Author Archives: Abdul Latheef

Prix Versailles reveals the world’s most beautiful airports of 2026

16 Tuesday Jun 2026

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Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

PARIS — Prix Versailles, which administers international architecture and design prizes, has revealed its list of the world’s most beautiful airports for 2026, and a majority of them are in Asia.

The seven airports are Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport – Terminal 3 in Guangzhou, China; Frankfurt Airport – Terminal 3 in Frankfurt, Germany; Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport – Terminal 2 in Guwahati, India; Navi Mumbai International Airport – Terminal 1 in Navi Mumbai, India; Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Pittsburgh International Airport in the United States and San Diego International Airport – Terminal 1 in the U.S.

Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, Guwahati, India.

Featuring distinctive designs, these projects show how airports are redefining established norms to create a more inspiring and balanced perspective for global travelers, Prix Versailles said Monday.

“Whether they have newly appeared on the horizon or undergone a major renovation, contemporary airports and airport terminals are innovative, inescapable hallmarks of their regions and their eras,” said Jérôme Gouadain, secretary general of the awards organization.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou, China.

At the end of the year, three projects from the list will be honored with a World Title in the Prix Versailles, Interior or Exterior categories.

Through its awards program, Prix Versailles seeks to advance a vision of intelligent sustainability that integrates cultural values while extending beyond purely environmental considerations.

All images are courtesy of Prix Versailles.

Airhart takes another step in ‘democratizing’ flying

18 Wednesday Mar 2026

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The protype is based on the Sling TSi platform

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Airhart Aeronautics, the U.S. startup developing an airplane “anyone can fly,” will open its Design and Engineering Center in Long Beach, Calif., next week in the latest milestone in the project.

The guest of honor at Wednesday’s event will be legendary aviator Linda Sollars, the company said.

Airhart’s simplified flight controls

Airhart, founded in 2022 by former SpaceX engineer Nikita Ermoshkin, is seeking to “democratize” flying by building a safe and easy-to-fly personal aircraft with a price tag of under US$100,000.

No intense pilot training would be needed to fly the Airhart aircraft.

That is because at its core is an integrated avionics platform, which consolidates displays, automation and flight controls into one single simplified system. In January, Airhart began installing the software that makes the system possible.

Linda Sollars

The company has been flying a prototype, based on Sling Aircraft’s TSi platform, since late 2022.

Its goal is to deliver its first aircraft equipped with Airhart avionics later this year, with commercial production starting in 2028.

Second and third models are expected to be released in 2031 and 2035 respectively.

The aircraft will conform with the new MOSAIC standards, issued last year by the Federal Aviation Administration and slated to go into effect in July.

The FAA believes MOSAIC, or Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification, will help increase the availability of affordable aircraft for recreational aviation.

On Wednesday, Sollars will share her thought on how MOSAIC will modernize the light aircraft industry.

Guests will also be able to meet the team behind the aircraft and try out the Airhart flight simulator.

Photos are courtesy of Linda Sollars and Airhart Aeronautics.

Alaska Airlines unveils new livery, inspired by the Northern Lights

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

Posted by in Airlines, Airports, Alaska Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Business

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Alaska Airlines said its new livery was inspired by the Northern Lights.

SEATTLE – Alaska Airlines unveiled a new livery on Tuesday as the company sets sights on becoming a premium global carrier.

The U.S. airline, which already flies to over 140 destinations, also announced that it will launch two new nonstop routes to London and Reykjavik from its Seattle hub, starting next spring.

They will be the fourth and fifth of at least 12 intercontinental destinations Alaska plans to serve from Seattle by the end of this decade.

“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” said Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us.”

The airline said the new livery on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners was inspired by the Northern Lights.

Alaska calls the design “the first phase of a new global experience for long-haul flying” on the aircraft.

The 787s with the new livery will debut in January, and the airline hopes to have its entire fleet of 17 Dreamliners to feature the new design by spring.

“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” said Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison.

