Emirates, the world’s largest operator of Airbus A380s, is taking its European operations to new heights by introducing its newly retrofitted A380 aircraft to Manchester and Milan.

These aircraft feature the airline’s latest cabin upgrades, including the much-anticipated Premium Economy class, alongside refreshed interiors across all cabin classes. This move is part of Emirates’ multi-billion-dollar retrofit program aimed at modernizing its fleet and enhancing passenger comfort.

Starting June 6, Emirates will deploy the upgraded A380s on flights EK017 and EK018 between Dubai and Manchester. Following this, the retrofitted aircraft will begin operating on flights EK091 and EK092 to Milan from July 1. The introduction of these aircraft marks a significant milestone for Emirates as it expands its Premium Economy offering to more destinations in Europe. 

The airline has already introduced these upgraded A380s on routes to London Heathrow, New York JFK, Sydney, Paris, and Christchurch.

Premium Economy: A New Level of Comfort

The highlight of these retrofitted A380s is the Premium Economy cabin, which offers passengers a unique blend of luxury and affordability. Designed to bridge the gap between Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy features 56 seats arranged in a spacious 2-4-2 configuration.

Each seat is crafted for maximum comfort, offering up to 40 inches of pitch, wider seats with adjustable headrests, and generous recline. Passengers can also enjoy in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table for added convenience, and premium dining options curated exclusively for this class. Complementing the elevated experience are fine beverages such as Chandon Vintage Brut 2016.

Upgrades Across All Cabins

The retrofit program doesn’t stop at Premium Economy—passengers across all cabin classes will benefit from enhanced features. First Class suites on the refurbished A380s offer unmatched privacy with closing doors, virtual windows for middle suites, zero-gravity seats designed for ultimate relaxation, and gourmet dining options served on demand.

Business Class travelers will enjoy lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, updated finishes inspired by luxury automotive interiors, and an onboard lounge where passengers can socialize or relax during their flight.

Economy Class passengers are also in for an improved experience with ergonomically designed seats featuring adjustable headrests and enhanced entertainment systems with larger screens. Across all classes, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment), offers over 5,000 channels of movies, TV shows, music playlists, games, and live sports.

Strategic Expansion

The introduction of these retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to meet growing demand for premium travel experiences while maintaining its position as a leader in global aviation. By expanding its Premium Economy offering to new markets, Emirates is catering to passengers who seek elevated comfort without the higher cost associated with Business Class.

Manchester currently enjoys three daily Emirates flights operated by both A380s and Boeing 777s. The addition of the retrofitted A380s will enhance passenger choice on this busy route. Similarly, Milan benefits from multiple daily flights connecting Italy to Dubai’s global hub. With these upgrades in place by mid-2025, passengers traveling from Manchester and Milan will have access to Emirates’ latest cabin features on long-haul journeys to popular destinations such as Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai, Osaka, and Bangkok.

Fleet Modernization Program

Emirates’ retrofit initiative is part of a $2 billion investment aimed at upgrading 120 aircraft in its fleet—comprising both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s—over the next few years. The program reflects Emirates’ commitment to sustainability by extending the lifecycle of its existing fleet while introducing cutting-edge technologies for improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Looking Ahead

As Emirates continues to innovate and expand its services globally, the deployment of these retrofitted A380s signals a new era of travel for passengers flying through Manchester and Milan. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers can look forward to enjoying world-class amenities that redefine air travel standards.

With its extensive network spanning six continents and connections to over 140 destinations worldwide, Emirates remains dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences tailored to diverse customer needs.

This latest development further solidifies Emirates' reputation as an industry leader committed to blending luxury with accessibility while setting benchmarks for innovation in aviation. Passengers departing from Manchester or Milan can now anticipate a seamless journey aboard one of the most advanced aircraft in the skies today.

Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian startup airline backed by the Public Investment Fund, has expressed its willingness to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines, should those deliveries be blocked due to the intensifying trade war between the United States and China.

CEO Tony Douglas stated at the Arabian Travel Market conference in Dubai that the airline had made it clear to Boeing that it would be ready to take all available jets if China’s suspension of Boeing deliveries persists, a move prompted by reciprocal tariffs between the two economic giants.

