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Air India has shown off its new livery painted on the initial Airbus A350-900 aircraft due to join the flag-carrier’s fleet.
Tata Group-owned Air India has unveiled a sneak preview of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft painted in the new livery. Passengers will get to fly on the Airbus A350-900 aircraft from December this year. The airline said on the following on the social media platform X. "Here's the first look of the majestic A350 in our new livery at the paint shop in Toulouse. Our A350s start coming home this winter,"
Air India's first Airbus A350 at Toulouse: Photo Copyright Air India
Air India's first Airbus A350 at Toulouse: Photo Copyright Air India
As Global Partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Emirates is no stranger to cricket and has been selected as the Official Airline Partner of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is taking place across India and running from 5 October to 19 November.
Kicking off the 13th edition of the tournament, Emirates is sharing its excitement for the game with a playful video featuring Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Dinesh Karthik. In the clip, the famous cricketer is seen enjoying the action of the matches live in the air on Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, while seated in the comfort of Premium Economy. Seats in Emirates Premium Economy will be available on its routes to Mumbai and Bangalore from 29 October.
Hosted across ten cities in India, the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will bring together ten teams from across cricket-playing nations, including 2019 defending champions, England, to battle it out for the coveted Cricket World Cup Trophy.
The first 45 matches are scheduled across Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Dharmshala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai in the run-up to the semi-finals, taking place in Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final will be played on 19 November at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, deemed to be the largest sports stadium in the world with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators.
Connecting cricket lovers across the globe
Emirates is committed to supporting cricket worldwide, connecting with fans and communities across Asia, Australasia and the UK. Besides its major partnership with the ICC and associated events, Emirates also engages with cricket lovers through its long-standing partnership with Durham County Cricket Club in the UK, since 2010, and as title sponsor of the Durham Lancashire Emirates Trophy. The airline also began a ten-year naming rights sponsorship in 2013 for Emirates Old Trafford, one of England’s most historic and premier cricket grounds also home to Lancashire County Cricket Club. Emirates launched its services to India in 1985 and since then has grown its India operations to serve a total of nine destinations across the country. Emirates currently operates 167 flights per week from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. 
On October 3, United Airlines announced orders for 110 more aircraft for delivery beginning in 2028, building on the early success of United Next and adding additional flexibility for its long-term fleet.
United converted previous options and purchase rights into firm orders for 50 Boeing 787-9s for delivery between 2028 through 2031, as well as 60 Airbus A321neos for delivery between 2028 and 2030. The company also secured new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft at the end of the decade. "We're building a bright future at United and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Our planning and focus on the long term have helped us surge past other airlines that stood still. I'm convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically." United expects to take delivery of about 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft between 2023 and the end of 2032. Read more. 
Saudia, the national flag carrier for Saudi Arabia, has unveiled a vibrant new brand livery and messaging, comprised of green, blue, and sand, representing Saudia’s aim to not only make a make on the world of tourism and aviation as the country continues to invest in economic growth initiatives and woo the world, but also to (and more importantly) expand its fleet and destinations, and “emphasizing the Kingdom’s authenticity and deep-rooted values”. I like it a lot, but at the same time, there is not much change because this is somewhat the retro livery of the 1980s/90s but with a touch of modernity and sleek and stylish ambiance. So what’s old is new again.
But that is what on the outside. Inside the aircraft are complete modern changes, such as the crew uniforms, the seats in all of the cabins, evolved and enhanced loyalty program, and also revamped in-flight catering options in all classes of travel. This unveiling marked a significant commitment to modernization and a deeper connection with the Saudi national identity. 
New Saudia livery: Photo Copyright Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines
The official presentation of Saudia's new identity took place at the airline's headquarters in the presence of dignitaries, government officials, private-sector representatives, and experts from the aviation and air transport industry.
