Latest news with #AirbusA380
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Benghazi Airport to Open in 2026
Libya is set to launch a major gateway into global trade and aviation with the opening of the $1.3 billion Benghazi International Airport in 2026, a key pillar of the country's Vision 2030 strategy to transform itself into a regional hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Delivered by the National Development Agency (NDA) in partnership with Global Builders Company, a subsidiary of Terminal Group Holding, the new airport marks one of Libya's most ambitious infrastructure undertakings to date. At the forefront is Mahmud Elforjani, executive director of the NDA, who has championed major projects aligned with Libya's national agenda. 'The new Benghazi International Airport is not just a gateway to the world — it's a gateway to Libya's future,' said Elforjani. 'This project will catalyse trade, tourism, and economic development, while showcasing the immense potential of our people and our geography.' Spanning 24 square kilometres, the airport will accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually. The design includes a 125,000m² passenger terminal, a VIP terminal, cargo logistics hub, and a 3.8-kilometre runway — the longest in North Africa and fully capable of handling aircraft like the Airbus A380. The new facility is a cornerstone among over 150 strategic infrastructure projects being implemented under Vision 2030 Libya, a national development blueprint aimed at building a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economy. The strategy is founded on three pillars: A Flourishing Society, A Balanced Economy, and A State for the People. Benghazi International Airport will be fully integrated with the nearby Juliana Free Zone and Port, currently undergoing upgrades to serve as a multimodal transport and trade centre. The broader vision also includes trans-Saharan corridors, economic free zones, and strengthened connectivity to sub-Saharan Africa. More than 2,500 jobs are being created through the project, involving teams from 12 countries, yet its development focus remains local and inclusive. Opportunities in employment, training, and services are being extended to Libyans, reinforcing the NDA's commitment to human capital and regional upliftment. Additionally, Libya's ultra-low aviation fuel costs are expected to attract major international airlines and logistics operators, offering a competitive edge in a tightening global aviation market. With Benghazi's transformation into a logistics and transport powerhouse, the new airport represents not only a bold infrastructural leap — but a strategic pivot toward Libya's long-term stability and prosperity. Tags: benghaziBenghazi AirportMiddle EastNational Development AgencyNDA
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
British Airways flight attendant reportedly found dancing naked on SFO flight
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A British Airways flight attendant was reportedly found naked 'staging a one-man disco' in a business class restroom on a flight from San Francisco to London last week. According to a report in UK publication The Sun, the incident occurred when the flight attendant, a 41-year-old man, was supposed to be serving the in-flight meal. While serving the meal, the flight attendant's colleagues searched the aircraft, which was an Airbus A380, according to FlightAware. The in-flight crew boss was reportedly 'stunned' to find the missing flight attendant completely naked and 'jigging up and down' in a business class restroom. Timelapse: Northern Lights visible in Sonoma County The flight attendant, according to The Sun, was given a pair of pajamas reserved for first class passengers and bundled into a seat in the first-class cabin where he was restrained for the rest of the flight. Upon the plane landing at London Heathrow, the flight attendant was reportedly given medical attention and arrested. British Airways has reportedly suspended the flight attendant while an investigation is conducted. According to The Sun, angry flight crew members had to work the entire flight without breaks due to the flight attendant being incapacitated by drugs. 'We think the guy popped pills when he was meant to be working. It is an extraordinary thing to do,' said one airline employee, speaking to The Sun. 'Not only is it really dangerous, it is a crazy way to end your BA career. This job can do ridiculous things to people, but staging a one-man disco in a Club World toilet is a new one to me.' reached out to British Airways for comment. 'This is a matter for the police,' an airlines spokesperson replied. According to FlightAware, the plane landed in London on May 25 at 11 a.m. local time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
I flew on hyped new airline claiming to bring back 'golden age'
