Airlines

PAINT IS FLAKING ON AIR NEW ZEALAND’S DREAMLINERS

Air New Zealand connects Auckland and New York for the first time ever

The paint on the wings of certain Air New Zealand Boeing 787 planes is starting to flake. The New Zealand journal Business Desk appears to have been the first to report on the situation

Air New Zealand is the latest airline to admit to having paint peeling off composite surfaces. It appears that the airline’s Boeing 787s have been affected, with plans to repaint them beginning in May. Boeing is aware of the problem created by the sun’s UV rays and is working on a solution. “Boeing is working to provide both an immediate as well as longer term solution.”

Peeling paint is a known concern in the fleet, caused by UV rays from the sun affecting a coating in the Dreamliner’s paint, according to Simple Flying. Boeing is developing a new UV-blocking coating that will solve the problem in the long run. Meanwhile, a temporary ‘touch-up’ patch for the problem has been made available. Business Desk further reports that the affected planes will fly out to Boeing in the United States to be repainted. This will take place from May onwards, however, there is no need to ground the jets in the meantime as the issue is purely cosmetic, and doesn’t impact the aircraft’s airworthiness.

Air New Zealand was one of the first customers for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and it already has 14 of the planes. The planes were delivered between 2014 and 2019, with the oldest being over eight years old. The news comes just days after Qatar Airways experienced similar issues with their Airbus A350’s paintwork. After failing to reach an agreement, Qatar Airways decided to take legal action against Airbus.

This is intended to be a long-term solution. Short-term repairs, such as local touch-ups, are also available from Boeing to address the peeling paint. According to the firm, it is working closely with its clients (plural) to resolve this cosmetic issue. As a result, we can presume that additional airlines are experiencing similar challenges, with Boeing meeting their needs to provide the appropriate solution.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.