Five new routes taking off this autumn from London Stansted

As summer draws to an end, many of us may be feeling the blues, but fear not, London Stansted has some exciting news to lift everyone’s spirits with five new routes taking off this autumn.

After returning to the airport earlier this year, British Airways has started flights to Split on 7th September, offering affordable fares and convenient flight times to Croatia’s second-largest city.

While Ryanair, London Stansted's largest airline, is expanding its network this winter with flights to Reggio and Linz in October, Dubrovnik and Sarajevo in November.

Split

Split, Croatia - BA CityFlyer will operate weekly flights to Split using Embraer 190 aircraft with Club Europe and Euro Traveller cabins. Located on the Dalmatian coast, the city offers a blend of history, culture and natural wonders. Flights will operate every Saturday, departing from London Stansted at 12.55 and arriving in Split at 16.20. The return leaves Split at 17.05 and arrives in Stansted at 18.45.

Book British Airways flights here.

Linz

Linz, Austria - From October, Ryanair will operate a twice-weekly service between London Stansted and Linz. Located in northern Austria, Linz is the country’s third-largest city, and is not currently served by direct flights from the UK. Linz will join Ryanair’s existing services from Stansted to the Austrian cities of Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Vienna.

Reggio

Reggio, Italy - Ryanair will fly on Wednesdays and Sundays from October to the city which is in the southwestern Italian region of Calabria. It is often called the best-kept secret of Italy, with Reggio Calabria making for an ideal base for exploring the rest of the region.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia - Starting in November, Ryanair will operate twice weekly flights between London Stansted and Dubrovnik on Wednesdays and Sundays. This is one of Croatia's most visited destinations and is referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Flights to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina will operate on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays from November. This vibrant and historical city is located in the heart of the Balkans.

Stansted is already known for its extensive European route network, and these new flights will only strengthen it further. With over 190 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa the airport truly offers something for everyone.

Neringa Ohrstrom, Head of Brand & Marketing at London Stansted, said: "We are thrilled to announce these new services from London Stansted this winter. We understand the importance of providing our customers with a diverse range of destinations to choose from, and these new flights do just that. Whether you're looking for a city break, a winter sun getaway, or a cultural experience, London Stansted has got you covered."

.

Azul picks Viasat to deliver in-flight connectivity for its Airbus A330-900neo fleet

Azul, the largest airline in Brazil by number of departures and cities served, and Viasat Inc a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that seven aircraft in Azul’s new Airbus A330-900neo fleet will be equipped with Viasat’s trusted Ka-band in-flight connectivity solution, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter service next year.

Consistent with the in-flight Wi-Fi offering on Azul’s other aircraft types equipped with Viasat’s solution, Azul passengers traveling on the new, linefit Airbus A330-900neos will be able to enjoy onboard internet from gate to gate. Customers will be able to acquire packages for streaming audio and video, web browsing, and messaging.

“Part of what differentiates Azul in the Brazilian market is the best-in-class connectivity experience we offer on select aircraft,” said Jason Ward, Azul’s Chief People and Customer Officer. “From Brazilians’ thirst for real time sports scores to their desire to stay connected to loved ones on the ground while flying, our hypothesis that this feature would be critical to customer satisfaction is playing out in the market. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Viasat as we continue to build on our current in-flight Wi-Fi experience in the future.”

“After several successful years of serving Azul passengers in Brazil, we are excited to work with Azul to expand our connectivity onboard even more aircraft,” said Don Buchman, VP and GM, Commercial Aviation at Viasat. “It remains Viasat’s mission to continue delivering high quality and consistent in-flight Wi-Fi, so that passengers can enjoy online activities while in the air as they do on the ground, even as the demand for data grows and passenger expectations accelerate rapidly.”

10% Off All Official Birmingham Airport Parking........

Birmingham Airport is celebrating the opening of a new car park, Car Park 3 - Priority Parking by giving away 10% of all car parks at Birmingham Airport Parking.

Birmingham Airport celebrate Car Park 3 - Priority Parking opening with 10% of all car parks

The offer is valid for Car Park 1, Car Park 2/3, Car Park 4, Car Park 5, Car Park 7,

Birmingham Airport Valet & Premium Pre-Booked & Car Park 3 - Priority Parking.

The offer is valid for bookings from today until Wednesday 18th September 2024 inclusive

The offer is valid for entry until Monday 31st March 2025 inclusive

Minimum 3 day stay

Offer cannot be used in conjunction with a fixed-rate product or any already discounted product.

