Seamless to Seattle............................Singapore Airlines to launch direct flights to Seattle.

Seattle will become the fifth US city in Singapore Airlines’ route network, the fourth to be served non-stop from Singapore - when new flights start on 3rd September 2019.

Tickets for this ultra-long-haul flight go on sale from 7th November which will initially be operated three times per week before increasing to four times per week in October 2019. The aircraft plying the route will be an Airbus A350-900 which will be configured with 42 Business Class seats, 24 in Premium Economy Class and 187 seats in the main economy cabin. 

The Singapore girls (and boys) will be taking flight SQ28 initially departing Singapore at 0925hrs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Seattle at 0905hrs on the same day (all times local). The return sector, operated as SQ27, will depart Seattle at 1040hrs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Singapore the following day at 1730hrs. From October 2019, flight SQ28 and flight SQ27 will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Of course, all times are subject to all the usual regulatory approvals.

Seamless to Seattle............................Singapore Airlines to launch direct flights to Seattle....

New China route for Delta Air Lines

Delta proposes Minneapolis-St. Paul – Shanghai

route to begin in 2020

The US mega-carrier Delta Air Lines plans to start a service from its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub to China for the first time in 2020. It announced this week that it wants to fly to Shanghai from the MSP hub on state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, subject to government approvals from the United States and China.

"We are honored to be proposing the first-ever nonstop flight between Minneapolis-St. Paul and China as we continue to expand across the Pacific" said Ed Bastian, Delta's Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to our Twin Cities customers, this new route will benefit travellers across the U.S. with more competition and options for service to Shanghai thanks to our connecting hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport."

Delta's flagship A350-900 aircraft has 306 total seats, arranged over 32 award-winning Delta One business class suites, 48 seats in the Delta Premium Select cabin, and 226 main cabin seats. All seats offer personal in-flight entertainment, power ports and ample overhead bin space. All cabins of service include complimentary meals, snacks and beverages. 

Qatar Airways Announces Upgrade of Five Airbus A350-900s to A350-1000s

Doha based Qatar Airways confirmed on Monday that it had done a deal with European planemaker Airbus to upgrade five of its current order of A350-900s to the higher-capacity A350-1000. 

Qatar Airways is already a strong customer for the passenger delighting A350, having already taken delivery of 30 A350 aircraft (27 A350-900 and three A350-1000) from the total order of 76 A350 XWBs.

The decision to upgrade the original order comes just eight months after the award-winning airline, which was the global launch customer for both A350 types, welcomed the first A350-1000 into its fleet. The strong performance of this state-of-the-art aircraft and the need for extra capacity on the world’s fastest-growing airline are the key factors behind this latest announcement.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to have upgraded five of its previously ordered A350-900 to the more recently launched A350-1000. Since taking delivery of the world’s first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft’s performance, which has prompted us to update our original order. The A350-1000 has been a welcome addition to our fleet and very well received by our passengers who enjoy the unprecedented levels of comfort and technology that this new generation aircraft offers.”

Qatar Airways upsizes original order following the strong performance of the A350-1000 and need for extra capacity on its growing global network

Norwegian is the most fuel-efficient airline on transatlantic routes and British Airways is the worst

A new white paper report from The International Council on Clean Transportation analysing the fuel efficiency of the 20 leading airlines on routes between Europe and the United States during 2017 has been released today.

According to the study, the long-haul low-cost airline Norwegian was the most-fuel efficient carrier across the Atlantic on sample routes from New York to London, Los Angeles to London and New York to Paris. In fact, on the New York to London route, Norwegian’s competition including Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta, United and British Airways burned 33% to 78% more fuel per passenger-km. The results show that British Airways, which ranked last in the results, burned a staggering 63% more fuel per passenger kilometre than Norwegian, a marked increase since the last assessment in 2014. Additionally, Norwegian has reduced its per passenger emissions by 30% since 2008, thanks to its investment in new aircraft.

The report also showed Norwegian, on average, achieved 44 passenger kilometres (pax-km/L), which is 33% higher than the industry average - soaring past 19 of its competitors. Norwegian, flies one of the youngest fleets in the world, comprised of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 737-800s and 737-MAXs.

Read on for more details including the reports airline comparisons.

