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Cape Town, Antarctica: Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly has successfully completed the world’s first Airbus A330 landing on an Antarctic ice runway, marking a major milestone in the evolution of polar aviation. The aircraft touched down at Wolf’s Fang Runway in Queen Maud Land after departing from Cape Town, South Africa. The historic flight was operated using an Airbus A330-302 registered as 9H-HFI and was commanded by Hi Fly Vice-Chairman Captain Carlos Mirpuri, who has previously led several pioneering polar operations for the airline. The mission was conducted on behalf of luxury expedition operator White Desert Antarctica as part of the 2025–26 Antarctic summer season. Wolf’s Fang Runway is a blue-ice airstrip carved out of glacial ice and used for logistics, scientific operations and high-end tourism. In November 2021, Hi Fly made global aviation history by becoming the first airline to land a widebody commercial jet on an Antarctic ice runway. The aircraft used was an Airbus A340-300, which touched down on the blue-ice Wolf’s Fang Runway in the interior of Antarctica. The deployment of the A330 was made possible following recent upgrades to ground-handling and runway-support infrastructure at Wolf’s Fang. These improvements now allow safe operations of modern twin-engine widebody aircraft in one of the world’s most challenging aviation environments. The shift from the four-engine A340 to the twin-engine A330 also brings significant environmental and efficiency benefits. The A330 offers lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and improved operating economics, aligning with growing sustainability expectations for Antarctic operations. Aviation analysts say the successful A330 landing sets a new benchmark for polar operations and opens the door for broader use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for both tourism and scientific logistics in Antarctica. With expanding infrastructure and proven aircraft capability, operators could increasingly rely on twin-engine widebodies for future missions. While Russian cargo jets and military aircraft had operated on Antarctic ice runways earlier, Hi Fly became the first commercial airline to land a widebody passenger jet on Wolf’s Fang Runway in Antarctica’s interior in 2021, followed by the world’s first Airbus A330 ice-runway landing in 2025. For White Desert Antarctica, the milestone strengthens its ability to transport guests, researchers and critical supplies to one of the most remote locations on Earth with improved capacity and lower environmental impact.

Hi Fly Makes History With 1st Airbus A330 Landing On Wolf’s Fang Antarctic Ice Runway

Aviation Today News Desk / December 3, 2025

Cape Town, Antarctica: Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly has successfully completed the world’s first Airbus A330 landing on an Antarctic […]

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during ground operations, forcing the airline to cancel its scheduled return service to Dubai. The aircraft resumed operations after undergoing inspections and repairs, according to multiple aviation industry reports. The incident occurred on 28 November 2025, shortly after the superjumbo had arrived from Dubai operating flight EK17. While parked at the gate during turnaround preparations for its return flight EK18, a fuel truck made contact with one of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent engines, damaging the engine intake cowling. Initial reports confirmed that the aircraft, registered A6-EVP, sustained visible structural damage to the engine intake area. Despite the impact, no injuries were reported, and airport emergency protocols were not triggered. Due to the damage, Emirates cancelled flight EK18, leaving the aircraft grounded at Manchester for detailed technical inspection. Engineers assessed the aircraft on site to determine whether the damage extended beyond the intake structure. According to follow-up reports, Emirates completed essential repairs within two days. The A380 returned to active service on 30 November 2025, operating as flight EK20 from Manchester to Dubai, restoring normal wide-body operations on the route. Industry analysts noted that while the damage was limited, even minor engine intake deformation on an A380 requires immediate grounding due to strict safety regulations governing wide-body aircraft and high-bypass turbofans. As of the latest update, neither Emirates nor Manchester Airport has released an official statement confirming the root cause of the collision, and no public details have emerged regarding whether the fuel truck driver or ground-handling agency faced disciplinary action.

Incidents

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during

Airbus

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / November 29, 2025

Toulouse, France: Airbus has issued an urgent global recall of its A320 family aircraft after a serious mid-air flight-control incident

