How long will Emirates keep flying the Airbus A380?
Late last year, an Emirates executive told Simple Flying that the Dubai-based giant will keep flying its gigantic Airbus A380s until the 2040s. At the last Dubai Airshow, the airline's CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum told me that to make this possible, the airline will continue to buy aircraft from lessors at the right price. How long do you think Emirates will keep flying the Airbus A380? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the oldest aircraft you have ever been on?
A variety of exciting new aircraft have entered service in recent years, including the Airbus A330neo and Boeing 737 MAX. However, amid the understandable enthusiasm generated by next-generation aircraft, older generation aircraft have a point, as veteran aircraft offer passengers a great deal of freshness. The oldest aircraft I have flown on is a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 “Twin Otter” with Isles of Scilly Skybus in 2021, which was 40 years old, but what about your aircraft? Let me know in the comments!
What is your favorite low-cost airline?
Pacific Southwest Airlines pioneered low-cost airlines in 1949. However, Southwest Airlines revolutionized the industry after its founding in 1971. Since then, numerous low-cost airlines have thrived both in the US and abroad. Living in Europe, I'm familiar with airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air. However, there are plenty of other airlines that are popular across the continent, including IndiGo, AirAsia, and Jetstar. Which is your favorite? Tell us below.
Are you excited for the arrival of the eVTOL network?
eVTOLs have been a hot topic for a few years now. Companies have long touted that they will revolutionize short-distance travel and improve the efficiency of commutes and airport trips. As a Londoner, I've been following the progress of this sector closely, as many companies highlight how eVTOL networks in major cities could act as an alternative to traditional transportation and ease traffic congestion. That's why I'm very excited about the emergence of this industry. What do you think about the potential of the urban air mobility market? Please share your thoughts below.
Which airline would you like to fly with?
There are three major airline alliances in the world: Oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam. Frequent travelers tend to stick to member airlines of one alliance because status is reciprocal between alliances. I'm based in Frankfurt so I often fly Star Alliance airlines, but I also like to fly Oneworld airlines when I have the chance. Let me know which alliance you prefer in the comments below.
What's the shortest time it's ever taken you to get out of the airport after landing?
Air travel is generally enjoyable, but long queues at passport control or baggage claim can put an unpleasant end to an otherwise enjoyable trip. This usually happens at larger hub airports, but is rarer at smaller airports that are incredibly convenient. My personal records are five minutes from the time the plane pulls up at the gate to either getting a taxi home or pulling into the train station, achieved in Norwich and London Southend respectively. With this in mind, where is the quickest you've ever left an airport? Let me know in the comments!
