Airlines

Etihad Airways did the impossible: a mid-air orchestra in skydiving stunt

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, celebrated its partnership with Paramount Pictures by releasing a film showing the making of its thrilling stunt. The prank was released to mark the global premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and was seen by millions of people on the airline’s social media channels.

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In the heart-pounding footage, Etihad Airways pulled off an unprecedented trick. In order to perform the instantly recognized Mission: Impossible theme tune while falling 13,000 feet at 120 mph through the air, Etihad assembled a skydiving orchestra.

How the mission was completed

It took weeks to prepare for the stunt. Each skydiver was given their own piece of music to learn by heart and practice in order to be able to perform it flawlessly in spite of the challenging conditions of skydiving.

In order for the skydivers to play and pull their parachute when the time came, special rigging was also built for each instrument. Each time, a professional skydiving videographer jumped beside them to record everything, including group photos where each instrument changed how quickly they plummeted. Safety was the top focus at all times throughout the process.

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The practise and planning put in paid off. By assembling a seemingly impossible orchestra on its own, Etihad was able to show the world that they are an airline that pushes the envelope and makes its purpose to provide amazing experiences and hospitality to their passengers.

Christopher McQuarrie wrote the script and directed the first installment of Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning, which is presently playing in theatres all around the world.

One of the most exciting and technically challenging action scenes in the film was filmed on the 315-meter-high roof of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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Throughout the month of August, passengers travelling in Etihad’s First and Business cabins will be treated to a movie-inspired snack buffet and themed mocktails like Thyme’s Up, Secret Agent, and Undercover Sipper.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.