This offer applies to new bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively to existing booking

Limited offer and subject to availability. Only one entry and one exit are permitted

Both car park and Pre-book NCP terms and conditions apply

‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR Programme raises AED 580,000 in its fourth year

                                                           Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme, dedicated to developing sports and educational facilities in disadvantaged areas, has raised AED 580,000 in its fourth year, bringing the total to AED 1.68 million raised to date, during its annual Long Lunch event.

Book Emirates flights here.

In another year of remarkable fundraising, the programme achieved its highest total of AED 580,000 in just a few hours, which will go towards building community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda. A team of volunteers will be heading out to Uganda in July next year to lay the groundwork for the 2025 plan. Funds raised by the programme so far have made a significant impact at North Road Primary, a school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball, embodying Uganda’s rugby heritage. Nearly half of the students participate in rugby, and the school’s team is one of the best in Eastern Uganda.

Since its inception in 2021, the programme has supported the development of sports facilities at the school, establishing a rugby pitch and donating equipment along with delivering coaching for both adults and children. In addition to promoting sports development, the funds have been used to build better infrastructure for the school’s community, creating a safer and healthier environment for students and locals. Last year, the programme facilitated the construction of a new water station with a 100,000-litre tank and installed a solar-powered system to supply clean water across 16 other stations. Volunteers also helped make major repairs and improvements throughout the school grounds.

Artemis Aerospace celebrates 25 years in business

Artemis Aerospace celebrated 25 years in business during a special party hosted in a private marquee on the grounds of its headquarters in Wiston, UK. 

Owners of the global aviation component solutions specialist Jim and Deborah Scott welcomed staff, suppliers and customers to an evening of entertainment, which heralded their quarter of a century in the industry. 

During the event, guests were treated to a three-course sit down dinner, a live band and a professional illustrator who captured beautiful individual watercolour portraits of those in attendance. 

Commenting on the evening, Jim said:  “It was absolutely wonderful to welcome our family, friends, staff, customers and suppliers to such a special occasion and have the opportunity to thank them for all their unending support over the last 25 years. It was a fantastic evening and we are so grateful to everyone who was able to join us to celebrate Artemis Aerospace and make the occasion so memorable. We look forward to what the future holds for Artemis and continuing to work hard to make a difference to those operating in the industry.”

.


Happy anniversary Artemis Aerospace

VistaJet connects China-Africa business ties....

VistaJet brought business leaders, heads of state and governments together at one of the world’s largest forums in the 9th Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The FOCAC summit, which meets once every 3 years alternating between China and Africa, aims to expand and deepen the China-Africa cooperation and relationship.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) China has become Africa’s largest trading partner under programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Around 20% of the region’s exports now go to China and about 16% of Africa’s imports come from China. This amounted to a record high of $282 billion in total trade volume in 2023. Growing the private aviation network in both China and Africa, VistaJet plays a crucial role to foster business ties and help drive mutually beneficial economic growth and development in the regions.

During this year’s FOCAC, China further amplified its commitment to the development of Africa by pledging China's support across Africa with a funding of nearly $51 billion over the next three years, backing for more infrastructure projects, and the creation of at least 1 million jobs. Similarly, the second Indonesia-Africa Forum was held in Bali in early September, where Indonesia successfully recorded 32 business partnerships with a total value of over $3.5 billion, demonstrating the growing relationship between Asia and Africa.

Viasat and Pulsar expand commercial partnership

Viasat, Inc. a global leader in satellite communications, today announced Pulsar International (Pulsar) as the latest member of its ELEVATE program – helping to bring Viasat’s reliable L-band connectivity to more customers around the world.

Pulsar is a satellite communications and connectivity solutions provider with a reputation for innovation and reliability. It offers mobile satellite communication, high-speed internet, voice and data services, as well as network management and cybersecurity solutions to facilitate remote operations in critical, rural and challenging environments on land and at sea. The company works with major satellite communication providers, including Viasat, to enable Pulsar to optimize customers’ end-to-end experience while improving resilience and security.

As an ELEVATE partner, Pulsar will continue to utilize Viasat’s reliable satellite network for niche use cases across markets like agriculture, energy, utilities, mining and for governments.

Its services include Pulsar iO, a suite of proprietary data and network management tools to view and control your global networks via a single pane of glass, and Tracertrak, Pulsar’s robust exception management system for worker safety, personnel and asset tracking, and fixed asset management designed for reliability and ease of use.