September 30 was selected as the launch date of the new branding because it marks the anniversary of the late King Abdulaziz's historic first flight aboard a "Saudi Arabian" DC-3 aircraft from Afif to Taif. “We are experiencing a new era and a very exciting time for SAUDIA. Our airline has evolved from a Douglas DC-3 aircraft in 1945, to a 140-aircraft modern fleet serving over 100 destinations, becoming one of the largest airlines in the region.” - His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group 
First A321neo in the new/retro livery- HZ-ASAC: Photo Copyright Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines
The airline's statement emphasized the symbolism behind the chosen colors and their profound connection to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Green, representing the pride and honor of the national flag, as well as the abundant generosity, culture, and hospitality of Saudi Arabia, embodied by the iconic palm tree. Blue, a symbol of the Kingdom's vast seas and endless skies, served as inspiration for future groundbreaking initiatives. Finally, the sandy brown, signifying the richness and authenticity of the homeland, celebrated its deep-rooted heritage. 
Large Saudia titles on the fuselage belly: Photo Copyright Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines
The airline is ambitious in its focus on digital transformation and is introducing generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a virtual assistant, named “SAUDIA.” By the end of this year, Saudia says it will enable a personalized and efficient customer experience where passengers can complete the entire booking process through this (OK, so as long as it is not as bad as some other airline apps where you cannot see your bookings for over 50% of the time...no airline mentioned!). There will always be a need for a human to accompany the technology and especially when you are thinking of aiming at countries where passengers may not be all to digitally savvy.
Saudia's new uniform. Given that the new Saudia is quite focused on the use of green, it has always been interesting that the cabin crew uniforms are blue. But then again blue is a preferred choice of colour for many airlines for their cabin decor and uniforms (green uniforms wouldn't really look good - I think!): Photo Copyright Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines
Older liveries
Saudia 's livery in the 1980s. A Boeing 747-300 seen here at Heathrow in 1987. Photo Copyright Richard Parkhouse
My favorite of all - "Saudi National Day" special colours: Photo Copyright Yildirim Kaan Bozkurt
One of two aircraft painted in 2022 with the special "75 Years" colours: Photo Copyright Erwin van Hassel
Painted in Ad-Diriyah E-Prix - 15 December 2018 special colours: Photo Copyright Mark Kwiatkowski
Interesting Pullmantur/Saudia hybrid colors on this Boeing 747-300: Photo Copyright Johan K in 2013
Saudia's livery from the 2000s until recently. Seen here on a Boeing 747-300: Photo Copyright Andrew Hunt
 Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West Airlines has become the second new 777F operator this year as it took delivery of its first large-widebody twinjet. Silk Way West took delivery of the production 777F (67454) on the 29th of September was indeed: a momentous occasion. According to Yunus Karimov, Leading Avionics/Systems Engineer at "Silkway Technics", a branch of Silk Way West Airlines, "it was a day filled with excitement and pride for everyone who has been a part of this journey.". Mr. Karimov said on his LinkedIn profile that "The aircraft we received today is a testament to the commitment to excellence from the incredible team at the Boeing Company." "This aircraft represents more than just a new addition to our fleet, and it symbolizes progress, innovation, and growth. " Said Mr. Karimov. The Boeing 777F is set to revolutionize the airline's cargo operations, bringing even greater efficiency and capacity. Below is an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at this game-changing addition to our fleet - courtesy of Silk Way West Airlines. All the hard work, sweat and tears over many months, and negotiations, condensed into a two-minute video. Below is a video courtesy of @Jaypainespotter showing Silk Way West's new Boeing 777F taking to the skies from Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Everett Washington to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku Azerbaijan on it's delivery flight.  Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737-85C (B-5487) parked at Xiamen Airport in the new livery: Photo Copyright Xiamen Airlines
It is the first time for the carrier to launch a Universal Beijing Resort-themed flight, with the second one to be launched within the year, the airline said. Linked to the theme-painted aircraft, the carrier will also unveil air travel experience in an all-round way through interactive activities, themed electronic boarding passes and themed meals to help passengers enjoy their flight more. BDIA has become a hot spot for domestic and international routes for airlines to meet the rising demand during the summer travel peak. Xiamen Air said it operates more than 100 flights each day into Daxing airport, with the coverage of 27 cities in China. The aviation market in China has entered the peak season, and the airport is expected to facilitate 55,400 flights across the summer season of July and August, equal to more than 7.9 million passengers.  Xiamen Airlines B737-800: Photo Copyright Jueyu Tang  Xiamen Airlines B737-800: Photo Copyright Xiamen Airlines  On August 10 at a packed conference room in New Delhi, Tata Group unveiled a new logo, branding and plane livery for Air India as part of a multi-million dollar transformation of the former state-run carrier. Air India’s new logo symbol – ‘The Vista’ – is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame, signifying limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline’s bold, confident outlook for the future. Air India’s brand-new aircraft livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold highlights, as well as a chakra-inspired pattern. It also boasts a striking new custom-made ‘Air India Sans’ font, marrying confidence with warmth to position Air India as premium, inclusive, and accessible.  Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrashekaran and Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson during the unveiling of Air India’s new logo and livery colours, in New Delhi on August 2023.