Adelaide will be first destination for Singapore Airlines A350-900

Adelaide has been chosen by Singapore Airlines to be the launch destination for its new Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft which is scheduled to start on 17th December this year.

The well-respected airline announced today that the new A350-900 will operate as SQ279 from Singapore to Adelaide, and return as SQ278, from Adelaide to Singapore.  The new A350-900 aircraft will be fitted with 303 seats across two classes, with 40 seats in Business Class and 263 seats in Economy Class. The aircraft will feature the carriers recently launched new regional Business Class and Economy Class cabin products, the Business Class cabin boasts a 1-2-1 seat arrangement, providing every customer with direct aisle access, while the Economy Class cabin will be arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration.

New Business Class

The new medium-haul Business Class seats have been manufactured by Stelia Aerospace and are arranged in a forward-facing 1-2-1 staggered configuration to provide every customer direct aisle access. With each seat able to recline directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, Business Class customers can rest in more comfort, even on the shortest flights. Each seat measures up to 26” in width with retractable armrests that can be raised and lowered.

Whether travelling alone or with a partner, adjustable dividers at the centre seats provide for a customised level of privacy to suit individual preferences.

Customers can also look forward to other features to enhance their travelling experience, such as ample stowage space for personal items, a business panel with in-seat power supply and USB ports, an integrated reading light unit with adjustable lighting intensity and a personal 17” full high-definition touchscreen monitor.

Air China's first A350-900.

At a special ceremony in Toulouse, France on Wednesday 8th August, Air China took delivery of its first A350-900.  The national flag carrier is the first Chinese mainland customer to order and take ownership of the world’s newest and most efficient twin-engine widebody aircraft.

First A350-900 for Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-900 at a special ceremony in Toulouse today. 

The airline already operates the largest all-Airbus fleet in China and is leasing the new A350 from AerCap. It has become the first Chinese mainland operator via leasing to take delivery of this type of new aircraft.

Sichuan Airlines has configured its new A350-900 with  28 business class seats and 303 in the economy cabin making a total of 331. The jet is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines which are supremely fuel efficient and offer a lower noise footprint than many other engines of its type. The carrier says it will initially deploy the new aircraft on its domestic routes, it will then be used on its international “Panda Routes”.

Sichuan Airlines has a long history with the European manufacturer, dating back to 1995 when the airline introduced the A320, becoming the first to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft on the Chinese mainland. The carrier now has a fleet of 136 Airbus aircraft, made up of  123 A320 Family aircraft, 12 A330 Family aircraft and this new A350-900. The airline has another nine of the XWB aircraft on order.  

First Ultra Long Range A350 XWB emerges from the paint shop

There is always a sense of anticipation palpable when the first of a particular type of aircraft rolls out of the paint shop at Airbus. This week was no exception as the latest craft to get the unveiling was the first Ultra Long Range Airbus A350 XWB which will go to launch customer Singapore Airlines, resplendent in the carriers distinctive livery. 

Singapore Airlines has ordered another six of these Ultra Long Range aircraft from Airbus and we're told that all of those aircraft are being worked on right now. The first aircraft has already done a number of test flights and is currently undergoing its cabin fitment.

Singapore is going to be using the A359-900 ULR on a direct non-stop services from Singapore to Los Angeles, San Francisco as well as to New York, which will then become the world’s longest commercial air service.  

A21neos and A350's for Taiwanese start up airline STARLUX

STARLUX Airlines is a new startup airline based in Taiwan, which have signed a memorandum of understanding with European manufacturer Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018 today.

The brand new carrier is to purchase 17 A350XWB aircraft which is made up of 12 A350-1000s and 5 A350-900s, with deliveries scheduled to be delivered from the start of 2021. STARLUX founder and Chairman K.W. Chang said, "As a pilot myself, I personally experienced the test-flight of the A350-1000. Its outstanding performance really amazed me. The A350XWB is indeed one-of-a-kind in the current market, and perfectly suited for such a geographic location as Taiwan," 

The new airline is goping for an all Airbus fleet, confirming that it will be leasing 10 A321neos and is looking forward to being the first airline to operate the A350-1000 in Taiwan.

Watch a brief video on the STARLUX Airlines A350XWB -

Philippine Airlines welcomes first Airbus A350

During a special ceremony in Toulouse, France, Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines cut the ribbon and took delivery of the airlines first A350 XWB.

