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.

Emirates Airlines has officially introduced its advanced Airbus A350 aircraft on the Dubai–Amman route, marking a major milestone for both the airline and Jordan’s aviation sector. The A350 made its debut landing at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport on May 20, 2025, two weeks ahead of its initially scheduled June 1 launch, with flight EK905 departing Dubai at 22:10 and arriving in Amman at 00:15.

The return service, EK906, left Amman at 02:05 and landed in Dubai at 06:05, establishing the A350 as a regular fixture on Emirates’ second daily service between the two cities.

The Emirates A350 is configured with 312 seats across three cabins: 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. The aircraft is designed for enhanced passenger comfort, featuring higher ceilings, wider aisles, and a quieter cabin environment. 

Notably, the A350 offers improved seat ergonomics, a brand-new 6-way adjustable headrest in Economy Class for better neck support, and larger overhead storage bins.

Passengers benefit from Emirates’ latest in-flight entertainment system, ICE, which now includes a cinematic 4K display, an intuitive interface for visually impaired travelers, faster Wi-Fi, improved lighting, and a vast content library. Additional features include digital newspapers and magazines, touchscreen call bell buttons for crew service, and a spacious galley area for passengers to stretch and access complimentary snacks.

The A350’s introduction to Amman is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its network. The aircraft currently serves six other destinations, including Edinburgh, Kuwait, and Mumbai, and will soon be deployed to cities such as Oslo, Istanbul, and Ho Chi Minh City. By the end of 2025, Emirates plans to operate the A350 on 17 global routes.

This deployment highlights Emirates’ 39-year relationship with Jordan, dating back to 1986, and underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, tourism, and trade links between Dubai, Amman, and beyond. Emirates also continues to operate its flagship A380 on the Dubai–Amman route, providing travelers with more premium options and enhanced travel experiences.

Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal have officially launched a comprehensive frequent flyer partnership as of May 14, 2025, marking a significant expansion in loyalty benefits and global connectivity for travelers. Under this new agreement, members of Etihad Guest and TAP Miles&Go can now earn and redeem miles seamlessly across both airlines’ networks, greatly enhancing travel flexibility and reward options.

For Etihad Guest members, the partnership opens up the ability to redeem miles not only on flights but also on worldwide hotel stays, holiday packages, and a wide range of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. TAP Miles&Go members enjoy similar flexibility, with the option to use their miles for flights and a variety of exclusive offers, including items from the TAP Store.

This integration means that both frequent and occasional travelers can accelerate their rewards and enjoy a more comprehensive travel experience, covering everything from airfare to accommodation and curated holiday packages.

The partnership builds on a strategic codeshare agreement established between the two airlines in 2023, which had already enhanced connectivity and destination choices for passengers. The combined route networks now span North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, allowing members to access a truly global array of destinations.

For example, Etihad Guest members can earn miles on TAP-operated flights to cities such as Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, and Cancun, while TAP Miles&Go members can now earn and redeem miles on Etihad’s growing network, including new destinations like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, and Medan.

The partnership also emphasizes improved customer experience through streamlined booking, mileage tracking, and the potential for joint promotions, tier benefits, and personalized offers. According to Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, this collaboration offers members even more ways to earn and redeem miles across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to rewarding loyalty wherever members travel.

Pedro Flores Ribeiro, Director of TAP Miles&Go, highlighted the excitement of offering TAP members the opportunity to redeem miles on Etihad flights and welcoming Etihad Guest members to experience TAP’s renowned Portuguese hospitality.

Both airlines bring strong reputations and extensive networks to the partnership. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is recognized for its award-winning service and global reach, while TAP Air Portugal, a Star Alliance member since 2005, operates one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in Europe and has been ranked the safest airline in Europe for 2025.

This alliance is expected to drive cross-brand loyalty, attract new customers, and set a new standard for frequent flyer benefits in the competitive airline industry

India’s budget airline powerhouse, IndiGo, is making bold moves to expand its international presence, with the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah starting May 15. This milestone makes Fujairah IndiGo’s fifth UAE destination and its 41st international route, strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint across the Middle East.

To enhance connectivity beyond Fujairah, IndiGo will also offer dedicated bus services linking Fujairah with Dubai and Sharjah—adding to its existing UAE network that includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

“As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE, these new flights will further enhance regional connectivity,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

Wider Horizons: Dreamliners and Europe-Bound Ambitions
The Fujairah announcement comes as part of a broader international expansion push by the airline. On Friday, IndiGo revealed it is increasing its wide-body fleet by acquiring two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, adding to an existing damp-lease agreement that already includes four aircraft.

Currently, one Dreamliner (registration LN-FNC) has been flying under IndiGo’s banner since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed later this year. The two newly announced aircraft are expected to join the fleet by early 2026, with the lease potentially extending to 18 months, pending regulatory approval.

These long-haul aircraft will play a pivotal role in IndiGo’s upcoming routes to Europe, including new services to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol set to launch in July 2025. The airline will initially operate these routes using Norse aircraft before transitioning to its own fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is expected in 2027.

With growing momentum in both regional and long-haul markets, IndiGo’s latest moves signal a clear intention: to elevate itself from a domestic leader to a formidable global player.

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.