Showcasing its reputation for reliability, Pulsar supported Brazil’s 2022 Municipal Elections utilizing Viasat’s satellite network, providing resilient and assured connectivity for voters submitting from remote areas which lack terrestrial connectivity.

Research plane dons new colours for NASA hybrid electric flight tests

Parked under the lights inside a hangar in Seattle, a hybrid electric research aircraft from electric motor manufacturer magniX showed off a new look symbolizing its journey toward helping NASA make sustainable aviation a reality.  

During a special unveiling ceremony hosted by magniX, leaders from the company and NASA revealed the aircraft, with its new livery, to the public for the first time at King County International Airport, commonly known as Boeing Field.  

The aircraft is a De Havilland Dash 7 that was formerly used for carrying cargo. Working under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, magniX will modify it to serve as a testbed for hybrid electric aircraft propulsion research.    

The company’s goal under EPFD is to demonstrate potential fuel savings and performance boosts with a hybrid electric system for regional aircraft carrying up to 50 passengers. These efforts will help reduce environmental impacts from aviation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 

This livery recognizes the collaborative effort focused on proving that hybrid electric flight for commercial aircraft is feasible. 

“We are a research organization that continues to advance aviation, solve the problems of flight, and lead the community into the future,” said Robert A. Pearce, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “Through our EPFD project, we’re taking big steps in partnership to make sure electric aviation is part of the future of commercial flight.”

Collaborative Effort   

NASA is collaborating with industry to modify existing planes with new electrified aircraft propulsion systems. These aircraft testbeds will help demonstrate the benefits of hybrid electric propulsion systems in reducing fuel burn and emissions for future commercial aircraft, part of NASA’s broader mission to make air travel more sustainable.  

Lufthansa Group expands route network from Berlin this winter

With a new direct flight to Geneva, the Lufthansa Group is improving connectivity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Starting on October 28, SWISS will fly daily from BER to Geneva. Eurowings has also continuously expanded its position at BER in 2024. In the last six months alone, the Lufthansa Group subsidiary has increased its services from Berlin to a total of 30 destinations in Europe and the Gulf region. Passenger volume has more than doubled since the pandemic.

SWISS introduces direct flights to Geneva 

Eurowings offers daily service to Dubai and flies three times a week to Jeddah 

Eurowings positions additional aircraft at BER 

Lufthansa Group is market leader at Germany’s capital airport

Next winter, Eurowings will once again offer a nonstop Berlin-Dubai connection. From October 2024, the frequency will be increased from four times a week to a daily connection. This means that an additional Eurowings aircraft will be stationed at BER - currently, there are six, soon there will be seven. Furthermore, Eurowings will add Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to its flight schedule in winter, with three weekly flights from Berlin. Germany’s largest leisure airline is also planning to further expand its network from Berlin in 2025.

The Lufthansa Group is the market leader in Berlin. The Group’s airlines Austrian, Brussels, Eurowings, Lufthansa and SWISS currently operate around 27 percent of all flights at BER. With approximately 500 flights per week, the Lufthansa Group connects the capital region non-stop to 36 destinations. With just one transfer, travellers from Berlin can reach over 300 destinations worldwide.

. /

Come experience the wealth of history Berlin has to offer. Berlin is home to a myriad of universities, festivals, art museums, parks and forests. Visit the East Side Gallery - a series of paintings on the remnants of the Berlin Wall, or tour the famous Hackescher Markt with all of its outlets, clubs and galleries. Berlin is the locale of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tiergarten, and the Jewish Museum, which presents 4000 years of German-Jewish history.

Things to do in Berlin:

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: A fun-filled indoor playground with over 5 million LEGO bricks, perfect for a family day out.

Aquarium Berlin: Home to thousands of aquatic species, offering an exciting underwater journey for the whole family.

Olympiastadion Tour: Explore the historic Olympic Stadium and learn about its rich sporting history.

Berlin Marathon: Participate or cheer on runners in this world-renowned race through the city's iconic landmarks.

Museum Island: Discover five internationally significant museums all located on one island in the heart of Berlin.

Berlin Philharmonic: Attend a concert at one of the world’s leading orchestras known for its distinctive golden hue architecture.

Messe Berlin: One of the world's leading trade fair companies with numerous events and conferences.

Coworking Spaces: Numerous modern coworking spaces offer ideal conditions for productive work and networking.

Potsdam's Gardens: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through these UNESCO World Heritage gardens, known for their stunning landscapes.

River Spree Cruise: Experience Berlin from a different perspective on a relaxing river cruise.

