Airlines

Ural Airlines & S7 Finalize Deal to Purchase 92 Foreign-Owned Aircraft

S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines, two Russian airlines, declared that their insurance settlement with foreign lessors was finalized.

A total of 190 billion roubles ($2.06 billion) from Russia’s National Welfare Fund have been set aside for the purchase of the planes. They will now be transferred to the airlines by NLK-Finance, the state insurance company of Russia.

While national flag carrier Aeroflot announced deals had been finalized for 28 of its aircraft, with another 19 going to Ural Airlines, airline S7 said that 45 of its previously foreign-owned planes were sold out.

Following the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led to Western sanctions against Russian airlines, Russia re-registered foreign aircraft in its fleet.

By re-registering these foreign aircraft under Russian ownership, they are protected from prospective sanctions and can now be used for international travel without fear of being seized. This action is consistent with those other Russian airlines (Aeroflot, Ural Airlines) have taken in response to government grants from the National Wealth Fund intended for the acquisition of foreign aircraft.

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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.