Aviation

Etihad boosts network across Asia: Iconic A380 heads to Singapore and Thailand

Etihad Airways is making bold strides in its Asian operations, enhancing travel experiences with its renowned A380 and expanded flight frequencies to Thailand.

Starting from February 1, 2025, Etihad will begin A380 services to Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN), marking the city as the fourth major destination to enjoy the unparalleled luxury of the double-decker aircraft. This follows the introduction of A380 routes to London, New York, and Paris, the latter being served from November 1, 2024.

By the start of 2025, Etihad will have six of its A380s in operation, underscoring the airline’s commitment to offering exceptional service on key routes. The A380’s return to the skies has been highly anticipated, with its ability to bring a touch of elegance to air travel.

Etihad premium economy vs Emirates premium economy: Which Airline Is Best?:Click here

Economy passengers will appreciate the 68 extra-legroom seats and 337 Smart seats, designed with innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows, ensuring a comfortable journey.

On the upper deck, the Business Studios™ offer 70 private spots, complete with premium amenities crafted in collaboration with Armani/Casa and Wi-Fi connectivity for a productive and luxurious travel experience. First-class travelers will be treated to nine First Apartments, each a haven of luxury with leather chairs, a large ottoman-bed, designer tableware, and personal amenities.

The pinnacle of the Etihad experience is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, a380 capacity offering an unparalleled level of comfort and service, including a private living room, bedroom, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.

Etihad Airways set to reintroduce its much loved A380 fleet:Click here
Meanwhile, Etihad is significantly expanding its presence in Thailand. Responding to customer demand, the airline will increase its flights to 41 per week from October 27, 2024. Bangkok will see three daily flights, providing travelers with greater flexibility and convenience when planning their trips. etihad premium economy Phuket, a top beach destination, will benefit from 20 weekly flights, allowing visitors to maximize their time enjoying the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

These additional services are now open for booking, and travelers can enjoy a complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi when booking through etihad.com. This promotion offers the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant UAE capital, with a free stay of up to two nights at a preferred hotel, making every journey with Etihad truly memorable.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.