Aviation
Interesting facts about Emirates Airlines Airbus A380
- Emirates was the first airline to order the Airbus A380 back in 2000
- Emirates is the world’ largest A380 operator, flying this iconic double-decked aircraft to 48 cities on six continents on scheduled services
- Including one-off flights, special commemorative services, test flights, and other operational deployments, 70 airports to date have welcomed the Emirates A380, including Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg (one-off 100th airport anniversary), Berlin (ILA Berlin Air Show), Dresden (EWF/Airbus) and Cologne (German Aerospace Day 2015) in Germany
- Emirates has ordered a total of 142 A380s at a total value of 61b US$ in list prices
- One in every three A380s in the sky today is an Emirates aircraft. Its order book represents over 40 percent of the total orders received by Airbus for this aircraft
- Of Emirates’ 100 A380s, 13 are in dual-class configuration (Business/Economy Class)
- Each A380 flight has 24 cabin crew and two cabin service assistants working aboard
- Over 23,000 cabin crew and 1,500 flight deck crew are specially trained to operate the A380 fleet
- At the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge mixologists can whip up to 14 different types of cocktails. Emirates has over 6,000 crew trained as mixologists
- The shortest Emirates A380 flight is Dubai to Kuwait (851 kilometres). The longest Emirates A380 flight is Dubai to Auckland (14,193 kilometres)
- In 2016-17 Emirates received 19 new A380s, its highest number during a financial year
- After every seven to eight years in service, Emirates fully strips its aircraft of their exterior color and gives them a brand-new coat. An A380 requires a team of 34 people for a full strip and repaint project, which required almost 6,000 man hours or 15 days. The paint covers an area of 3,076 square metres
- The newly re-designed Onboard Lounge can accommodate up to 26 passengers at a time, including eight seated
- Production costs of one First Class private suite are valued at US$ 500,000
- Emirates’ sponsored clubs Arsenal FC, Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan all had an A380 in dedicated special livery during recent years
- At ILA Berlin Air Show 2010, Emirates placed an order with Airbus for additional 32 A380s at a list price of US$ 11.5 billion. The agreement was signed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other dignitaries
- Hollywood actress, director and producer Jennifer Aniston starred in two global Emirates A380 digital and TV advertising campaigns (2015 and 2016)
- In January 2013, Emirates opened Concourse A, the dedicated home of its A380 fleet and the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft at Dubai International Airport, comprising 20 A380-capable contact gates, as well as Emirates’ flagship First and Business Class lounges, the largest in the world
- Dubai Miracle Garden displays the world’s largest floral installation through a life-size version of the Emirates A380, covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants. In full bloom, the aircraft structure has an unprecedented total stem count of five million flowers and weighs over 100 tonnes
- 530 kilometres of cables are laid in one A380, the beeline distance between Hamburg and Stuttgart
- The full list of the 48 Emirates A380 destinations: Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Casablanca, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, London (LHR and LGW), Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, Manchester, Mauritius, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, New York (JFK), Nice, Paris (CDG), Perth, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo-Narita, Toronto, Washington D.C., Vienna and Zurich
- Capacity of the Emirates A380 fleet
- Long cruising range, 3 classes, 489 seats (F14/J76/Y399)
- Medium cruising range, 3 classes, 517 seats (F14/J76/Y427)
- Medium cruising range, 3 classes, 519 seats (F14/J76/Y429)
- Medium cruising range, 2 classes, 615 seats (J58/Y557)
Aerospace
South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling
The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.
Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.
The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.
The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.
As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.
Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.
With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.
The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.
Aviation
Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival
In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.
The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.
Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.
https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593
The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.
Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.
It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.
Airlines
Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds
In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.
InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.
On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.
Aviation
Air India Express to Operate 360+ Daily Flights in Summer 2024
In a strategic move aimed at significantly expanding its operations, Air India Express, the Tata Group-owned airline, is gearing up to soar to new heights this summer.
With a robust plan in place, the airline is set to operate more than 360 daily flights during the upcoming summer schedule, marking a substantial increase in its services both domestically and internationally.
Compared to last year’s summer schedule, Air India Express is witnessing remarkable growth, with a surge of over 25 percent in domestic flights and over 20 percent in international flights. This translates to an additional 55 domestic flights and 19 international flights, with a total of 259 domestic and 109 international departures.
As part of its efforts to bolster connectivity, the airline will be ramping up frequencies to key international destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, and Sharjah, catering to the growing travel demand in these regions.
In addition to its expansion plans, air india american express is also delighting its passengers with an enhanced in-flight dining experience. To mark the upcoming Holi celebrations, the airline has introduced the traditional Indian sweet “Gujia” to its award-winning in-flight dining menu, ‘Gourmair,’ promising passengers a delightful gastronomic journey.
Recently, Air India Express Rolls Out ‘Xpress Lite’ Fares, Through the ‘Xpress Lite’ program, travelers can take advantage of fares that are less expensive than standard ones. Complementing this service is “Xpress Check-In,” a function that allows passengers to skip lines at baggage belts and check-in counters, thereby expediting the boarding procedure. air india express ticket offer Furthermore, travelers who choose “Xpress Lite” prices will be given a free 3-kilogram cabin luggage allowance.
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