The daily Seattle-London Dreamliner flight will feature 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, the airline said. The service will operate throughout the year.

On the seasonal Reykjavik route, Alaska will operate a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Alaska added.

Images are courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

EBAA considers new venues for air show

20 Tuesday May 2025

Posted by in Airports, Airshow, EBACE

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The European Business Aviation Association is considering new venues for its flagship air show known as EBACE, the organization said Monday.

The announcement came on the eve of the opening of the 2025 edition of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva.

For the first time, the show opened without a static display of business aircraft.

The association said it is “rethinking the event format to better engage high net worth individuals” and reconsidering bringing back the static display.

“Our goal is to reimagine EBACE with and for our stakeholders,” EBAA Secretary General Holger Krahmer (right) told a media briefing.

“While changes take time, one thing remains clear to us: the industry needs EBACE and it remains the right place to meet the right people in business aviation.”

More details are expected to be released at a news conference on June 30.

Images are courtesy of EBAA

Delta celebrates a century of success

18 Tuesday Mar 2025

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Delta Air Lines has revealed a new livery to mark 100 years of operation.

The U.S. company said it honors “a century of innovation, resilience and the people who built Delta into the airline it is today.”

The celebrations were held at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta on March 15.

What began as an aerial crop-dusting company in March 1925 has grown into one of the world’s largest airlines operating some 5,000 daily flights to nearly 300 destinations.

Delta has a fleet of 987 aircraft.

Video courtesy: Delta Air Lines

Pilatus showcases PC-12 PRO

15 Saturday Mar 2025

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Pilatus has unveiled a new version of its bestselling PC-12 aircraft, calling it the “most advanced” in the single-engine class.

The Swiss business aircraft manufacturer said the PC-12 PRO features a new cockpit, innovative safety functions and new interior finishes and colour schemes.

“These enhancements ensure the brand new PC-12 PRO is the most technologically advanced, best-performing and most reliable aircraft in its class,” the company said this week.

“The PC-12 PRO has been reimagined, yet it is instantly recognizable. In short: the Most Advanced Single has landed.”

The aircraft is powered by the PT6 turboprop engine, produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Deliveries of the PC-12 PRO are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025, Pilatus said.

More than 2,000 PC-12s are in operation worldwide. The company, based in the central Swiss city of Stans, produced 101 PC-12s in 2023 alone.

Images are courtesy of Pilatus.

Korean Air unveils stunning new livery

14 Friday Mar 2025

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Korean Air has unveiled a stunning new livery as part of its first rebrand in decades.

It follows the South Korean flag carrier’s $1.3 billion acquisition of Asiana Airlines.

The airline showcased a Boeing 787-10 featuring the new livery and revamped cabins at an event in Seoul this week.

It is the first major rebrand since 1984.

Asiana is the country’s second-largest airline. It will be fully integrated under Korean Air in 2027.

“As a unified Korean Air, we are committed to more than just transportation,” said Walter Cho (right), chairman and chief executive of Korean Air. “We aim to connect people, cultures and the world through the skies.”

The airline has also updated its menu choices and inflight service.

One of the world’s major airlines, Korean Air serves 116 cities in 40 countries. It has a fleet of 161 aircraft.

The new aircraft livery was showcased at an event in Seoul on March 11 – Photos are courtesy of Korean Air.

Embraer, Polish partner to develop new aircraft technologies

11 Tuesday Mar 2025

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Francisco Gomes Neto (right) and Sylwester Wyka signed the MoU in Warsaw on Tuesday. Embraer photo

Embraer and Poland’s Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation have agreed to jointly develop new aircraft technologies and materials, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said Tuesday.

Francisco Gomes Neto, president and chief executive of Embraer, was in Warsaw to sign a memorandum of understanding on the project with Sylwester Wyka, acting director of Łukasiewicz.

Established almost 100 years ago, Łukasiewicz is one of Europe’s top aviation research centres. It focuses on materials, flight technologies, aeronautical design and maintenance processes.

