Tag Archives: new aircraft

flydubai strengthens strategic growth with 12 new aircraft deliveries in 2025

flydubai has taken delivery of seven new aircraft so far in 2025, with a further five Boeing 737 MAX 8s scheduled to join its fleet before the end of the year. These additions form an integral part of the airline’s strategic growth plans, enabling the continued expansion of its network, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing capacity on existing routes. The seven new aircraft, received between April and August 2025, have seen the flydubai fleet grow to 93 aircraft. Once all 12 aircraft have been delivered this year, flydubai’s fleet will stand at more than 95 aircraft, supporting the carrier’s growing network of more than 135 destinations in 57 countries. This expansion continues to open up underserved markets, creating more travel opportunities and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “The arrival of these new aircraft is a testament to our long-term strategic vision and our confidence in the future of air travel. Our fleet investment supports our mission to offer greater choice, enhanced convenience and improved connectivity for our passengers. These deliveries are part of a backlog extensively delayed in recent years, and despite receiving 12 aircraft this year, we remain 20 aircraft behind our original projections.” “The continued interest from our financing partners highlights the strength of our business model and our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s leadership in global aviation. Looking ahead, these aircraft will enable us to unlock new destinations, optimise our operations and play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub,” added Al Ghaith. The favourable response to the airline’s financing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and its ability …

Read More »

Etihad Airways defines luxury again with first A321LR flight to Phuket

Etihad Airways has launched the first commercial flight of its all-new A321LR, defining luxury travel on a narrowbody aircraft. The inaugural flight introduces guests to Etihad’s latest cabin innovation, designed to deliver the same elevated service and attention to detail that defines its award-winning widebody experience, now available on a next-generation single-aisle aircraft. Last week Etihad took delivery of the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join its fleet, each configured to provide elevated comfort, refined design and high-speed connectivity across all cabins. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The A321LR symbolises our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.” Flight EY414 departed Zayed International Airport for Phuket, marking the introduction of an aircraft designed to deliver Etihad’s premium cabin standards on short and medium-haul sectors. Etihad’s A321LR introduces a new benchmark for narrowbody travel, with a premium cabin layout that transforms expectations across all classes: First Suites – Two fully enclosed private suites with sliding doors, flat beds, and unique styling Elegant design with space for a guest to dine or relax, either in the privacy of their suite alone, or with companion Features include a 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging and Bluetooth pairing Full Etihad First service onboard and on the ground Business – Fourteen seats in a 1-1 herringbone configuration, each with direct aisle access and window views Enhanced with 17.3-inch 4K displays, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity Generous personal space and intuitive storage Economy – 144 ergonomically designed seats offering generous legroom Equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens, USB …

Read More »

Etihad to upgrade flights to Kolkata to brand new A32LRs

Etihad Airways is set to enhance its Kolkata service with the introduction of the next-generation Airbus A321LR, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market. Starting 26 September 2025, all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) will be operated by the state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests an upgraded travel experience across all cabin classes. The aircraft is equipped with luxury First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, and a cutting-edge Economy class featuring ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey. The Airbus A321LR is designed to bring wide-body comfort to a single-aisle aircraft, offering enhanced space, privacy, and premium amenities. The First Suites provide an exclusive experience with forward-facing fully-flat beds in a 1-1 configuration, while Business Class features 14 lie-flat seats, ensuring maximum comfort on medium-haul routes. Economy Class passengers will enjoy next-generation seating, complete with advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity, making every journey more enjoyable. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “India is a key market for Etihad, and we are delighted to elevate our Kolkata service with our latest A321LR aircraft. With this upgrade, our guests can now enjoy a superior travel experience, whether in our luxurious First Suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, or next-generation Economy cabin. This investment underlines our ongoing commitment to providing world-class service and greater connectivity across the Indian subcontinent.” The new A321LR aircraft brings enhanced efficiency and comfort, making Etihad the premier choice for travellers between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata. The airline continues to strengthen its footprint in India, offering passengers greater access to Etihad’s growing global network. For bookings and more information, visit etihad.com.

Read More »

beOnd to fly direct from UAE to Zurich with second aircraft entering service

beOnd announced that its second aircraft is now ready to serve customers as well as they have received authorization to fly passengers from Zurich to the UAE. The Airbus A321 aircraft seats 68 customers in premium, all-lie-flat seating and features beOnd’s stunning signature dark grey and copper livery, and will join in its expanding network. “We are pleased our second aircraft is now entering service,” said Tero Taskila, beOnd’s Chairman and CEO. Our new and returning customers will be impressed to see this stunning aircraft at their home airports, and they’ll be thrilled at the service from the start to finish of their journey. This aircraft provides beOnd with new capacity — and coupled with the airline’s free flight guarantee — reinforces trust and operational readiness with customers and our agency partners.” Today’s news follows beOnd’s continued service between Milan, Zurich, Munich, Riyadh, Dubai, and the Maldives, as well as authorization to fly passengers from Zurich to the UAE. The addition of the new aircraft, along with these business developments, underscores the confidence and belief in beOnd’s vision, potential, and successes to date. In November 2023, beOnd successfully launched commercial passenger service with the airline’s first aircraft, an Airbus A319 that seats 44 in an all-lay flat configuration. This second aircraft will support beOnd’s expansion from Europe, Dubai, and Bangkok to the Maldives.

Read More »