certification delays due to increased scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to Boeing data, Lufthansa has placed orders for 20 777-9s. According to Spohr, Lufthansa is additionally waiting for delayed Airbus deliveries: “We have A320s sitting on the ground in Toulouse and Hamburg.” In Toulouse, there are A350s on the ground. We’re now waiting for practically every aircraft.”
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