Philippine Airlines has ordered six A350-900s, which it intends to use mainly on routes to North America and Europe and is the  19th airline to operate the world’s most modern and efficient long range airliner.  Currently, the longest route Philippine Airlines operates is Manila to New York, a distance of over 8,000 miles and takes around 17 hours and previously needed a technical stop in Vancouver, however, thanks to the A350, the carrier will now be able to operate the route with no stops!

Philippine Airlines has decided to configure its A350-900s in a three-class arrangement, 30 seats that convert to fully flat beds in Business Class, 24 seats offering extra space in Premium Economy and 241 18-inch wide seats in the main economy cabin.  One of the many features on the A350 is the Airspace by Airbus cabin, with more personal space and full connectivity throughout. The cabin is the quietest of any twin aisle aircraft and features the latest mood lighting and air conditioning systems. Higher humidity levels and a lower cabin altitude all contribute to added well-being on board, especially for long range flights.

Nearly 37,400 new aircraft valued at US$5.8 trillion required over 20 years claims Airbus

Airbus thinks the world’s passenger fleet will more than double to 48,000 aircraft in 20 years with traffic growing at a rate of 4.4% per year, which the European plane maker says will mean airlines will need another 37,390 new passenger and freighter aircraft.

The Airbus Global Market Forecast 2018-2037 predicts emerging countries will account for over 60% of economic growth, with trips per capita to multiply 2.5 times for these nations. Combined with evolving airline business models and continuing liberalisation in the airline sector will lead to an increased resilience to regional slowdowns.

Iberia gets its first A350 XWB

IAG's Spanish airline Iberia has taken delivery of the one of 16 A350 XWB aircraft, the first of the IAG group to do so.

Iberia became the 18th airline to have the world’s newest and most efficient twin-engine widebody from Airbus when it took delivery on Tuesday.  The aircraft is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 348 seats, including 31 full lie-flat bed Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 293 Economy.

“We are delighted to receive our first A350, an aircraft that represents perfectly the efficiency and modernity of the new Iberia, as well as the power and energy that brought us here,” said Luis Gallego, President of Iberia. “If during these last years we transformed ourselves to survive, now we are transforming ourselves for excellence, a cycle change that this new aircraft represents so well.”

“We are tremendously proud of Airbus’ long-standing relationship with Iberia and to be delivering its first A350-900,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO. “Iberia was a founding member airline of IAG, a group that with this delivery successfully operates every member of our commercial aircraft family, from the A318 to the largest A380 and now the most modern A350. Congratulations to the teams of Iberia and IAG.”

12th Airbus A350-900 for Vietnam Airlines

VN-A897 is the registration of the latest Airbus A350 aircraft to join the fleet of Vietnam Airlines recently and has already been put to use on the Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City route.
This is the 12th out of total 14 Airbus A350-900 aircraft that the carrier has ordered from the European manufacturer. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled for delivery during 2019 and will be put into service without delay. 

This latest addition to the Vietnam Airlines fleet is the first Airbus A350 to be adorned with SkyTeam alliance titles across the fuselage. The executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The unified livery demonstrates the vision and mission of Vietnam Airlines in the international integration, bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other airlines and global alliances to bring increased benefits to customers." - “The special paint scheme is also part of Vietnam Airlines’ ongoing effort to provide a new flying experience to passenger and continuously accomplish its goal of becoming Asia’s largest airline.”
A spokesperson for SkyTeam said they were “Extra proud that the A350 will fly the SkyTeam livery around the world."  Adding that "Vietnam Airlines was a highly valued member of the alliance" 

Asiana Airlines Welcomes Another Airbus A350

Asiana Airlines welcomed its latest Airbus A350 aircraft to its fleet today.   The Asiana Airlines’ A350-900 is an eco-friendly Medium-Large size aircraft with 300 seats launched by Airbus in 2014.

A350-900 features the newest Rolls-Royce trend XWB engine and streamlined wings, surpassing B777 with 25% higher fuel efficiency and 25% less carbon dioxide emission.

Also, it will bring a more enjoyable in-flight experience with less in-flight noise, full-LED lights and air circulation system operating every 2~3 minutes.

And here's a view a passenger would never normally get to see - the crew rest area or 'bunk' that flight and cabin crew use during those long flights.