Global Airlines is promising a return to the 'Golden Age' of air travel - but what's it really like to fly on board the A380 from Manchester to New York with the new carrier? If you've ever jetted off from Manchester Airport to the Big Apple, your airline choices likely included Aer Lingus or Virgin Atlantic, perhaps even British Airways connecting via a London airport. But brace yourselves for a sky-high revolution as a new contender, Global Airlines, promises to channel the charm of yesteryear's glorious air travel days. Arriving seemingly out of the blue, Global Airlines is taking on established heavyweight carriers, deploying the mammoth "Superjumbo" Airbus A380 as its weapon of choice. The venture kicked off in 2021, steered by entrepreneur James Asquith – the same high-flyer who challenged the hospitality sector with Airbnb competitor Holiday Swap and snagged a Guinness World Record as the youngest bloke to trot across every nation on the globe. Taking under his wing a seasoned 12 year old A380 that once graced the skies with China Southern, 'millionaire' Asquith – new to the aviation industry but not to travel – added the behemoth to his fledgling fleet in May 2023. He's been upfront about it: launching an airline has always been his boyhood fantasy. But is this vision genuinely within reach? Here's the grand blueprint: refit the airliner into a bastion of class-straddling splendour, including a unique gaming cabin, a lively onboard pub, and the inception of a newfangled travel category that blends the luxuries of business with premium economy's value. Passengers can anticipate the novelty of boarding a four-engine, double-decker colossus — a dwindling thrill as most airlines favour smaller, easier-to-manage machines. Emirates remains one notable exception, still cruising triumphant with three A380s leaving Manchester daily. The inaugural Global Airlines flight, operated by Hi Fly, from Glasgow to New York JFK on May 15 received mixed reactions, with the much-anticipated 'gamer cabin' missing and the aircraft retaining a strong China Southern vibe. Youtuber Josh Cahill didn't mince words in his review titled "Global Airlines STRANGE First Flight and it was VERY BAD!", slamming the airline for failing to meet expectations. However, The Independent's travel expert Simon Calder offered a contrasting view, describing the journey as a "very comfortable flight" and a "fascinating event". Despite its grandiose name, Global Airlines isn't actually an airline and lacks an operating licence; it's legally run by Portuguese carrier Hi Fly, with Travelopedia handling the ticket sales. I joined the second Global Airlines flight from Manchester Airport to New York JFK on May 21, and it turned out to be one of the most bizarre flights I've ever experienced. From check-in to take-off, with plane enthusiasts peering through the airport fence, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. However, as the flight progressed, it became evident that the Global Airlines experience is still very much a work in progress. The branded headrest covers, vanity kits and flight menus were no match for the obvious signs of 12 years' wear and tear inside the aircraft. Strip away the icons from any major airline and you'd get a fairly good idea of who you were flying with based on brand identity alone. But take the Global Airlines branding out of the picture, and you wouldn't have a clue which company's aircraft you were in – not exactly confidence-inspiring in times when brand trust is everything. However, taking a seat on an Airbus A380 was undeniably a highlight. The plane attracted plenty of excitement, especially from several YouTubers who were there capturing every moment of the journey – cameras seemed to emerge left, right, and centre over passenger seats. Amongst them were the renowned travelling couple Kara and Nate, boasting a staggering 4.2million subscribers. Another YouTube personality even made the trip all the way from Melbourne just to be part of the flight. So what was the flight like? Here's the lowdown on my experience with Global Airlines from Manchester Airport to New York JFK. Regarding check-in and boarding: On the night before the flight, we got an email from James Asquith himself, where he said he was "looking forward to seeing us". He helpfully told us which check-in desks we should head to and reminded us about the ESTA – useful advice, albeit a bit late for those who hadn't sorted one yet. We were also advised to 'charge up' our devices as we would need them to access the inflight entertainment system and informed that there was no wifi on board. I found the former more annoying; I enjoy watching a good film or two on a long-haul flight and appreciate being 'offline' for several hours. Not owning a tablet, I have no desire to squint at my phone screen to watch a movie. Another notable aspect: Global Airlines' website is basic, with little guidance on customer service. There was no help number, and no responses to any emails when we had a query about the booking. Most major airlines have the option to 'manage your booking' online, but this was not the case here. Upon arriving at check-in the next morning at Manchester Airport's Terminal 1, we saw banners displaying Global Airline's branding (with "operated by Hi Fly" in small print), one for each class: Global Traveller, Global Business, and Global First. A sparkly photo point, branded cupcakes, and a buzz among passengers created a lively atmosphere. I