Sunday Reads: Our Most Notable Stories This Week

It's time for our next look back at some of our top articles this week. It's also been an exciting seven days for Simple Flying, which has seen us welcome James Pearson to the team, and announce our first-ever webinar! Let's run through some of the last week's most notable stories.

PRAGUSA.ONE plans to fly A350s with an all-premium economy configuration. Image: PRAGUSA.ONE

All-premium economy A350 startup

The week started in exciting fashion, with an exclusive announcement concerning an all-premium economy Airbus A350 startup! PRAGUSA.ONE is planning to fit four A350-900s with this curious configuration, and operate out of Prague and Dubrovnik. You can read more bout its interesting plans here.

Unwanted Boeing 747-8 finds a buyer

While Lufthansa is a significant operator of the Boeing 747-8, there were some aircraft that it ultimately chose not to take up. One of these had been sitting in the Mojave desert, but, now, it appears that a buyer has been found for it. The buyer is yet to be named, but it will certainly be interesting to see what the future holds for this aircraft.

Boeing, Passenger 747-8, Sale — Boeing has reportedly sold this 10-year-old 747-8 to an unnamed party. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Why A380s aren't used as private jets

The Airbus A380's days as a passenger aircraft are seemingly numbered. As such, there has been speculation as to whether the type may enjoy a second lease of life as a private aircraft. However, such a concept still carries a degree of doubt, as Comlux Aviation CEO Andrea Zanetto revealed to Simple Flying in an interview. You can read more about why this is the case here.

A380 Superjumbo — It seems unlikely that the A380 will be used as a private jet in the future. Photo: Getty Images

Saudi Arabia plans international travel restart

Saudi Arabia has set a date for when it will allow the resumption of international travel. This will take place on May 17th, although it will still be subject to antivirus measures. Furthermore, the kingdom can still choose to restrict entry from high-risk areas. You can read more about Saudi Arabia's plans here.

Saudia Boeing 777 — While Saudi Arabia's vision is extremely ambitious, the country is more than willing to fund its development. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Emirates plans summer A380 operations

Despite the type's recent struggles, Dubai-based UAE flag carrier Emirates is still putting a lot of faith in its extensive Airbus A380 fleet. Earlier this week, Simple Flying took a closer look at the 18 routes on which Emirates will deploy the 'superjumbo' this summer.

Emirates A380 — Emirates will use the A380 on 18 routes from Dubai this summer. Photo: Getty Images

Southwest returns lost Buzz Lightyear toy

It is always nice to report on a good news story about the adventures of a piece of lost property. In this instance, Simple Flying told the tale of a Buzz Lightyear toy that a Southwest Airlines employee was able to reunite with its owner. Buzz didn't quite go to infinity and beyond, but rather from Dallas, Texas to Little Rock, Arkansas and back!