Airlines

American Airlines donates An MD-80 Engine to AIM Chicago

A crucial component of the iconic McDonnell Douglas MD-80 used by American Airlines will continue to power aviation maintenance even if the last MD-80 made its final flight in 2019. During the annual conference of the Aviation Technician Education Council in Chicago today, the airline gave a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM). Students pursuing their certification as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) at the school’s Chicago location will use the engine for practical instruction.

American Airlines and Aviation Institute of Maintenance Announce Partnership to Train and Hire Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Professionals(Opens in a new browser tab)

The engine donation is part of an ongoing partnership with AIM that gives students access to American maintenance facilities, regular interaction with the company’s team of aviation maintenance specialists, and interviews with Americans for the best candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus.

“Hands-on training on a range of airframes and powerplants is essential for the AIM graduate to become prepared to join the workforce after graduation. American sees the value of investing in a diverse student population, and this donation will help to prepare current students to become tomorrow’s American Airlines technicians.”

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Aviation maintenance professionals from American’s Chicago Technical Operations team are also mentoring a five-student team for the upcoming Aerospace Maintenance Competition in Atlanta April 18–20. The competition, held in conjunction with Aviation Week’s MRO Americas, brings together teams from schools, airlines, military, general aviation, repair and maintenance organizations and space to compete against each other in real-life maintenance scenarios.

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.