spotted two men with Airbus A380 key rings dangling off their bags. I chatted with two young men who had won their tickets in an Instagram competition, finding out only 48 hours before the flight's departure. After receiving my economy ticket, I proceeded through security like any other traveller. I must say, it was the smoothest security experience I've ever had, breezing through in less than five minutes thanks to the new scanners that don't require you to remove anything from your bags - a real boon for passengers. I can't say whether business and first class passengers were whisked away to a lounge, but I found myself left to my own devices in Manchester's soon-to-be-demolished Terminal 1. However, I did enjoy a splendid view of the Global Airlines A380 as I savoured my coffee at Starbucks, the massive aircraft dwarfing all others nearby. Having purchased my obligatory (at least for me) magazines and a 750ml bottle of Buxton from WH Smiths, gate 20D was announced and I made my way there, where a gentleman directed me downstairs. It quickly became apparent that the flight wouldn't be heavily populated. I later learned that there were only between 80-90 passengers on the plane, which has a capacity of around 500. It does make one wonder: why operate such a large aircraft if you can't even fill it? Asquith himself arrived, flanked by a group of people, but without any fanfare - you wouldn't know it was him unless you recognised his face - no grandstanding here. First class passengers were, naturally, called up first, partially filling the bus that would transport them to the aircraft. The rest of us were then ushered on, although when my boarding ticket was checked I was told it needed to be altered and received a premium ticket - although there was no mention of the word 'upgrade', simply that I had been issued the wrong ticket at check in. We sped across the apron to the plane, which bore the Global Airlines livery, its vast size truly becoming apparent. And it really was a beast of a plane - honestly massive. Even the ground staff seemed excited about it. We climbed the steps to the lower deck, and headed inside. We were led upstairs, passing through the first class cabin on the way, and then I settled into my seat in business. Take off and settling in: The flight was due to depart at 12.25pm, at 12.45pm we were taxiing to the runway, and after a smooth take off - watched by dozens of plane spotters - we were up in the air by 1pm, informed by the pilot that the flight would be six hours and 30 minutes. My business class cabin was barely a quarter full, unlike any other flight I've been on. The way it's configured is that there are four seats across - one at either window and two in the middle. Each has a side table, a screen directly in front of the seat and a foot rest which comes into use when you recline the seat into the flat position. The foot rest also has a handy storage section for your shoes or bag. There's a tray table that can be pulled out for dining, and plenty of storage for your books, phones and more beside the seat. My seat was adorned with a certificate for the maiden voyage, a menu, a bookmark with a message from Asquith, a blanket, a cushion and a vanity kit. This was a stylish zipped leather wallet containing socks, an eye mask, ear plugs and a dental kit, along with a pen. It was decent but not too dissimilar to a Turkish Airlines economy kit I recently obtained - which even had slippers. The seat was certainly comfortable and spacious; having the side table was a real plus. Yet it felt tired and dated; I noticed several scuffs and stains, and when I fully reclined my seat I could see what looked like tea or coffee stains on the plastic back of the seat. You could see where old stickers had been removed, and where new stickers were covering up old ones. China Southern patterns were still visible and it all felt a bit shabby. It's obviously not what Global Airline's had planned. Food and drink: My menu was the Global Traveller option, which presumably meant I was getting the economy meal while sitting in business, not unheard of if you're upgraded at the last minute but still a little bizarre. It stated that we would be presented with a selection of drinks including Laurent Perrier Champagne, fine wines, spirits and beers, soft drinks and juices, and snacks. I was anticipating a round of drinks before the meal, but none came. However, it was intriguing to see that a few passengers near the front were being served and it became clear throughout the flight that they were receiving the true business experience, while I and other passengers nearby were not. After a reasonable wait, lunch arrived: caprese salad to start, followed by a main course of either herbed chicken ballantine, pan fried sea bass or spiced white bean and aubergine cassolette, with a citrus tart to finish. I opted for the chicken and it was scrumptious, served with carrots, spring onion, and crushed potatoes with some gravy. The salad was delightful with a charming tiny bottle of dressing, while the tart was exceptional, refreshingly tangy and light. However, the bread roll was not served warm, as is customary on flights, making