It has been long awaited, and as Air India prepares to receive the first of its 470 aircraft on order, they will be carrying its new colors, creating a new association for passengers at home and globally. In a statement, the airline said, "The new design captures the essence of a bold new India, marking a milestone in the transformation of the national Indian institution into a national Indian and global inspiration." Air India will roll out the livery in December, featuring it on its inaugural Airbus A350. Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO & MD, said, "Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service." Air India is making significant investments throughout the guest experience to elevate its service and to strengthening its position as the preferred airline for travellers flying to, from, and within India:
   Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the fifth time it has won this prestigious accolade.
SIA took the top spot in four categories at this year’s Skytrax awards, including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia. SIA’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot was named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline, and ranked second in the World’s Best Low-cost Airlines category. The Skytrax awards are based on surveys of more than 20 million travellers across over 100 nationalities, who rated more than 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023. Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, received the World’s Best Airline award on behalf of the Airline in Paris on 20 June 2023. “This award is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for the recovery in air travel. That has allowed us to emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic as a leading international airline,” said Mr Goh. “We are very grateful to our customers for their enduring loyalty to and affection for Singapore Airlines. During the pandemic, their support and encouragement gave us the strength and determination to overcome the unprecedented challenges. Today, as we recover from the pandemic, we are firmly committed to innovating and investing in industry-leading products and services, and ensuring that SIA continues to offer our customers a world-class travel experience.” 
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian airline, headed up by veteran CEO Tony Douglas has just unveiled the first of two liveries that will adorn the airline’s fleet on Instagram. The airline has certainly decided to stand out with a bold, metallic purple look that will draw attention as it touches down to its impressive 100+ destinations by the decade’s end. One thing is for sure, all eyes are going to be turning to this carrier as it sets its stall in the coming months, and should they be willing to win over the public, they could become a serious competitor in the region, and especially as the CEO is former Etihad Airways CEO, and some of the senior management are also from big carriers.
Read more.  Air India, the national flag carrier of India, has really revamping its in-flight passenger experience offering. Proudly partnering with the international travel and lifestyle brand TUMI, Air India has certainly set sights in the right direction to impress airline passengers and make a mark in the world aviation scene. Perhaps this could be a hint of things to come, and especially to make the rest of the travel experience better, including seating, food etc.  “Designed for life on the move, TUMI is the leading international business, accessory, and travel lifestyle brand,” states Air India’s press release. Technical innovation paired with design excellence and unparalleled quality makes TUMI the leading luxury travel brand for the global citizen. The partnership was created in collaboration with Buzz, who helped spearhead the new amenities for the carrier. Air India’s collaboration with TUMI spans amenity kits for First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy passengers, as well as Sleepwear which will be available to First and Business Class passengers.  TUMI Sleepwear TUMI’s new sleepwear for Air India has been made with quality materials, considered design and sustainability in mind, the pajama's recycled materials are blended with cotton, for extra softness and breathability. Each sleeper suit is made using the equivalent of twenty-three 500ml plastic bottles, which will result in over 18 million plastic bottles diverted from landfill annually. Featuring a unisex design and crew neck style, the sleepwear comes in a two-tone grey marble colour, with contrasting white stitching. A prominent design element is the TUMI branding as well as accent highlights of TUMI red on the drawcord. The TUMI Sleepwear is provided to First Class and Business Class passengers in a functional and reusable cotton blend bag with a contrast TUMI red drawstring.   