Airlines

HNA buys 100 planes from Comac, giving China’s builder a leg up

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has received an order for 100 aircraft from HNA Aviation Group, which manages the fourth-largest fleet of aircraft in China. This deal gives the state-run manufacturer a competitive edge over Airbus and Boeing in the global aviation market.

At a ceremony attended by COMAC executives, members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as well as executives from Hainan Airlines, Suparna Airlines, and Urumqi Airlines, HNA Aviation Group signed firm orders for 60 COMAC C919 aircraft and a “intentional order” for 40 ARJ1s.

The contract gives Comac a boost as it works to realise President Xi Jinping’s goal of challenging Boeing and Airbus’ supremacy in the domestic and even international markets. By 2035, China wants to have a 10% share of the domestic aviation market.

The Leap-1C engines produced by CFM and other components, notably the Chinese jet’s avionics, provided by Collins Aerospace are only two examples of the Western manufacturers on which the C919 strongly depends.

When the HNA Group declared its plan to acquire 200 C919s and 100 ARJ21s in 2018, it had already inked a preliminary agreement with COMAC.

Source:

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.

Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025

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.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

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.