“This MoU marks the beginning of a technological bridge between Poland and South America,” Wyka said. “Through collaboration with Embraer, we are combining our expertise with a global industry leader to jointly develop cutting-edge aviation and materials technologies.”

Embraer’s Neto said the collaboration is part of the company’s plan to deepen its engagement with the Polish aerospace ecosystem.

Based in São Paulo, Embraer is a leading player in the global aviation industry. The company has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft since its founding in 1969.

Boom plans ‘supersonic hub’ in North Carolina

29 Saturday Jan 2022

Posted by in Aircraft, Aviation, Supersonic, Travel

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The Overture Superfactory will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Photo: Boom Supersonic.

DENVER – Nearly 20 years after the Concorde made its last commercial flight, efforts to revive supersonic travel are gathering pace.

American startup Boom Supersonic said this week that it has chosen Greensboro, North Carolina, to build its Overture airliners.

The aircraft, with a capacity for up to 88 passengers, will fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets, the company said.

“Selecting the site for Overture manufacturing is a significant step forward in bringing sustainable supersonic air travel to passengers and airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom.

“With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub.”

The Overture Superfactory will be about 400,000 square feet and constructed on a 65-acre campus at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Economists estimate that the factory will grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years, Boom said.

The company will break ground in Greensboro this year, with production slated to begin in 2024.

A conceptual rendering of the United Airlines Overture aircraft. Photo: Boom Supersonic

United Airlines will be the launch customer of the aircraft. In June, it agreed to buy 15 airliners, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft.

Boom will test a “demonstrator” airplane, the XB-1, this year. Both the Overture and the XB-1 will feature advanced, thermally stable carbon composite airframes, which are easier to fabricate and maximize fuel efficiency, the company said.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.

Boeing sets a lofty sustainability goal

22 Friday Jan 2021

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Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator 757
Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator 757

Boeing wants its commercial aircraft to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030, the company said Friday.

Is that doable? May be.

In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator flight-test program made the world’s first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter.

Citing various studies, the company said sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future.

“Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications,” it said.

“In order to meet aviation’s commitment for reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels well before 2050.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal said the company is committed to working with regulators, engine manufacturers and other key stakeholders to ensure that airplanes can fly entirely on sustainable jet fuels.

Such fuels can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable household waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other sources, Boeing noted.

Airbus unveils concepts for zero-emission aircraft

21 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Biofuel, Business, Hydrogen, Zero-emission

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Airbus ZEROe

The blended-wing body design for up to 200 passengers.

Toulouse, France — Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft, which could enter service by 2035.

Each represents a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, Airbus said Monday.

The three concepts — all codenamed ZEROe for climate-neutral zero-emission commercial aircraft — are:

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 200 passengers.

A turbofan design (120-200 passengers) with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles, capable of operating transcontinentally and powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.

A turboprop design  (up to 100 passengers) using a  turboprop engine instead of a turbofan, and also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines, which would be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

A blended-wing body design (up to 200 passengers) concept in which the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout.

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 100 passengers.

All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source, an option which Airbus believes holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel.

“This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

“I strongly believe that the use of  hydrogen, both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft, has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact.”

  • All images are courtesy of Airbus

 

Boeing-Embraer bid to challenge Airbus fizzles

25 Saturday Apr 2020

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EmbraerBoeingCHICAGO — Boeing announced Saturday that it has terminated its Master Transaction Agreement (MTA) with Embraer.

Under the deal announced in late 2018, the two companies had planned to create a joint venture comprising Embraer’s commercial aviation business.

The $4.2-billion tie-up was mainly aimed at challenging Airbus in the market for midsize planes.

The two companies also planned a second joint venture to develop new markets for the C-390 Millennium military aircraft.

“Under the MTA, April 24, 2020, was the initial termination date, subject to extension by either party if certain conditions were met. Boeing exercised its rights to terminate after Embraer did not satisfy the necessary conditions,” Boeing said in a statement.