Photo Copyright Air India Air India customers on selected US routes can now purchase tickets for the carrier’s new premium economy product. The seat will initially be available on Boeing 777-200LR flights from Bengaluru to San Francisco, Mumbai to San Francisco, and Mumbai to New York, with tickets sales now open for travel from May 15. It is understood that the 777 aircraft have been leased from Delta, and feature the US carrier’s Premium Select seating, as well as its business class Delta One product. Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “The popularity of Premium Economy has grown among travellers around the world, as people are increasingly opting for upgraded, yet affordable flying experiences. We are delighted to introduce a distinctive Premium Economy experience for our customers on select flights for now, with a plan to extend it to many more routes soon, as we rapidly expand and modernise our fleet. This is another step forward in our sincere, ongoing effort to transform Air India into a modern, global carrier of world-class products and service standards.” Air India’s Premium Economy will offer an exclusive travel experience designed for customers who do not mind paying a reasonable premium over Economy Class fares to fly in style and enjoy a lot more space, comfort, and convenience. Fast-track airport experience: Premium Economy customers will be able to check-in at dedicated counters and have priority tags affixed to their check-in baggage, and also be amongst the first to be invited to board the aircraft. Separate, spacious cabin with wider seats: Premium Economy class on Air India’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft features 48 leather-upholstered, memory foam seats that have 19 inches of width, 38 inches of pitch, and 5 inches of recline with adjustable leg rest and footrest, and winged headrests. The seats provide extra legroom for customers to stretch out during flight, enabling customers to rest or work in comfort. Amenities: Premium Economy customers receive a complimentary, elegant TUMI amenity kit (specially designed for Air India) consisting of a pair of flight socks, an eye mask, MALIN+GOETZ lip moisturizer, and a pen, in addition to carpet slippers. Customers also receive noise-cancelling headphones for use during flight to complement the experience of Air India’s In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system. Onboard dining: Customers will be welcomed on board Air India’s Premium Economy class with a welcome drink served on an elegant silver tray and a menu card reflecting a glimpse of a delectable culinary experience during the flight. On board, customers will be able to choose from a delicious selection of three meal choices for the main course, served on fine chinaware casserole, accompanied by an appetizer and dessert. The drinks menu includes a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Photo Copyright Air India Air India, India’s leading airline and a Star Alliance member, launched its first-ever non-stop flight to London Gatwick, from Amritsar today. It has now become the first and only Indian airline to operate at Gatwick Airport— the second-largest airport in the UK. The services to Gatwick are in line with Air India’s ongoing endeavor of enhancing connectivity between India’s major cities and leading global destinations to provide more choices to its passengers. Equipped with 18 Business class seats featuring fully-flat beds and 238 Economy class seats, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be operating three flights a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Amritsar. In addition to the flights from Amritsar, Air India will operate 9 other weekly flights scheduled from Ahmedabad, Goa, and Kochi—making it a total of 12 weekly flights to Gatwick. These operations will reaffirm Air India's operations, presence, and network in the UK. In total, the airline now operates 49 flights in the UK per week— 43 flights to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and six flights to Birmingham. Air India also operates 31 weekly flights to Heathrow, London from Delhi and Mumbai. The Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, General (Retd) V.K. Singh, and BJP National Secretary, Punjab, Mr. Tarun Chugh graced the virtual inauguration ceremony of the flight. They flagged it off along with Mr. Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Civil Aviation, and Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. On the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, said, “It is a historic day for Amritsar and Punjab. This new connection will bring a new impetus to the state and provide key connectivity with the UK, bringing people closer. This will also boost trade and tourism and open up new employment opportunities.” Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia also commended Air India for the fleet acquisition plan and expressed hope that Air India will soon connect all the continents and make India the global hub of aviation. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, said, “As part of our five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, we plan to significantly enhance connectivity between India’s major cities and prime global destinations and be acknowledged as India’s Flying Ambassador to the world. These flights will also fulfil the growing demand for direct air connectivity from various important destinations in India to the UK and from the UK to these popular cities in India.”  Golden Temple, Amritsar: Photo Copyright Reuters About Amritsar
Amritsar is the largest city in the state of Punjab, in the north of India and is a major cultural centre for the country. The Sikhs’ main place of worship, the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, is located in the heart of Amritsar and is well worth visiting for spirituality. Alongside the Golden Temple, the city has many spiritual and historical locations, such as the Partition Museum, Wagah Border and the Shri Durgiana Mandir, which can all be explored. The Punjabi culture is unique and beautiful, and by visiting the Sadda Pind, which is a Punjabi Culture Living Museum, you have the opportunity to authentically witness the culture through folk dances, cultural performances, local handicrafts, songs, stories and the cuisine; it is an amazing experience for both the young and old, which can be experienced as a single day visit or a stay visit. Many festivals take place each year in Amritsar, and we highly recommend experiencing, as they’re filled with feasting, traditional music, dancing and fairs, producing a memory that’ll last a lifetime. Punjabi cuisine is recognized and enjoyed all around the world, with some of the best being found around Amritsar, where you can even try some of the city's own specialties.  Emirates Airline has given the world a new refreshed look. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Aircraft livery is the most instantly recognisable brand real estate for any airline. It’s a visual representation of our unique identity, something we wear proudly, and display in all the cities we fly to around the world. We’re refreshing our livery to keep it modern, without losing the key elements of our identity such as the UAE flag on our tailfin and the Arabic calligraphy.” Eagle-eyed plane spotters and fans will immediately notice changes to the tailfin and wingtips. In this latest design, the UAE flag on the Emirates tailfin is much more dynamic and flowing with a 3D effect artwork, and the wingtips have been painted red with the Emirates logo in Arabic calligraphy “popping” out in reverse white. Passengers onboard with a window view will see the UAE flag colours painted on the wingtips facing the fuselage. This is the 3rd iteration of Emirates’ official aircraft brand colours. The original livery unveiled with the airline’s launch in 1985 had its first refresh 14 years later, with the delivery of Emirates’ first Boeing 777-300 at the 1999 Dubai Airshow. The first aircraft to sport Emirates’ newest livery is A6-EOE, an Airbus A380, which has rolled out of Emirates Engineering this week after its makeover. Its first deployment will be to Munich on 17 March as flight EK51. The new livery will be gradually applied across the rest of the existing Emirates fleet with 24 aircraft, including 17 Boeing 777s, expected to sport the refreshed livery by the end of 2023. All new Emirates aircraft, from the first Airbus A350 entering the fleet in August 2024 will be delivered in this new livery. Emirates’ original livery in 1985 was designed by UK design company Negus & Negus. All of the airline’s subsequent aircraft colours were created by its inhouse design team. Over the years, Emirates’ numerous colourful and eye-catching aircraft livery have included bespoke designs to drive sponsorship brand association, and for special occasions such as the UAE’s 50th Jubilee livery, and Expo 2020 Dubai.  Watch timelapse video of the first aircraft receiving its new livery at Emirates Engineering in Dubai below:   
 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”), announced the establishment of “Riyadh Air,” a PIF wholly owned company. The new national carrier will leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism.
