Latest news with #EtihadA380
Telegraph
06-04-2025
- Telegraph
Why pilots love flying in cold weather
While some seasoned passengers display nonchalance – whether natural or studied – there's inevitably seat-gripping, gasps or even squeals around the cabin whenever an unexpected plane movement or sound occurs. 'The weirdest noise you'll hear? If you're on certain Airbus models, just before take-off and after landing you'll hear what sounds like somebody sawing a plank of wood in the hold. It's actually the mechanism lowering or raising the wing flaps,' said Tom, a UK-based First Officer with eight years' experience. 'I heard of one pilot making an announcement before take-off, saying it was the 'Phantom Flying Carpenter' working in the hold,' she added. The truth is that flying can be full of such worrying instances. We spoke to Tom, as well as an Etihad A380 Captain, about some of aviation's other curious sounds and sensations. 'As pilots, we do everything we can to make a flight as smooth as possible, and modern airliners are designed to mitigate climatic conditions, whether it's the controls and systems, or even the materials aircraft are made of,' Tom said. 'In a business in which efficiency is crucial – after safety, of course – the way we fly the airplane is aimed at making your flight or holiday cheaper by using fuel economically and the engines sparingly to avoid earlier-than-planned maintenance. 'Sometimes unexpected influences, for the passenger that is, affect the performance of the aircraft, and can mean unfamiliar movements from the second the take-off roll starts. 'For instance, hot and sunny weather is what many holidaymakers are travelling for, but heat can be a real nuisance if you're at the controls. When the air gets warmer it's less dense. That thinning of the air gives the aircraft's wings less 'bite' through the air. 'It means the aircraft may need a higher take-off speed to generate enough lift to get off the ground. Because we rarely use full power to take off – for noise reasons, fuel usage or simply avoiding engine wear – that means we use more runway to reach take-off speed. That can mean passengers who don't fly very often may start to worry about seemingly interminable take-off rolls. 'On the other hand, pilots love clear, cold weather: the air is dense, the wings get a better bite on the air, take-off rolls can be shorter because we generate lift sooner, and the aircraft is more responsive to fly.' Different challenges Captain Jihad Richard Matta, Head of Crew Recruitment, Performance and Support at Etihad, also captains an A380 for the airline. 'Hot and cold weather bring their own challenges and affect how an aircraft flies. For example, high temperatures will impact the performance of the engines, which in turn affects the aircraft's performance. The hotter the temperature, the more limited your take-off weight will be,' he said. However, cold weather doesn't always provide a performance advantage. 'Cold, rainy, snowy or slushy weather can affect the aircraft's performance and limit its take-off weight. In extreme cold weather, de-icing the aircraft may be needed as ice, slush or snow can affect the plane's aerodynamics,' he added. 'The airports most affected by temperature are at high altitude, hot weather ones or hubs with short runways. Each of these are affected by temperature in different ways, which can limit the aircraft performance, resulting in reduced take-off weights.' Airports in the Middle East, the Tropics and southern USA have comparatively long runways to allow for regularly-experienced extreme heat. Heatwaves in the likes of Arizona or central Spain may push temperatures high enough to cause flight delays or cancellations – the clue sometimes being passengers asked to close window blinds, against normal take-off procedure, because it's so hot the air conditioning can't cope. Evolving technology But aircraft design features which mystify or even alarm are worth knowing about, particularly the wings of new-generation airliners such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350. Some would argue the Dreamliner has the most efficient wing in the skies, because of its 'blended winglets' – the semi-vertical aerodynamic efficiency aids at the end of the wing – and how much the wing bends. To somebody flying on something like a 787, A350 or A380, possibly for the first time, looking out of the window and seeing just how far their wings bend can be a bit of a surprise. Captain Matta said: 'Aircraft wings are an amazing example of how technology has evolved, with the ones we see today made of mainly lightweight materials such as aluminium alloys or composite materials, allowing them to be flexible. 'When an aircraft encounters turbulence, such wings can bend so they experience less stress which in turn dampens the feeling of turbulence. The more rigid a wing is, the more turbulence passengers will feel.' First Officer Tom said: 'I'd say that wings are tested to destruction during the design stage, but, frankly, it's almost impossible to bend a modern aircraft wing to breaking point.' Some airports affected by heat or terrain require pilots to undergo extra specific training before they can fly an aircraft into or out of them. Atlantic islands Madeira and Cape Verde, as well as ski destination Innsbruck, are examples. Regardless of the airport, some takeoffs and landings may feel dramatic. But they're well within the capabilities of both aircraft and flight crew, who'll take no chances - either delaying take-off, or, if it gets bumpy or too windy during approach, they'll abort the landing and execute a 'go-around'. 'My recommendation?' says Tom. 'Do some research online to understand aircraft noises and movements to reassure not just yourself, but others in your travelling party. 'And be assured no airlines have Phantom Flying Carpenters.'
