Airlines

EASA issues AD to address unsafe conditions with Airbus A350 lavatories

A potential safety concern with the Airbus A350’s lavatories was addressed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) through the release of an Airworthiness Directive (AD).

On A350 aircraft, corrosion has reportedly been discovered on lavatory floor fittings in a number of locations. If this situation is not identified and fixed, it could result in the lavatory module detaching, injuring passengers and/or cabin staff, and perhaps reducing the plane’s capacity for emergency evacuation. Airbus released the SB to provide inspection instructions in order to resolve this potentially dangerous situation.

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For the reasons mentioned above, this AD necessitates regular general visual inspections (GVI) of the affected parts and, depending on findings, the completion of appropriate corrective action. These inspection findings must also be reported, under AD.

The Airbus A350 must complete the GVIs within 36 months of the aircraft’s manufacturing date and 36 months of the latest accomplishment of the manufacturer’s Maintenance Review Board Report task 254000-00001-01M.

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The Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A350-25-P208, published on January 31, 2023, must be consulted by airlines if any inconsistency is found. Even if no post-inspection corrective actions were necessary, carriers will still be obligated to disclose any findings to Airbus within 30 days of each GVI. The AD, which is valid for all Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 models, will go into effect on May 31, 2023.

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.