Riyadh Air will be chaired by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, while Tony Douglas, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation (Inc. ex CEO of Etihad Airways), transportation and logistics industries, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. The airline’s senior management will include Saudi and international expertise. Operating from Riyadh as its hub, the airline will usher in a new era for the travel and aviation industry globally. Riyadh Air will be a world-class airline, adopting the global best sustainability and safety standards across its advanced fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology. The airline is expected to add USD20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. As a wholly owned PIF subsidiary, the new national airline is set to benefit from PIF’s investment expertise and financial capabilities while expanding on the company’s operations to become a leading national carrier. The new national airline represents PIF’s latest investment in the sector, along with the recently announced King Salman International Airport masterplan. Riyadh Air aims to enhance customers’ journey while connecting them to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030; through offering an exceptional experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. The airline will provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions. Riyadh Air will also serve as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy by increasing air transport options, raising cargo capacity and, in turn, growing international passenger traffic. The establishment of Riyadh Air is part of PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors that can help drive the diversification of the local economy. It will enable a more financially resilient aviation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, supporting the industry’s global competitiveness in line with Vision 2030. This is something special, and one airline to watch out for!  British Airways unveils new Ozwald Boateng Uniform: Copyright British Airways Wow, time flies (literally)...after almost two decades (, yep, you read that right!), British Airways has refreshed its uniform, and in following tradition, selected British designer of Saville Row fame – Ozwald Boateng – to shape the new look for over 30,000 front line employees that are customer facing. The collection was shaped by Boateng shadowing various staff members from engineering to pilots to cabin crew, as well as the additional input from 1,500 staff members from various other parts of the business. The result has been quite impressive! Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers. From the very start this has been about our people. We wanted to create a uniform collection that our people are proud to wear and with the help of over 1,500 colleagues, we are confident that we have delivered this.”  British Airways unveils new Ozwald Boateng Uniform: Copyright British Airways  China Southern Airlines has retired its last two Airbus A380s, marking the type’s complete exit from the Chinese market after more than a decade of operations.
In its half-year financial report, the Guangzhou-based carrier – China’s only A380 operator – says it exited the two aircraft during the first half of 2023. In February 2022, reports emerged that the airline was looking to dispose of its A380s by the end of that year, after chalking up heavy losses in the years of operation. In April 2021, a senior airline executive said China Southern was reviewing the future of the type, acknowledging the uncertainty about the international recovery, coupled with high operating costs. The airline’s first A380 was delivered in 2011, three years later than original projections, and began flying to Los Angeles in 2012. China Southern was said to be incurring millions of dollars in A380-related losses, before a change in scheduling helped the type generate profits. On some flights, China Southern also deployed the A380 on domestic flights, and I had the pleasure of reviewing one of these flights from Beijing to Guangzhou. The authentic China Southern service was world-class, but the sad part was that the cabins were not even half full. I recall on my flight, it only seemed like maybe 100 seats were filled, and mostly in Economy Class. How do you make profit out of that? 
Virgin Atlantic has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330 neo aircraft, which will debut on the carrier’s Heathrow-Boston route.
Earlier this year, the airline revealed its hotly anticipated Airbus A330neo, designed to provide a premium, personalised customer experience. The airline’s Upper Class cabin boasts a brand new seat, evolution of its iconic social space and the unveiling of The Retreat Suite, the most spacious suite in Virgin Atlantic’s history. Throughout the aircraft, there will be more ways for customers to stay connected than ever before. Those travelling in Premium and Upper Class can take advantage of game changing in-seat wireless charging, whilst customers in every cabin can enjoy a greater number of USB connections, Bluetooth enabled entertainment systems and the airline’s fastest ever Wi-Fi. Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK operator of the A330 neo, and has 13 of the aircraft on order (six on lease from Air Lease Corporation), with “an intention to expand the fleet to 16 eventually”. You gotta love those cockpit windows; looks like the Airbus is wearing cool shades! The aircraft also marks the 50th Airbus delivery for the carrier. Read more here. 
 The new Lufthansa livery has been revealed, and we love it! The Lufthansa Blue project will see the airline’s classic yellow and blue tailfins replaced with a new, deeper blue design. A redrawn wordmark will also feature while the airline’s fuselages are now all white, instead of the existing grey underbelly. The crane logo, created by Otto Firle in 1918, has been retained. It is sleek and stylish, and has a modern look.