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad prepares to usher in Lunar Year of the Snake
UAE - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome in the Year of the Snake with guests flying on January 29. The Etihad Lounges at Zayed International Airport will serve an indulgent themed menu for all guests flying in premium cabins and eligible Etihad Guest members. As well as a live cooking station with chefs serving up traditional dishes, the lounges will also feature red-themed decorations inspired by the Lunar New Year. Turky Al Hammadi, Director of Product and Guest Experience, Etihad Airways, said: 'We welcome our guests to join us in celebrating the dawn of the Year of the Snake with a special inflight experience that honours the tradition of the season and fosters prosperity and togetherness.' On January 29, Etihad flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Shanghai will be serving a carefully curated menu to symbolise prosperity and good luck. Delicious treats include prosperity salad with salmon and dragon fruit, shrimp and chicken fried dumplings, black pepper beef with shimeji mushrooms and dessert of mandarin and dark chocolate cake with passion fruit and mango. All guests on these flights will also be gifted a traditional red envelope with chocolate gold coins to celebrate the occasion and bring in the good fortune of the new lunar year. Airbus A380 to connect Abu Dhabi and Singapore As Singapore celebrates Lunar New Year, Etihad will commence flying its iconic Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, adding more capacity to the popular route. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Saturday, February 1. Singapore becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London, New York and Paris. The A380 offers a special experience with Economy passengers enjoying comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad's innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. All guests have access to Wi-Fi connectivity. On the upper deck, 70 Business Studios are complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence Unique to Etihad, and at the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and en suite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service. Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
28-01-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Etihad prepares to usher in Lunar Year of the Snake
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome in the Year of the Snake with guests flying on January 29. The Etihad Lounges at Zayed International Airport will serve an indulgent themed menu for all guests flying in premium cabins and eligible Etihad Guest members. As well as a live cooking station with chefs serving up traditional dishes, the lounges will also feature red-themed decorations inspired by the Lunar New Year. Turky Al Hammadi, Director of Product and Guest Experience, Etihad Airways, said: 'We welcome our guests to join us in celebrating the dawn of the Year of the Snake with a special inflight experience that honours the tradition of the season and fosters prosperity and togetherness.' On January 29, Etihad flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Shanghai will be serving a carefully curated menu to symbolise prosperity and good luck. Delicious treats include prosperity salad with salmon and dragon fruit, shrimp and chicken fried dumplings, black pepper beef with shimeji mushrooms and dessert of mandarin and dark chocolate cake with passion fruit and mango. All guests on these flights will also be gifted a traditional red envelope with chocolate gold coins to celebrate the occasion and bring in the good fortune of the new lunar year. Airbus A380 to connect Abu Dhabi and Singapore As Singapore celebrates Lunar New Year, Etihad will commence flying its iconic Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, adding more capacity to the popular route. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Saturday, February 1. Singapore becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London, New York and Paris. The A380 offers a special experience with Economy passengers enjoying comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad's innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. All guests have access to Wi-Fi connectivity. On the upper deck, 70 Business Studios are complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence Unique to Etihad, and at the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and en suite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Airways ushers in the Lunar Year of the Snake
Delicious live cooking stations at the Etihad Lounge at Zayed International Airport Etihad will begin flying its luxurious Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore from 1 February Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome in the Year of the Snake with guests flying on 29 January. The Etihad Lounges at Zayed International Airport will serve an indulgent themed menu for all guests flying in premium cabins and eligible Etihad Guest members. As well as a live cooking station with chefs serving up traditional dishes, the lounges will also feature red-themed decorations inspired by the Lunar New Year. Turky Al Hammadi, Director of Product and Guest Experience, Etihad Airways, said: 'We welcome our guests to join us in celebrating the dawn of the Year of the Snake with a special inflight experience that honours the tradition of the season and fosters prosperity and togetherness.' On 29 January, Etihad flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Shanghai will be serving a carefully curated menu to symbolise prosperity and good luck. Delicious treats include prosperity salad with salmon and dragon fruit, shrimp and chicken fried dumplings, black pepper beef with shimeji mushrooms and dessert of mandarin and dark chocolate cake with passion fruit and mango. All guests on these flights will also be gifted a traditional red envelope with chocolate gold coins to celebrate the occasion and bring in the good fortune of the new lunar year. Iconic Airbus A380 to connect Abu Dhabi and Singapore As Singapore celebrates Lunar New Year, Etihad will commence flying its iconic Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, adding more capacity to the popular route. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Saturday 1 February. Singapore becomes the fourth major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience in addition to London, New York and Paris. The A380 offers a special experience with Economy passengers enjoying comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad's innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. All guests have access to Wi-Fi connectivity. On the upper deck, 70 Business Studios™ are complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a large ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence Unique to Etihad, and at the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service. Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options. -Ends- For further details: Duty Media Officer Etihad Airways Email: dutymediaofficer@