Wipro enlisted by JFK International Air Terminal to meet sustainability targets

Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company, has been enlisted* by JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT) - the operator of JFK’s Terminal 4 - to help meet its net zero targets.

Wipro Consulting’s sustainability practice was selected by JFKIAT to assess the Terminal’s greenhouse gas emissions, develop a carbon reduction roadmap, and create its 2023 sustainability report aligned with JFKIAT’s sustainability targets. JFKIAT’s target is to reduce their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% prior to 2030 and by 100% prior to 2050. Wipro’s work centered across three main pillars:

Measure: The Wipro team measured JFKIAT’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions through a greenhouse gas inventory, aligned to industry standards (including the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) standard). The team captured additional emissions sources from previous inventories (i.e., stationary combustion, fugitive emissions, and mobile combustion) to provide an accurate view of JFKIAT’s footprint and identify reduction opportunities. 

Reduce: The Wipro Consulting sustainability practice, Wipro Impact, produced a carbon reduction roadmap, including investment priorities in energy efficiency measures and a renewable energy sourcing strategy. The roadmap provided JFKIAT with the steps to meet its 2030 50% reduction target and set them up on a path to achieve their 100% reduction target by 2050. JFKIAT implemented the renewable energy sourcing strategy recommended by Wipro in late 2023, which allowed JFKIAT to reduce their baseline emissions by 16%.

Ultimate Adventure - Everest Base Camp Helicopter Landing Tour

The Everest Base Camp helicopter landing tour offers a unique and exclusive way to experience the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest. By avoiding the long treks on the hillsides, you can enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas, a perspective few witness. This blog is dedicated to every aspect of this exclusive tour, providing a detailed and firsthand description of the EBC Helicopter Landing Tour.

Overview

Reaching Everest Base Camp by helicopter is one of the most exhilarating expeditions any traveller would wish to have in their holiday package, as it enables them to travel around Mount Everest quickly. The Everest Base camp trek is usually long and may take as long as two weeks. For instance, this helicopter tour makes it easier and more comfortable, allowing a variety of individuals from different backgrounds to experience it. This tour suits those who are restricted in time, have physical limitations, or have different attitudes toward enjoying the striking beauty of the Himalayas.

The tour starts in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Here, a tour guide or travel agent will brief you with all the necessary information about the trip. Then, you will be transported to a helicopter, flying you over the various challenging grounds of the Khumbu region. You will disembark at specific points, such as Lukla for refuelling, Everest View Hotel at Syangboche for breakfast at the world’s highest point, and a temporary stop at Pheriche for the Everest and Kalapathar flyover trip.

The Journey Begins: Kathmandu to Lukla

This day is relatively smooth as it starts early in the morning, and our staff or agent will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the domestic airport in Kathmandu. The exciting trip starts the moment you get onto the helicopter, anticipating the exhilarating trip ahead and the main goal – to reach the embrace of the Himalayas. As the helicopter picks up altitude, a striking view of the densely populated urban city of Kathmandu Valley will be visible. As the helicopter moves forward, the scene changes. The urban scenery will disappear, and Nepal’s mountain and hilly region will become visible on the horizon. It takes around 45 minutes from Kathmandu to reach Lukla Airport, the starting point of the Everest mission.

Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is built between two peaks and has one of the world’s most challenging terrains, with elevations of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet). The helicopter stops briefly at Lukla Airport to refuel, and passengers can get down for a few minutes to experience the high-altitude air.

Tengboche Flyover: Ultimate Spiritual Sight

The Tengboche flyover is one of the most unique parts of this trip. You will witness a beautiful ancient Buddhist monastery built atop a ridge in the middle of a blooming rhododendron forest surrounded by magnificent mountains of the great Himalayas. The colourful monastery with a prayer flag surrounded by a great mountain covered by snow is truly an amazing sight, just like the scene from a dream. The view of Tengbouche Monastery has a rousing effect on one, even when one is in the sky. This is a religious place where climbers come to get blessings for good luck before climbing the world’s highest peak. This shows the prestige it has assumed in Sherpa culture, considering the many communities it is central to.

Lukla to Pheriche

After refuelling at Lukla, the helicopter will take off towards Pheriche, flying through the magnificent view of Tenghboche monastery. Namche Bazaar, dense and beautiful Rhododendron forest, surrounding Himalayan ranges, and Mount Everest can be seen from the window.