The livery was shown to media at an event in Cape Town by CEO Carsten Spohr. But what really matters to passengers is fixing the interiors of the planes. Service is good; but the aircraft interiors also need to world-class. The passenger experience comes from what's inside the aircraft, not what's outside. I recall trying out the Business Class seats of the brand new Boeing 747-8i, and it was like sitting in a brand new Mercedes car!  Copyright Emirates. Starting December 1st Emirates will introduce a refreshed interior across its Boeing 777 fleet with the carriers updated “light and modern” colour scheme featuring refined textured panels, as well as new lighting and design accents. There has certainly been a lot of investment in terms of wowing the customer experience and especially what you get for your money. At the heart of the refresh is the long-awaited First Class and Business Class products. As an industry first, the airline will adopt floor to ceiling sliding doors in the First Class cabin, taking design features from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. They plan to offer up to 40 square feet of personal space each, laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration. The inclusion of an artistic motif representing the Ghaf (prosopis cineraria) tree, is used as a design highlight throughout the aircraft. An indigenous evergreen plant, the Ghaf is a considered the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, and has deep cultural and ecological significance. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “The inflight experience is the heart of our brand and service proposition. The new 777 interiors that we are unveiling today is part of Emirates’ ongoing investment to continually raise the bar and exceed our customers’ expectations. Aside from our new fully enclosed private suites, Business Class features our latest fully-flat leather seats with personal minibars, Economy Class seats have adjustable full leather headrests, and the inflight entertainment system has been upgraded for all cabin classes. Throughout the aircraft, our customers will see modern and airy cabins, with painstaking attention to detail evident in design touches such as the textured wall and ceiling panels, lighting features, and more.” On the airline’s new First Class product, Sir Tim said: “Emirates pioneered the First Class private suite concept back in 2003, and today it’s the industry benchmark when it comes to first class travel. Over the years we have continually improved on our private suites, adding thoughtful refinements and features. We are very excited about our new fully-enclosed suite which is a real game-changer in terms of privacy, comfort, and thoughtful luxury. This is the first time an Emirates product has been so influenced by another luxury brand, but it is a natural fit as both Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have the same unwavering commitment to fine detail, uncompromising quality, and a drive to push the boundaries.” The new Emirates 777 First Class cabin interior uses a whole new colour palette of soft greys, cream and champagne, conveying a contemporary, open and airy feel, with quiet and timeless luxury. Read more.  Copyright Emirates  Copyright Emirates  Copyright Emirates  Hong Kong Airlines A350 leaving Toulouse: Copyright "DN280" Airliners.net Hong Kong Airlines has received it's first Airbus A350 aircraft, on lease from AerCap, making the carrier the 15th airline to operate the airliner. Altogether Hong Kong Airlines will acquire 21 Airbus A350 XWBs, including 15 purchased directly from Airbus and six on lease from third party lessors. Hong Kong Airlines has configured its A350-900s with a premium three-class layout with a total of 334 seats, comprising 33 in Business Class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, 108 in the new cabin class “Economy Comfort” and 193 in Economy Class. Slightly different from the configuration on the other wide-bodies, such as the A330. The aircraft features the airline’s latest cabin products, including an all-new entertainment system and full in-flight connectivity. After an initial period flying on regional routes, Hong Kong Airlines’ A350-900 will begin long-haul operations in December this year, flying on the carrier’s non-stop service to Los Angeles.  Hong Kong Airlines A350 Business Class cabin: Copyright Airbus Meet Vatnajökull, the First Flying Glacier, In Celebration of Icelandair's 80th Anniversary5/16/2017
