Airlines

Etihad Airways celebrates Airbus A380’s inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow

Etihad Reactivates Another A380 and Unveils New Route

On a special maiden commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is commemorating the return to operation of its Airbus A380 today.

Beginning Wednesday, the first of Etihad’s four Airbus A380s will resume service on the well-liked Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow route. The first flight of the day took off from Abu Dhabi at 02:05 and touched down at London Heathrow at 06:45 local time. Executives from the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Etihad gathered before takeoff to welcome back the aircraft. To commemorate the event, A380-themed souvenirs were given to passengers on board.

Etihad is bringing back Airbus A380s, along with the residence and the first apartment!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Economy passengers are welcomed on board in a special welcome area. The Economy class has 337 Economy Smart seats, which include the renowned fixed-wing headrest and extra-large pillows from Etihad, and 68 Economy Space seats, which provide 4 inches more legroom.

On Etihad’s A380 top deck, there are 70 Business Studios®, providing guests with solitude and fostering a calm environment. Located between the First and Business cabins on the upper deck, The Lobby offers served lounge and bar space. Furthermore, visitors will gain from Etihad’s exclusive collaboration with Armani/Casa, which will provide an upgraded Business experience. The dining service offers pottery, glasses, silverware, and serving ware, as well as quality linens, a memory foam mattress, and an entirely opulent inflight experience.

The Residence is the world’s only three-room sky suite, with service and hospitality provided by a dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew. The Residence, which can accommodate up to two visitors, has a private living area, bedroom and ensuite bathroom where guests can refresh in a 40,000ft shower.

Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Residence is now available for booking on etihad.com by selecting a First Class ticket and then upgrading to The Residence for 2,500 USD per person, one way. Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed by guests to treat themselves to an exceptional experience.

Etihad’s A380 aircraft will begin service on the Abu Dhabi-London route on July 25 on flights EY11 and EY12, and on August 1 on flights EY19 and EY20. Etihad’s A380s will transport passengers between the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and other destinations on the Etihad network. Etihad Airways’ A380 service is now available for booking on etihad.com or through travel agencies.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.