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.

IndiGo Airlines is making bold moves to strengthen its position in the aviation sector by investing in a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, while ramping up ownership of its aircraft fleet in a strategy aimed at long-term growth and resilience.

At the airline's recent annual general meeting, leadership disclosed plans to increase the share of aircraft that IndiGo owns or holds on finance leases to between 30 and 40 percent by 2030—a significant jump from the current 16.5 percent. Presently, IndiGo operates 416 aircraft, with 69 owned or finance-leased, a figure that has doubled in just the past year as the airline expands across both domestic and international routes.

This shift toward higher fleet ownership is driven by the airline's goal to enhance capital efficiency, mitigate supply chain risks, and lower operating costs in the long run. Unlike dry leasing, which requires aircraft to be returned at lease end, owning aircraft gives IndiGo greater control over its assets and provides stability crucial for executing long-term network plans. The airline currently has an aircraft backlog of 920 orders and aims to grow its fleet to about 600 aircraft by the end of the decade.

Financially, IndiGo is on solid footing. For fiscal year 2025, the airline posted a net profit of ₹7,258 crore along with substantial free cash reserves of ₹33,150 crore. Despite some shareholder calls for higher dividends, IndiGo’s leadership emphasized that current priorities lie in reinvesting profits into growth initiatives such as fleet expansion, infrastructure development, and enhancing customer experience through services like cargo, digital innovations, loyalty programs, and in-flight upgrades.

One of the most notable projects is the new MRO facility underway in Bengaluru, with CEO Pieter Elbers confirming a planned ₹1,000 crore investment over two years. Initially focused on servicing IndiGo’s own fleet, the facility has the potential to expand to offer maintenance services to other carriers, reflecting IndiGo’s vision to become a key player in India’s aviation services industry.

Internationally, IndiGo is ramping up aircraft deliveries at approximately one per week, underscoring ambitions to increase market share, especially in under-penetrated regions like Europe. New premium offerings such as IndiGo Stretch and a rapidly growing loyalty program—now with over four million members are part of the carrier’s efforts to attract broader customer segments. The airline continues to bolster its digital presence, with a third of bookings made via online platforms, prioritizing enhanced digital engagement and ancillary revenue streams.

Chairman Vikram Mehta pointed out that despite facing geopolitical challenges and rising costs, India’s air travel demand remains robust, underpinned by sustained economic growth. This resilience has led IndiGo to press ahead with its investment-focused strategy, prioritizing long-term market leadership and competitiveness over short-term caution.

With a growing fleet under ownership, a state-of-the-art MRO facility in Bengaluru, and ongoing advancements in service and technology, IndiGo is forging a path to maintain its dominant position in India and to broaden its footprint internationally.

In a move set to redefine loyalty benefits for frequent flyers worldwide, Oman Air and Turkish Airlines have unveiled a strategic partnership between their Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP). This collaboration aims to enrich the travel experience by broadening mileage earning opportunities and expanding network access for members of both airlines.

Effective from August 1, 2025, members of Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles programme, which boasts over 21 million members, can now earn miles when flying to Oman’s key destinations — Muscat, Salalah, and Khasab — as well as across the entire Oman Air network. Conversely, Oman Air’s Sindbad loyalty programme members will gain the advantage of earning miles across the extensive Turkish Airlines network, spanning Türkiye, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, highlighted the significance of this alliance: “This latest loyalty agreement, part of our ongoing partnership, is a meaningful step in expanding the value of our Sindbad programme and strengthening Oman Air’s international reach. We look forward to offering our guests even more rewarding travel experiences around the world.”

Echoing this enthusiasm, Ahmet Olmustur, Chief Commercial Officer at Turkish Airlines, remarked, “Miles&Smiles becomes even more accessible with this agreement. This partnership opens doors for our leisure and business travelers, simplifying their global journeys and making each trip a remarkable story.”

This partnership not only strengthens the global footprint of both airlines but also exemplifies their commitment to delivering enhanced value and seamless connectivity to their loyal customers worldwide.

In a proactive safety measure, Qatar Airways has issued a travel advisory banning passengers from carrying or checking in certain models of Anker power banks. This decision follows a recent recall triggered by concerns over potential fire and burn hazards linked to defective lithium-ion batteries.