it rather chewy. There was also no salt and pepper, or wet wipe provided with the cutlery. We were offered a drink but there was no sign of the champagne, so I chose white wine. The meal was satisfactory, but it lacked refinement. I was told that during the Glasgow flight there was a delay in getting the food on board, resulting in long waits for passengers, although this was not the case on our flight. About an hour later, the crew came round to offer us a snack such as crisps, olives and sweets, along with a drink. This time I asked for champagne and I did receive it, along with some salted Kettle chips. Our menu also had an 'a la carte' section which included two types of afternoon tea, one for meat-eaters and one vegetarian. About 90 minutes before we were due to land the crew came round asking if we wanted anything - but didn't explicitly say 'would you like the afternoon tea', it was only by me pushing for more information that they said the afternoon tea was available. I feared a bout of turbulence would threaten its arrival, but it safely appeared, although the sandwiches were a mix from both the options and the scones were missing. It was delicious though and filled a hole - I was just glad I had the initiative to push for it. In flight entertainment: Inflight entertainment, particularly if you're not going to offer WIFI, is key on a long haul flight. Across most major airlines it's gone from strength to strength and often it's a chance to catch up on new releases you may have missed in the cinema. So to be told the screens wouldn't be working on board was a huge disappointment for me, particularly as I didn't have a tablet computer. I knew I wasn't going to bother watching anything but out of curiosity I scanned the QR code which connected me to the Global Times network. The option to view the flight route was available, albeit in a very basic manner: it didn't display departure time, arrival time, ground speed or any of the usual information you'd expect on a plane. It seemed like my friends and family on the ground had more information about my flight than I did up in the air. A few films were available for viewing, including Beetlejuice, Barbie and Twister, along with several others I hadn't heard of. There was a category labelled 'Europeen' - yes, spelled incorrectly, and only a handful of TV shows, including the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I opted to stick with my magazines and podcasts, often catching my blurred reflection in the redundant screen opposite me. The service: The aircraft was staffed by a Hi Fly crew, though I was told that some of them had undergone Global Airlines training and they all wore the uniform. All crew members were friendly, polite and carried out their duties professionally. At one point, we were given hot damp cloths (always a treat) and a selection of hand, foot and cuticle creams - I used the hand cream but due to cabin pressure, it wouldn't stop pouring out and I had to use a wet wipe to deal with the excessive greasiness. Still, it was a nice touch. However, there was an undeniable feeling that this wasn't a Global Airlines crew, which added to the sense of an unfinished product. Cabin crew usually take great pride in their airlines, but the crew here felt like they were merely playing a role. The other cabins: I had the opportunity to explore both the first class and economy cabins. The latter was pretty standard as you'd expect. Much like the business cabin, first class was spacious, with each seat in its own cubicle equipped with privacy screens. The Global Airlines touch was evident in the finer details: small leather handbags containing vanity kits, beige pyjama sets (which one Youtuber demonstrated has a zip that encloses the hood completely, almost like a morph suit), and slippers. I managed to get a glimpse of the first class menu, which boasted more options than a high-end restaurant. Lunch choices included caviar, antipasti, a cheese platter and a smoked salmon platter. An 'amuse bouche' course featured dishes such as tuna tartar, duck foie gras, and smoked duck breast. Interestingly, while economy's 'a la carte' offered a lighter snack option of afternoon tea, first class passengers were treated to a three-course feast. Considering this is a flight of under seven hours, after their lunch, passengers in first could then dine on: beetroot salad, tomato and mozzarella or balik salmon; followed by: blackened miso cod, beef tender rib, chicken ballantine or pan fried butternut squash; and finished with 'pina colada' and 'strawberry gem' desserts or a chocolate and avocado mousse. The menu was certainly ambitious and impressive. However, I suspect it's the sort of grub you'd prefer to enjoy in a brand new first class seat, not one that's over a decade old. How much did the flights cost? We shelled out £697.28 for return flights from Manchester Airport to New York JFK, booked a week before take-off. This included 10kg hand luggage and 23kg hold luggage. However, in the weeks leading up to departure, they announced several flash sales, with return economy tickets starting from £380 and return business tickets from £1999. A safe landing, but an