China recently ordered its airlines to halt the acceptance of new Boeing jets in response to the U.S. imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. In retaliation, Beijing levied 125% duties on American goods, including aircraft, making Boeing jets financially unviable for Chinese carriers. This standoff has left dozens of Boeing planes undelivered, with some already repatriated to the United States, and has prompted Boeing to seek alternative buyers in a tight global jet market.

Riyadh Air, which plans to launch operations later this year, has been rapidly expanding its fleet and workforce. The airline has already placed orders for up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo jets, and intends to announce an additional wide-body aircraft order this summer.

With nearly 500 employees hired and plans to double its staff within a year, Riyadh Air aims to capitalize on regional demand, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council, and is positioning itself as a key player ready to absorb aircraft sidelined by global trade tensions.

Riyadh Air is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans, having recently secured 11 strategic agreements during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These partnerships will allow the airline to extend its operations to 125 countries, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Collaborations with established entities such as DNATA, Discover the World Momentum, Aviareps, and Satguru Representation Services aim to enhance the airline's global footprint and streamline travel experiences for customers.

Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, stated that these agreements reflect the airline's commitment to becoming a true global player. “These partnerships will push the boundaries of travel for our guests and reinforce our determination to offer exceptional service,” he noted.

The focus will be on improving customer experiences across key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and Africa, showcasing the rich hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, Riyadh Air is also focused on technological innovation. The airline has partnered with Loyalty Juggernaut to develop a next-generation loyalty program, which will utilize advanced analytics to deliver personalized rewards and engagement opportunities for travelers. This initiative is aimed at fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall satisfaction.

Furthermore, Riyadh Air is working with major travel technology distributors like Amadeus and Sabre to implement cutting-edge retail solutions that will streamline the booking process. These technological advancements are intended to modernize the airline's digital strategy and improve the overall customer journey.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural flight later this year, it plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and significantly boost the tourism sector.

The establishment of Riyadh as a major global aviation hub is expected to attract millions of visitors, contributing to economic growth and positioning the country as a vital player in the international travel market.

In summary, Riyadh Air is poised to transform the landscape of air travel with its extensive partnerships and innovative strategies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.

 Emirates is strengthening its footprint in China with the launch of daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, marking a strategic expansion into one of Eastern China's key economic hubs.

Starting July 30, subject to government approval, the Dubai-based airline will begin servicing Hangzhou daily, bringing its total number of gateways into mainland China to five. The new route adds to Emirates’ existing operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

With this latest addition, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to China — including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now, Hangzhou.

The move comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to report robust demand from China, currently transporting around 2,000 tons of cargo weekly. The airline confirms that all routes into the country are operating at full capacity, reflecting the strong rebound in freight movement even as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Beyond cargo, the new Hangzhou service is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers heading to or from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The flight schedule is designed to offer smooth two-way connections to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, and 11 in the Middle East, including major cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch flights to Shenzhen, underlining its commitment to China’s vast and dynamic aviation market. Industry analysts say this latest expansion signals the airline’s confidence in the long-term potential of Chinese outbound travel — and its determination to be at the forefront of that growth.

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline flynas is gearing up for a major market debut as it readies to go public with a 30% stake offering—up to 20% of which is open to retail investors. This IPO positions flynas as the next big name in the GCC aviation sector to join the stock market.

The institutional book-building process is slated to wrap up by May 18, while retail investors can subscribe starting May 28. The final allocation is scheduled for June 3, with the listing date on the Saudi Tadawul exchange to be announced soon.

As the Kingdom aims to diversify and strengthen its capital markets, flynas is riding a wave of regional aviation growth. In just the first nine months of 2024, the airline transported 10.9 million passengers across its 72-destination network, a reflection of its expanding footprint. It has also placed substantial aircraft orders—130 A320neos and 30 A330neos—to fuel future growth.

The airline’s financials are also climbing. Revenues reached SR434 million in 2024, up from SR401 million a year prior, contributing to a full-year revenue tally exceeding SR7.5 billion.

“This IPO offers investors the opportunity to participate in the growth journey of a high-value airline operating within one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC,” said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas.

With investor interest in regional aviation heating up, flynas is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the skies—and now, on the stock exchange.