The affected Anker models include those recalled in June 2025: Power Banks with model numbers A1647, A1652, A1681, A1689, A1257, as well as the popular Anker PowerCore 10000. Additionally, models A1642, A1647, and A1652 recalled in October 2024 are also prohibited on flights.

Qatar Airways has emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance, stating, "We kindly ask all passengers to verify any Anker power banks in their possession prior to travel. If your device is part of the recall, it is prohibited from being brought onboard."

The recall, issued last month by Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), highlights risks of internal short circuits that could cause overheating and potentially ignite fires. In response, the Ministry is coordinating with dealers to offer those affected a free replacement, gift voucher, or a refund for the purchase price.

This ban aligns with broader safety efforts across the aviation industry to prevent incidents caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. Passengers are urged to check their devices carefully and comply with the advisory to ensure safe travel.

Travelers planning flights with Qatar Airways should take prompt action to confirm whether their Anker power banks fall under the affected models and avoid bringing them onboard to avoid inconvenience and ensure safety throughout their journey.

In a strategic move to broaden its global footprint, Turkish Airlines has submitted a binding offer to acquire a minority stake in the Spanish carrier Air Europa. This potential partnership is part of Turkish Airlines’ ambitious plan to strengthen its presence across Latin America, leveraging Air Europa’s established networks.

According to a statement from Turkish Airlines, the investment aligns with its long-term growth strategy outlined in the airline’s 2033 vision. "Following comprehensive feasibility studies, the investment has been assessed as consistent with our objectives for sustainable value creation," the airline noted.

By joining forces with Air Europa, Turkish Airlines aims to tap into new revenue streams and enhance operational diversity within both passenger and cargo sectors. Air Europa’s robust presence in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin American markets offers Turkish Airlines a strategic gateway to these key regions.

Financial terms of the proposed stake remain undisclosed, leaving industry watchers eager to learn more about the deal’s implications for the competitive landscape in international aviation.

This initiative underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global reach while deepening its regional engagement across emerging markets.

In a significant legal dispute, British Airways (BA), the UK-based airline, has sued the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), the operator of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), seeking compensation exceeding $290,000. The lawsuit stems from a June 2022 incident in which a British Airways Airbus A380 superjumbo was severely damaged due to malfunctioning ground power equipment at the airport.

The affected aircraft, a nine-year-old Airbus A380 registered G-XLEL, had just completed a transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to Boston on June 8, 2022. Upon arrival, it was assigned a gate where it would normally be connected to the airport's power supply through the jetbridge. However, on this occasion, the jetbridge's power unit was out of service, requiring the use of a mobile Ground Power Unit (GPU) instead.

British Airways alleges that this replacement GPU malfunctioned, causing extensive electrical damage to multiple systems on the aircraft.

This unexpected damage forced British Airways to cancel the aircraft’s return flight to London immediately, stranding hundreds of passengers and crew in Boston. The airline faced complex logistics for repairs, as it lacked local maintenance contracts capable of handling A380 electrical system repairs in Boston. Critical aircraft components were removed and flown back to London for assessment and repair before the aircraft itself was ferried empty to London for further servicing. Consequently, the aircraft was grounded for several weeks.

The aircraft in question was recently returned to service in November 2021 after pandemic-related storage, only to be taken out of operation again due to this incident. British Airways filed the lawsuit exactly three years and one day after the incident, claiming at least $293,000 in damages and associated operational costs. Alongside Massport, the lawsuit also named the manufacturer of the faulty GPU.

While details remain confidential, an out-of-court settlement was reached shortly after the lawsuit was served, bringing the dispute to a close without a public trial.

British Airways currently operates a fleet of 12 Airbus A380 aircraft, with G-XLEL among the newer members, delivered in 2016. The airline is planning an extensive refurbishment program for its A380 fleet, expected to commence later this year. The upgrade will introduce new First Class suites, the latest Club World business class seats, and refreshed World Traveller cabins, reducing total seat capacity to favor a more premium travel experience. The first of these refurbished aircraft is projected to return to service by mid-2026.

This incident underscores the critical importance of reliable airport ground support equipment and highlights the operational challenges airlines face when unexpected technical issues arise far from their maintenance bases. The settlement also reflects the serious financial and logistical implications such equipment failures can have on international air carriers.