uncertain future: Catching glimpses of the iconic Manhattan skyline, we landed smoothly at JFK, our bags ready to collect promptly after passing through passport control. The A380, owned by Global Airlines, managed to get off the ground and safely deliver its passengers to their destination. Judging by the buzz surrounding the A380, perhaps Asquith is onto something. There was a touch of magic in the air, the sense that this could be the start of something truly exciting. However, the product I experienced felt unfinished. It somewhat resembled a stunt, akin to how people rent grounded private jets just to snap photos for their social media, creating an illusion. This felt like the A380 had been rented too, slapped with some logos and sent off on potentially a one-off service. Global Airlines has a mountain to climb in order to establish a strong brand identity, revamp its A380 (let alone expand its fleet), and crucially, it needs to become an official airline. Until then, trusted brands such as Aer Lingus, Virgin and British Airways seem much more attractive for transatlantic routes from Manchester. If Asquith manages to pull this off, Global Airlines will mark a new chapter in the history of aviation. But that's a very big, Superjumbo jet-sized if.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Missing flight attendant found naked and dancing in plane bathroom
A British Airways Airbus A380 aircraft is parked at the Chateauroux-Deols "Marcel Dassault" Airport (CHR) on May 22, 2020 in Deols, central France. Photo by Guillaume Souvant/AFP / Getty Images A British Airways flight attendant was caught with his pants down — literally — after he was reported missing mid-flight, then discovered naked and dancing in a business class bathroom. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The frolicking flight attendant appeared to have vanished by the time meals were served on a flight from San Francisco to London, the U.K. Sun reported. His colleagues searched for him on the double-decker Airbus A380 — which had 470 passengers and crew on board — until one crew member discovered him in the Club World Cabin bathroom completely naked and dancing up a storm. The man, who his co-workers say was on a drug-fuelled bender, was given a spare pair of pyjamas reserved for first-class passengers, then taken to the first-class cabin where he remained for the rest of the flight, according to the publication. The 41-year-old man was arrested upon landing the morning of May 25, in response to calls from cabin crew about the welfare of a man on board, London's Metropolitan Police told People in a statement. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He also received medical attention and was taken from the plane in a wheelchair. His irate colleagues complained that they were forced to work the entire flight without breaks due to being a man down. 'It was a long time before he was located and he was completely out of it,' one co-worker told the publication. 'We think the guy popped pills when he was meant to be working,' they continued. RECOMMENDED VIDEO 'The plane was cruising at 37,000 feet over the Atlantic, but this bloke seemed to be higher than anyone else.' Read More The steward was reportedly suspended from duties during the ongoing investigation, the Sun reported. British Airways had no additional details, with a spokesperson saying, 'This is a matter for the police.' Toronto Maple Leafs Olympics Toronto Raptors World Toronto Maple Leafs
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
British Airways flight attendant found naked and dancing on San Francisco flight to London
A British Airways flight attendant was arrested last week after allegedly being discovered naked and dancing inside a business class restroom mid-flight on a transatlantic journey from San Francisco International Airport to London Heathrow, according to multiple reports and police statements. The 41-year-old crew member, who was not named publicly, vanished during in-flight meal service aboard a British Airways Airbus A380, prompting colleagues to search the aircraft. He was eventually located in the Club World cabin bathroom, where, according to one colleague quoted by The Sun, he had turned the space into a 'one-man disco.' Fellow staff reportedly dressed the man in first-class pajamas and restrained him in a first-class seat for the remainder of the 10-and-a-half-hour flight. The double-decker Airbus A380 — the world's largest passenger aircraft — landed safely at London Heathrow Airport at 11 a.m. local time on May 25, with 470 passengers and crew on board. Upon arrival, officers from the Metropolitan Police took the flight attendant into custody. 'At 9.32am, police based at Heathrow Airport were called by cabin crew following the concern for welfare of a man on an inbound flight from San Francisco,' Metropolitan Police said in a statement. 'A 41-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment once the flight had landed. Officers arrested the man after he received medical attention. He was arrested on suspicion of being unfit for duty.' 'This is a matter for the police,' the airline told the Chronicle in a statement Monday.