 Meet Vatnajökull, the First Flying Glacier; in celebration of Icelandair's 80th anniversary: Copyrigth Icelandair Excuse the pun, but Icelandair have perhaps one of the coolest liveries around in the air! The airline has introduced a pretty impressive aircraft livery to celebrate their 80th year flying. The Boeing 757-200, which took 2,500 man-hours to paint, is named after the largest glacier in the whole of Europe. Named “Vatnajökull” (I know, try and pronounce that!) the new vibrant livery will bring one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks across the carrier’s ever expanding network across Europe and North America. It is very similar to it’s Northern Lights aircraft, the airline has also invested in turning its interior into an experiential zone. If you are fortunate enough to fly on this plane then make sure you take the best photos that you can. Watch the video below to find out more and also check this link out!  Hawaiian Airlines revealed an updated logo and a new livery for its aircraft on May 1, 2017, though the changes are more a tweak to the previous versions than a complete overhaul. Hawaiian debuted its new look by rolling out one of its Boeing 717 jets (registered tail number N488HA) in the new paint scheme on the 1st of May 2017, celebrated as "Lei Day" in Hawaii. The carrier also provided the media an image and a logo (on the top of the article) of an Airbus A330 painted in the new livery. “Our new livery embodies a stronger, more contemporary representation of Hawaiian Airlines’ culture of service and hospitality, which is the bedrock of our guest experience,” said president and CEO Mark Dunkerley, who unveiled the new brand design at Honolulu International Airport during a special employee event on Lei Day, a statewide annual celebration of Hawaiian culture. “It acknowledges our place as Hawaii’s airline and underscores the commitment our employees make every day to provide our guests with a gracious and genuine island welcome.” Also receiving a subtle update is Hawaiian’s logo, which also features Pualani. Pualani remains central to the logo, but she’ll now be “framed” by what Hawaiian says is the likeness of a “rising sun.” Previously, Pualani’s image was framed by a floral-themed background. Hawaiian Airlines is one of the more exotic and special airlines that I really want to try as and when I get the chance one day!  Hawaiian Airlines revealed an updated logo and a new livery for its aircraft. The carrier provided the media an image of an Airbus A330 painted in the new livery. Copyright Hawaiian Airlines.  Photo Copyright Airbus 2017 On March 6, Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) revealed a special livery for its first new Airbus A380 aircraft. The livery was selected from over 2,000 submissions received in an open competition organised by the carrier. The winning design will be painted on the airline’s first new A380, which will be delivered in early 2019. ANA will operate the aircraft on its most popular leisure route, from Tokyo to Honolulu in Hawaii. The winning entry consists of a colourful design featuring the Hawaiian green sea turtle – a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Hawaii. The flights between Japan and Hawaii represent a highly competitive market because around 1.5 million Japanese travel to Hawaii annually, with airlines enjoying consistently high load factors. ANA parent company ANA Holdings placed its order for three A380s in January 2016 and will become the first Japanese airline to operate the type. In relation to the introduction of the new aircraft, ANA is planning a number of future activities in Hawaii to protect the green sea turtle, known as the “Honu” in Hawaii and one that is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species.  Photo Copyright Airbus 2017 Watch the official video, released by Airbus:  Photo Copyright Air India 2017 The national flag carrier of India, Air India says it has made the first passenger journey around the world operated by an all-women crew. The Air India flight departed from New Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) on Monday 27th February and returned to the Indian capital on Friday 3rd March. The Boeing 777-200LR flew over the Pacific Ocean on its trip to the US, while its return flight was over the Atlantic, encircling the globe, the company said. Air India says it has applied for an entry on the Guinness World Record. The airline confirmed that the check-in and ground handling staff, the engineers who certified the aircraft and the air traffic controllers who authorised the departure and arrival of the plane were also all women. Air India also becomes the first Indian carrier to operate on the Pacific Ocean route which has reduced the total flying duration by three hours.  Photo Copyright Air India 2017  Captain Kshamta Bajpayee (right) said the flight is a 'symbol of women empowerment'. Here she is pictured along with Captain Sunita Narula, Capt Indira Singh and Capt Gunjan Aggarwal  |
 Navjot Singh inside an Airbus A320 cockpit of British Airways at Heathrow Airport About Airline PRThis is a special section on Airline Branding, and Airline Public Relations written by me on all the flights I have been fortunate enough to have been on. These are not records taken from somewhere else, but are actual flights I have been on. Most of the flight trips are officially sponsored by the airline companies in order to promote their certain routes, and aircraft. Airline promotion and PR related work in the aviation industry is one of my expertise. 
Navjot Singh at a Chinese Military Airfield
Watch exclusive videos below taken in the cockpit of a Boeing 777-300ER in-flight over Chinese Airspace.
Special thanks goes to Turkish Airlines B777-300ER Cockpit Video 1B777-300ER Cockpit Video 2
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