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to acquire 150 A321neo aircraft, representing the airline’s first major commitment to Airbus and ending its historic reliance on Boeing for narrow-body jets. The MoU was announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025, highlighting flydubai’s strategic growth plans aligned with Dubai’s long-term economic vision. The signing ceremony included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. Sheikh Ahmed described the MoU as a “landmark” agreement that goes beyond fleet expansion, underscoring flydubai’s role in supporting Dubai World Central (DWC), the emirate’s growing aviation hub. Until now, flydubai has operated an exclusively Boeing 737 fleet. The inclusion of Airbus A321neos marks a strategic diversification of its narrow-body fleet, providing more operational flexibility and positioning the airline to meet increasing demand on regional and international routes. Analysts note that diversifying suppliers reduces dependency risks and strengthens negotiating leverage. The agreement also includes 100 additional options and carries an estimated value of US$ 24 billion, emphasizing flydubai’s long-term commitment to fleet modernization. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, reflecting a measured, strategic expansion rather than immediate capacity growth. The A321neo is Airbus’ latest-generation narrow-body aircraft, equipped with advanced engines, Sharklets, and cabin innovations that deliver over 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared with previous-generation models. The aircraft also supports operations with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with Airbus targeting full 100% SAF capability by 2030, reflecting the airline’s and manufacturer’s commitment to sustainable aviation. According to Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai’s CEO, the acquisition aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, aiming to strengthen connectivity across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, while supporting the emirate’s infrastructure and aviation growth objectives. The MoU represents a commercial breakthrough for Airbus, acquiring a customer historically loyal to Boeing. The deal reinforces Airbus’ presence in the Middle East, a region experiencing rapid growth in air travel. For Boeing, the shift signals increasing competitive pressure in the single-aisle segment, as airlines seek more fuel-efficient and flexible fleet options. Analysts note that while the MoU is not yet a firm order, its size and scope make it one of the largest narrow-body commitments in recent years. Airbus will need to scale up A321neo production to meet the projected delivery schedule, amidst growing global demand for single-aisle jets. Flydubai’s move to include Airbus A321neos strengthens its long-term growth trajectory, supporting network expansion, operational efficiency, and sustainability goals. The aircraft are expected to serve high-density regional and international routes, positioning the airline to capitalize on the post-pandemic travel recovery and Dubai’s rising role as a global aviation hub. As deliveries begin in 2031, this landmark agreement sets a precedent in Middle Eastern aviation, highlighting the shift toward modern, fuel-efficient aircraft while reshaping the competitive landscape between Airbus and Boeing in the region.

Airlines

Flydubai Signs Landmark MoU For 150 Airbus A321neos, Ending All-Boeing Narrow-Body Era

Aviation Today News Desk / November 19, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to acquire 150 A321neo aircraft, representing

Canberra, Australia: In a landmark move, Qantas has launched commercial operations with its first two Airbus A321XLRs, becoming the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce the model into revenue service. The aircraft, designated “Great Ocean Road” (VH-OGA) and “Outback Way” (VH-OGB), commenced service on 25 September, initially operating the Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Perth routes. The names reflect the airline’s tradition of celebrating Australia’s iconic landscapes. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson noted the scale of preparation required for the launch: “Preparing for these commercial flights has taken an enormous effort, with nearly 350 training flights and more than 40,000 hours of training completed, as well as thousands of pieces of equipment deployed across our network.” Beyond its domestic deployment, the A321XLR’s extended range opens up new possibilities. With a maximum range of approximately 8,700 km, about 3,000 km beyond that of the Boeing 737-800, the aircraft is seen as a bridge between domestic and short-to-medium international flights into Southeast Asia and beyond. Hudson said Qantas plans to roll out the jets on additional domestic and international routes as more units enter service. The two aircraft carry 197 seats in a two-class format 20 in Business and 177 in Economy which amounts to a 13 percent increase in capacity compared to Qantas’s 737-800 fleet (without reducing seat pitch). Notably, the number of Business seats has increased by 66 percent over earlier models. The A321XLRs are powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engines. Looking ahead, Qantas expects to receive a third A321XLR in November 2025, bringing the total in service to seven by June 2026. In August 2025. Earlier Qantas placed an order for 20 more A321XLRs, pushing its total commitment to 48 aircraft. These aircraft form a key component in Qantas’s largest-ever fleet renewal program, which totals more than 200 firm orders plus additional purchase options from both Airbus and Boeing.

Airlines

Qantas Becomes First Asia-Pacific Airline to Launch Commercial Airbus A321XLR Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / September 26, 2025

Canberra, Australia: In a landmark move, Qantas has launched commercial operations with its first two Airbus A321XLRs, becoming the first

Airbus

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

Aviation Today News Desk / June 16, 2025

Picture Credits: Airbus Toulouse, France: Airbus has significantly revised its long-term aircraft demand outlook projecting a global need for 43,420

Airlines

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / June 6, 2025

Picture Credits: SriLankan Airlines Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a significant step toward reviving its long-haul capabilities, SriLankan Airlines has taken

airbus news

Hi Fly Makes History With 1st Airbus A330 Landing On Wolf’s Fang Antarctic Ice Runway

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

Flydubai Signs Landmark MoU For 150 Airbus A321neos, Ending All-Boeing Narrow-Body Era

Qantas Becomes First Asia-Pacific Airline to Launch Commercial Airbus A321XLR Flights

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

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