Cathay Pacific will resume flights to Adelaide on November 11 this year after they were suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
Flight CX173 will depart Hong Kong at 23h30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arrive in Adelaide at 10h30+1. The return flight will depart Adelaide at 12h00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arrive in Hong Kong at 17h40.
The flights will operate on a seasonal basis until March 27, 2026.
Changi Airport breaks ground on T5
Singapore officially broke ground on Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 last week, which is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers annually when its first phase opens in the mid-2030s.
Designed as a highly automated, energy-efficient terminal, T5 will integrate with Changi’s existing terminals to operate as a single air hub. It will feature state-of-the-art systems and extensive use of clean energy, including one of Singapore’s largest rooftop solar installations.
A new ground transportation centre will link T5 to buses, trains, taxis and future rail lines. In a first for Changi, T5 will also boost air-sea connectivity with enhanced links to ferry services.
Changi Airport Group has already invested SGD3bn (R40,4bn) to upgrade Terminals 1 to 4 over the next five years, as reported by Travel News.
EY announces Charlotte flights
Etihad Airways will launch four weekly flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport from May 4, 2026.
Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on Etihad’s 303-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Etihad and TAP Air Portugal launch partnership
Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal have launched a frequent flyer partnership, which enables members of both airlines’ programmes to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier.
Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products in the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. TAP Miles&Go member miles can be spent on flights and a range of additional offers, such as TAP Store items.
The codeshare allows Etihad Guest members to be rewarded for travel to destinations such as Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Cancun, while TAP Miles & Go members will be able to earn miles exploring Etihad’s expanding network with new destinations such as Chiang Mai, Hong Kong and Medan.
Turkey introduces unbuckling fine
In a move to enforce onboard safety protocols, Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced a new regulation that allows authorities to fine passengers who unbuckle their seat belts or move into the aisle before the aircraft captain switches off the seat belt sign.
Turkish media outlet Halk TV reports that offenders could be fined up to TRY2 603 (R1 206).
Airlines operating within Turkey have been instructed to make a specific safety announcement upon landing: “Do not stand up or walk down the aisle until it is your turn to leave the aircraft.” Carriers that fail to comply with the enforcement protocol may also face administrative sanctions.
Turkish Airlines has reportedly already briefed its cabin crews on the changes.
United unveils upgraded B787
United Airlines has unveiled its new Boeing 787-9 elevated interior.
The airline's eight new United Polaris Studio suites are 25% larger than Standard United Polaris, with privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, exclusive entrée options, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, new amenity kits with luxury skincare offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 69cm 4K OLED seatback screen. The Standard United Polaris seats have also been upgraded to include sliding doors and 48cm 4K OLED screens.
The aircraft is also equipped with 99 United Premium Plus seats with privacy dividers and wireless charging and a United Economy cabin with Bluetooth connectivity and what United says are the largest economy-class seatback screens in the world.
Global Airlines makes debut
British start-up Global Airlines launched its inaugural transatlantic flight from Glasgow Airport to New York’s JFK International Airport on May 15. The return flight departed on May 19.
The flight was operated using an Airbus A380. Founded by James Asquith, the airline aims to revive the ‘Golden Age of Travel’ with luxurious onboard experiences for all passengers. The flight to JFK included champagne, caviar, and high-end services.
A second flight from Manchester to JFK was planned for May 21 with the return departing May 25, according to Aviation24.