Everest Base Camp Kalapathar flyover: Ultimate legendary sight

After reaching Pheriche, the helicopter will take only two people at a time to the EBC and Kalapathar flyover. As the aircraft moves towards Kalapathar, a beautiful view of the legendary Mount Everest, standing at 8848 meters from sea level, can be seen up close. It’s an attractive opportunity to observe the greatness of Khumbu Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal and the world’s highest glacier, standing at 24,900 feet.

Mount Everest Base Camp measures about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, and it is the initial point for the climbers before heading up to the summit. During the climbing season, base camp is more like a market selling colourful equipment and gathering climbers from all over the world preparing to climb Mount Everest. During the helicopter tour, you will fly through a proper vantage point near the base camp, where you can feel the beauty of the Himalayas.

(The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has restricted helicopter landing on Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp)

Everest View Hotel: Breakfast at the highest point in the world

After taking off from Pheriche, the helicopter flies towards Syangboche, where Everest View Hotel is located, on a small plateau at 3,780 meters (12,402ft). This is one of the most interesting points of this tour, during which passengers can have breakfast at the world’s highest point after the landing.

The hotel provides a pleasant dining area with large windows open to panoramic views of Mount Everest and neighbouring mountains. On a clear morning, you can also see the majestic Mount Everest as you savour your meal.

The Everest View Hotel is surrounded by a stunning Himalayan range, which includes Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other giant mountains.

The Everest View Hotel is a luxury hotel in the Himalayan range that offers a view of Mount Everest. It was constructed in the 1970s and is located 7,222 feet above sea level. The hotel also holds the record as the world’s only hotel located at such an altitude.

Returning to Kathmandu: A Scenic Flight Back

After breakfast, the helicopter takes off to Kathmandu, flying over Kalapathar and EBC. The return flight will also provide another chance to see the beautiful scenery of the Khumbu area, including ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional Sherpa villages. The flight back to Kathmandu takes about 45 minutes to one hour, including a brief stop at Lukla for refuelling.

As you approach the Kathmandu Valley, the view of the Himalayas starts fading, and a modern landscape greets you. Upon arrival at the domestic terminal in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, which will be a memory of what you have ever dreamed of experiencing.

Why you should take the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour has multiple advantages, making it one of the best experiences in life.

ZeroAvia Completes $150m Series C Financing

Scottish National Investment Bank joins financing round alongside American Airlines, IAG and ITOCHU Corporation 

Financing accelerates progress towards certification of first powertrain and supports sale of in-house components to other electrified aviation innovators 

This week ZeroAvia announced that it has extended its Series C financing to a total of $150m, with a £20m investment from Scottish National Investment Bank coming alongside recent investments from American Airlines, International Airlines Group and ITOCHU Corporation.  

The round was co-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), with UK Infrastructure Bank joining as a cornerstone-level investor, and with strong support from existing shareholders including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Summa Equity, Alaska Airlines, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and AP Ventures.  

This is the Bank’s first investment in hydrogen-based technology and the sustainable aviation sector and will bolster the burgeoning aerospace supply chain in Scotland as ZeroAvia looks to create a manufacturing facility in the country. 

ZeroAvia has already extensively flight-tested a prototype of its first ZA600-engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base, and the application for certification is underway with the CAA. The company has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks for LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. ZA2000 will support up to 80-seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 and the Dash 8 400. The company is also selling its component technology, including electric motors and fuel cell power generation systems, to other electric aviation innovators.  

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia said: “We have closed an exceptionally strong financing round to help us deliver the clean future of flight for the entirety of aviation. As a purpose-driven impact investor, the Bank is an ideal partner for ZeroAvia. Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets, its strategic focus on hydrogen and its strong existing aerospace skills base make it an attractive place for ZeroAvia’s UK production operations as we scale into a major aerospace manufacturer.” 

Robin Tayal, Investment Director at the Bank said: “Decarbonising aviation is one of the key environmental challenges we face, and it is fundamental to the net zero transition. We are pleased to address it by investing in ZeroAvia, enabling critical research and manufacturing. We are particularly encouraged by the potential of its technology to provide sustainable connectivity in the Highlands and Islands.” 

 

.

Etihad Airways announces new routes to Warsaw and Prague

The national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways is launching two new European routes next year as it continues to expand its global reach. 

In June next year, the airline will start services to Warsaw in Poland and Prague in Czechia, for the first time.  Etihad will fly four times a week to both destinations, with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 28 Business Class and 262 Economy Class seats. 