Special Negaraku livery for Malaysia Airlines second Airbus A350

Malaysia Airlines today received its second A350-900 aircraft with the special Negaraku livery. MH5025 departed Toulouse, France at 2.02pm on 22 December 2017 and arrived KL International Airport at 9.45am today.

The A350 XWB bearing the registration number, 9M-MAC carries the Jalur Gemilang, representing all Malaysians whose flag the airline carries worldwide.

Malaysia Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Izham Ismail was present to greet the aircraft.

The A350 XWB has 286 seats, with a three-class configuration: four seats in First Class, 35 in Business and 247 in Economy Class.

Airbus deliver an A350-900 to China Airlines using biofuel

China Airlines of Taiwan has become only the second airline to join a programme to use a blend of traditional and sustainable biofuels to power aircraft for delivery flights from Airbus. 

The aircraft involved is the tenth A350-900 for China Airlines, which left the manufacturer’s delivery centre in Toulouse today for its new home in Taipei with a 10 percent blend of sustainable jet fuel in its tanks.

The sustainable fuel option for delivery flights has been developed by Airbus in association with Air Total, the aviation subsidiary of the global energy operator. In order to stock the eco-friendly product, Air Total has installed the first ever biofuel station adjacent to the Airbus delivery centre in Toulouse. A total of 21 aircraft have so far been delivered by Airbus since the facility was inaugurated in May 2016.

“China Airlines is proud to have taken delivery of its first aircraft to be partially powered by sustainable biofuel,” China Airlines Chairman Ho, Nuan-Hsuan said.  “This reflects our clear commitment to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment and to be among those airlines leading the way to use alternative fuel sources. With the A350 XWB in our fleet we are already significantly reducing our carbon footprint and we are excited that this can be extended even further with the use of new biofuels.”

The arrival of the first Airbus A350-900 for Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, opening a new chapter for the Indian Ocean carrier. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held in Mauritius last week 

The Mauritian airline based airline has chosen a very comfortable two class layout with a total of 326 seats comprising 28 in Business Class and 298 in Economy Class. 

The A350-900 equipped with Air Mauritius’ latest cabin products including new seats, an all-new in-flight entertainment system and in-flight connectivity will offer passengers unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience. 

This A350-900 is the first of six to be delivered to Air Mauritius. Four will be purchased directly from Airbus and two leased from AerCap. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network connecting Mauritius with Asia, Africa and Europe.

Houston to Sydney new service from United

United Airlines announced on Thursday that it will introduce a new non-stop flight between its Houston main hub to the New South Wales Australian city of Sydney.

The new flight will be the only nonstop service to Australia from Houston and offers customers from Houston as well as from hundreds of cities across the U.S. the opportunity to conveniently travel to Sydney. The service is due to start on 18th January next year and will be a daily operation. The flight is scheduled to depart Houston at 8pm and arrive in Sydney the following morning at 6.30am. On the return, the flight departs 11.50am and gets into Houston around 10.35am the same day.

 Read more about the second longest flight on United's schedule.

United Order More A350's

United Airlines has increased the number of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft it will incorporate into its fleet by 10.  The American carrier had an order for 35 of the technologically advanced aircraft and are expanding that to 45 aircraft, the manufacturer advised today.

The airlines' previous order was for 35 A350-1000 which has been expanded to 45 A350-900 widebody aircraft which will replace older, less efficient aircraft as well for the airlines' future growth strategy. 

The A350-900 is the cornerstone member of the A350XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) family, which is shaping the future of air travel. The aircraft typically seats 325 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and features state-of-the-art comfort and amenities, offering an exclusive flight experience to passengers on board with the new Airspace by Airbus cabin. The A350-900’s unique combination of payload and true long-range range capabilities makes it an ideal aircraft for United Airlines’ international route system. These aircraft will be the first Airbus widebodies to join United’s global fleet.

Hong Kong Airlines Get First A350 Plus New Routes

Hong Kong Airlines have taken delivery of the first of 21 Airbus A350-900 aircraft the airline has on order. The expanding carrier has configured the A350-900 with a comfortable three-class layout, 33 in business class, 108 in premium economy and 193 in economy class, making a total load of 334 seats.

Read more to find out more about Hong Kong Airlines.