AMEVoice Moderator

Air France’s fleet of Airbus A380s this week became the latest victim of the COVID-19 pandemic after the airline confirmed that its remaining nine aircraft would not be returning to service. The SkyTeam alliance member originally planned to phase out the superjumbo by 2022, but the date has been brought forward in light of the current crisis facing the aviation industry. Five of the A380s are owned by Air France or on finance lease, while four are on operating lease. All nine are currently in storage and will not return to scheduled service once coronavirus-related travel restrictions are lifted. “In the context of the current COVID-19 crisis and its impact on anticipated activity levels, the Air France-KLM group announces today the definitive end of Air France Airbus A380 operations,” a statement said. The Air France-KLM Group expects the overall impact of the phase-out to amount to a writedown of €500 million ($550 million) and will be booked in the second quarter of 2020 as a non-current cost/expenses. Air France said its A380s would be replaced by A350s and Boeing 787s as part of a strategy to make its fleet more competitive and reduce its environmental footprint. The carrier took delivery of its first A380 in 2009 and later added a further nine. However, the first to leave its fleet made its final flight in February this year, landing at Knock (NOC) in Ireland to be disassembled and turned into spare parts. According to analysis of data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser, Air France offered 2.67 million A380 seats in 2019, accounting for 4.5% of its total available capacity.     Air France flight AF380 carries a special meaning. On June 26, 2020, the airlines’ final A380 takes off for one last journey, marking the end of a brief era when Airbus superjumbos soared the skies for the French flag carrier.  Airbus A380, registration number F-HPJH, is taking off from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) at 15:30 local time (13:30 UTC). The flight, sentimentally registered as AF380, is the airline’s last farewell to the iconic aircraft, which is being retired from the fleet.    The legendary #A380 bids a final farewell and makes its last #AirFrance flight today, Friday 26 june. 🛬Bye-bye big bird! #AF380 pic.twitter.com/LNkkqX3htU — Air France (@airfrance) June 26, 2020       In the context of the current #COVID19 crisis and its impact on anticipated activity levels, the #AirFranceKLM Group announces the definitive end of #AirFrance Airbus #A380 operations, initially scheduled by the end of 2022. More details 👉 https://t.co/wL4EsUNPpY pic.twitter.com/ZY0YWR8nD3 — Air France-KLM Group (@AirFranceKLM) May 20, 2020         And that's the final Air France A380 flight route -  

British Airways’ first Boeing 787-10 is finally being delivered after a half-year delay. The aircraft is currently due to arrive in its new London Heathrow home at 11:50 this morning. Its been a long wait for British Airways’ first Boeing 787-10. The aircraft was first due to be delivered to the British flag carrier in January, with entry to service targetted for February. However, the plane wasn’t delivered in January or February, March, April, and May. Now, around half a year later, the new aircraft is finally on its first journey across the Atlantic Ocean to its new home.   “The delivery of our first 787-10 aircraft marks another significant milestone in our £6.5bn customer investment plan. The aircraft delivers a 25 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces…  It will also offer greater comfort for our customers, as it features our latest generation seats in all cabins.”     Seven facts about New Dreamliner 787-10     1. Going the distance 18 feet longer than the 787-9, the 787-10 can carry more passengers and more cargo than its predecessors. Flying up to 6,430 nautical miles, the 787-10 uses 20 percent less fuel than older generation airplanes, making it superior when it comes to fuel efficiency. 2. More seating options Featuring more premium seating options, including 44 United Polaris® business class seats, 21 new United® Premium Plus seats, 54 Economy Plus® seats and 199 United Economy® seats. The 787-10 offers seating options to meet all preferences. 3. Improved cabin air Thanks to a new air filtration system, the 787-10 boasts better air pressure and humidity, helping passengers fight dryness and fatigue on long flight   4. Mood lighting The 787-10's cabin features lighting patterns that mimic sunrise and sunset, designed to help passengers fall asleep and wake up more adjusted after arriving in a new time zone. 5. A better ride Smoother ride technology on the 787-10 helps to offset turbulence, resulting in less motion sickness and a more comfortable flight. 6. State-of-the-art windows With 19-inch windows, the 787-10 has the largest of any aircraft in the market. The large windows allow views of the horizon, plus there's no need to shut the window shade as the Dreamliner's windows dim electronically with smart glass.     7. Entertainment at hand Featuring a new seatback entertainment system with a split-screen function, passengers are now able view the flight map while watching a movie. They can also customize a list of soothing videos and relaxing audio playlists. Also, it makes movie and television recommendations based on your remaining flight time and previously-watched content. The new system accommodates any level of vision and provides support for customers with hearing and mobility issues.  The 787-10 Dreamliner is now flying from Los Angeles to New York/Newark and it will begin service between San Francisco and New York/Newark this month, with international service starting in March.