Warsaw

Warsaw, the dynamic capital of Poland, blends a rich historical legacy with modern energy. Its meticulously restored Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, standing as a testament to the city's resilience. With its vibrant cultural scene, impressive palaces, and contemporary architecture, Warsaw is a thriving metropolis that offers visitors a deep dive into both Poland's storied past and its forward-looking future.

Prague

Prague, the capital of Czechia, is a city of fairy-tale charm and architectural splendour. Known for its Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque buildings, including the world-famous Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, it’s a haven for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike. From the enchanting Old Town Square to its thriving arts scene, Prague is a city where past and present blend seamlessly, making it one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are proud to introduce Warsaw and Prague as our newest destinations, reflecting our commitment to expanding into new and exciting markets. These routes not only enrich our network but also offer a great opportunity to strengthen ties with these countries and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi. We see this as a key part of our growth strategy, helping to drive tourism and support the UAE’s vision for the future."

Tickets for these new routes are available now, plus passengers booking on Etihad's website 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.

. /

Prague flight schedule – all times local. From 02 June 2025

Flight No,	Departure airport	Arrival airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
EY155	Abu Dhabi AUH	Prague PRG	02:50	07:15	4x week
EY156	Prague PRG	Abu Dhabi AUH	11:20	19:05	4x week

Warsaw flight schedule – all times local. From 03 June 2025

Flight No,	Departure airport	Arrival airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
EY159	Abu Dhabi AUH	Warsaw WAW	02:45	06:50	4x week
EY160	Warsaw WAW	Abu Dhabi AUH	11:15	19:00	4x week

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

Qantas pilots have started training in preparation for the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft to arrive in Australia next year.  As part of Qantas’ fleet renewal programme, 28 of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft have been ordered which will replace the Australian carrier's fleet of Boeing 737  jets over the next decade.

The A321XLR is the longest-range variant of the Airbus A320 family, which will allow Qantas to open up new non-stop routes that aren’t currently viable with its planes. Qantas says the new fleet will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers with a quieter cabin, deliver more reliable operations and generate fewer emissions per seat than the aircraft they replace.

Inside Qantas A321XLR passengers will experience a wider economy seat than on the 737  planes, with extra comfortable seat cushioning.  The new planes feature the largest overhead bins of any single-aisle aircraft that allow for 60 per cent more bags and there is a sense of spaciousness in the long cabin with higher ceilings and large windows, and a wider cabin than the aircraft it is replacing.  

The new  A321XLR aircraft will be configured for 197 passengers across two cabins, with 20 Business seats in a 2-2 layout and 177 Economy seats in a 3-3 placement. Although, the first three Qantas A321XLRs will arrive configured with 180 Economy seats.  Plus Qantas is also installing fast, free  Wi-F to the aircraft, allowing all customers in-flight connectivity to stay connected across multiple devices, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device.

Training

Ahead of the arrival of the first A321XLR, Qantas pilots have started training on a new CAE 7000XR Series A320 simulator that was shipped from Montreal, Canada, to Australia earlier in the year over a 34-day journey. The simulator is fitted with the latest technology and will be one of the few in the world fitted with a dual head-up display. The A320 simulator is based in the new Sydney Flight Training Centre that is expected to be fully operational with more flight simulators and training equipment to be added by the end of the year.

More than 240 Qantas pilots are expected to be trained on the A321XLR aircraft over the next three years, opening up new career pathways and promotional opportunities. Pilots will spend up to 60 hours in the new simulator as part of their broader training program, and then return each year for four recurrency training sessions. 

In addition, around 2,000 cabin crew will also be progressively trained on the new aircraft type as they enter the fleet.

.

Qantas’ A321XLR is five metres longer than the outgoing 737s and will be configured to seat 197 people (20 business, 177 economy) – a 13 per cent increase across the whole cabin with no reduction in space between seats and a 66 per cent increase in premium seats.

It can fly approximately 3,000km further than the 737 (at 8,700km) and opens up a wider range of direct domestic and short haul international routes (e.g. South East Asia, Pacific islands).

Qantas’ A321XLR will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines (PW1100G-JM).

The A321XLR improves noise levels compared to previous generation aircraft.

On a per seat basis, the A321XLR is expected to burn less fuel than the 737 aircraft it replaces.

Qantas employees are helping name the new fleet of aircraft under the theme of Walks, Rivers and Roads as a nod to the iconic travel opportunities across Australia and the importance of connecting this vast landscape and beyond. The first aircraft to arrive will be called Great Ocean Road.

 Fact Sheet Qantas Group Fleet Renewal.