SAM CHUI Aviation and Travel

Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 landing in Hong Kong Int’l Rwy 07L. Rate this landing!🛬 #samchui #Boeing787 #HKG #flying #aviationlovers ... Welcome to LA! Lufthansa A380 100th Anniversary livery ✈️ #samchui #Lufthansa #A380 #landing #planespotting ... A tour of new @united “Elevated” 787-9 United is also introducing “Relax Row” that can convert to a bed in Economy Plus. #samchui #Unitedairlines #B787 #aviationlovers #businessclass ...

During a hangar event at LAX, United unveiled its new “Elevated” Boeing 787-9. The new “Elevated” 787-9 configuration from United Airlines is a major shift toward a premium-heavy, low-density layout—arguably the most premium widebody any U.S. carrier has introduced.

In 2026, global airline capacity is entering a phase defined less by recovery and more by consolidation, as the industry transitions from post-pandemic catch-up growth to steadier, demand-led expansion. In this article, we cover the largest airlines globally and by region. Note that the airlines are ranked using Available Seat Miles (ASMs), flights, and seats, according to data from CIRIUM.

Aviation heaven in the Arizona desert ✈️ I finally made it to the legendary Pima Air & Space Museum. Walking among hundreds of historic aircraft — from classic airliners to powerful military jets — felt like stepping through the timeline of aviation. And yes! You can walk up to any plane and take a close up look! Let me know which one is your favorite plane there? ... New vlog is out! Inside one of the world’s most advanced airports: Hong Kong International Airport.

With the limited re-opening of the UAE airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule to 82 destinations below. Flights to the above destinations are currently operating. Passengers can check availability and book here. Emirates is accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority. Passengers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.

*Status as of 14:30 UTC, March 2, 2026; situation remains fluid. Etihad Airways is operating limited repatriation flights while Emirates, and Qatar Airways issue updates on when operations may resume amid continued Gulf airspace restrictions. Limited flight operations have resumed from Zayed International Airport under a temporary government-approved arrangement. Authorities confirmed that only pre-agreed repatriation services coordinated with the Abu Dhabi government are permitted.

Drone attacks damaged facilities at Dubai International (DXB), Zayed International (AUH), and Kuwait International (KWI) airports, causing injuries and operational suspensions as Gulf airspace closures continue. Dubai International Airport confirmed that a concourse sustained minor damage following a drone-related incident on Saturday, February 28. Four staff members sustained injuries and received medical attention.

On February 28, 2026, global airlines suspended operations across the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple cities in Iran, triggering retaliatory missile attacks and widespread airspace closures. As many as eight states declared full or partial airspace closures: Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Syria also closed part of its southern airspace for 12 hours along its border with Israel.

I have been collecting GeminiJets airplane models since they launched 20 years ago! This is a sponsored post to showcase the latest GeminiJets airplane model releases. Hope you find something you like. To purchase GeminiJets, go to DiecastJets.com and use code SAMCHUI at checkout for up to 25% off and free shipping in the US.

On 17th January, 2026, Asia's oldest airline, Philippine Airlines, celebrates its 85th Anniversary. The President of the Philippines, H.E. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., unveiled PAL’s first Airbus A350-1000 during the event. I was invited, along with other aviation media and colleagues, to attend the event at Lufthansa Technik Manila. Here are some photos from the event. Philippine Airlines A350-1000 features 3 classes with a total capacity of 382 seats.