Travel

Saudia Plans eVTOL Jets for Mecca and Coastal Destinations

Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, is set to introduce electric jets to service routes to luxury resorts and the holy city of Mecca.

The airline has partnered with Munich-based firm Lilium to provide eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) jets for direct connections to remote locations along the Red Sea coast and for transporting Muslim pilgrims from Jeddah to Mecca, which currently lacks an airport.

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Razan Shaker, Saudia’s communications affairs manager, shared insights on the initiative during a logistics forum in Riyadh. “Our strategy is to bridge the locations and cities that do not have an airport or are challenging to access,” she explained. The plan includes creating a helipad at the iconic Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel, close to the Grand Mosque, to facilitate direct flights for pilgrims.

In July, Saudia announced its decision to purchase 50 Lilium eVTOL jets, with options for an additional 50. This order marks the largest firm commitment to eVTOL aircraft by an airline, underscoring a substantial push towards electric aviation.hajj flight schedule 2024 Each jet can seat four to six passengers and has a range of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles). Saudia expects to begin receiving the aircraft in 2026.

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While the deal’s financial details remain undisclosed, Lilium’s chief innovation engineer, Daniel Wiegand, mentioned that the jets typically cost between $7 million and $9 million each. Click here to know haj flight schedule 2024 india

Saudi Arabia’s Cargo Airline Plans

In a separate development, Saudi Arabia may soon launch a new cargo-only airline. According to an August 20, 2024 report by Bloomberg, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in discussions with Airbus and Boeing to acquire freighter aircraft for this venture. If successful, this new airline would further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s logistics and aviation sectors, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.

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.