“Boeing has worked diligently over more than two years to finalize its transaction with Embraer. Over the past several months, we had productive but ultimately unsuccessful negotiations about unsatisfied MTA conditions.”

The planned partnership had received approval from all regulatory authorities, with the exception of the European Commission, Boeing said.

There was no immediate comment from Embraer.

The image is courtesy of Embraer.

Air New Zealand unveils ‘a game changer’

25 Tuesday Feb 2020

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ANZANZ2AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Air New Zealand has unveiled sleeping pods for longhaul economy passengers, calling it “a game changer”.

The Economy Skynest, which would provide six full length lie-flat sleeping spaces, is the result of three years of research and development, the airline said Wednesday.

The company has filed patent and trademark applications for the Skynest.

Air New Zealand plans to make Skynest available on longhaul flights, but the airline said a decision will only be made after it assesses the success of the upcoming Auckland-New York service. That flight would take 17 hours and 40 minutes.

“We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft,” said chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod.

“A clear pain point for economy travelers on longhaul flights is the inability to stretch out. The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge.”

ANZ 3Customer and cabin crew feedback on the Skynest during its final phase of development has been outstanding, said Nikki Goodman, general manager of customer experience.

“We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on longhaul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels,” said Goodman.

All images are courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Boeing 777X takes to the skies

26 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing 777X, Business, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Technology, Travel, UAE

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777X

The Boeing 777X takes off from Everett, Wash., on Saturday.

SEATTLE, Wash. — “The 777X flew beautifully,” said Capt. Van Chaney after successfully flying Boeing’s newest aircraft Saturday.

“Thank you to all the teams who made today possible. I can’t wait to go fly your airplane again,” added the chief pilot for 777X test and evaluation

With that first flight, the world’s longest and largest twin-engine airliner entered the next phase of its test program.

The 777-9X is based on the popular 777.

777XThe aircraft took off in front of thousands at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:09 a.m. local time for a three-hour, 51-minute flight over Washington state before landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field, the company said.

Chaney called the flight very productive.

The first of four dedicated 777-9 flight test airplanes, WH001 will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the coming days, Boeing said.

“Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Today’s safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe.”

Boeing has won 340 orders and commitments for the 777X from leading carriers, including Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The first delivery is expected in 2021.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

 

Etihad raises funds for eco residence

08 Sunday Dec 2019

Posted by in Airlines, Buisness, Etihad, Etihad Eco-Residence, News, Transport, UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Etihad

Etihad


Andy Cairns of First Abu Dhabi Bank, Khaled Khalfan Al Suwaidi of Abu Dhabi Global Market and Adam Boukadida of Etihad Aviation Group at the signing ceremony.

Etihad Airways has raised 100 million euros to support the expansion of its eco residence in Abu Dhabi, a sustainable residential complex for the airline’s cabin crew.

In doing so, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates has become the first airline to secure funding for a project based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the company said Sunday.

First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Market will finance the project.

“We are proud to be the first airline globally, and one of the first companies in the UAE, to obtain commercial funding based on our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations,” said Adam Boukadida, senior vice-president, treasury, tax and finance at Etihad Aviation Group.

He said the process to secure the loan hinged on a detailed international verification of the airline’s sustainability credentials.

“This assessment will enable us to fund long-term leases of the new eco residence complex, located in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City innovation precinct, and will serve as the foundation for Etihad to fund future sustainable initiatives.”

Financing for these type projects must be linked to one or more of the goals, and the Etihad project met two, the company said.

To support the financing, Etihad established a framework.

The airline then engaged Sustainalytics to review the framework, and confirm alignment with the Sustainability Bond Principles of the International Capital Markets Association.

The company issued a Second Party Opinion verifying Etihad’s sustainability credentials, a key condition to raising capital, Etihad said.

Images are courtesy of Etihad.