Interesting Airlines and Aircraft Operating Into London in 2018

If you’re worried that a trip to London’s airports will not produce any aircraft of interest or out of the ordinary, here’s our low down on the unusual, new and interesting airlines and aircraft operating into the city’s airports in 2018.

Gatwick

Air China Chengdu Link

Air China. Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach

This new route, operated by Airbus A330-300, starts on July 3, adding a welcome new long-haul link to Gatwick and another interesting aircraft to see.

Qatar Airways Returns

 

Yesterday, we celebrated @qatarairways’ inaugural flight from Gatwick with some amazing aerial photography. Qatar will be operating a double-daily frequency on a 787 Dreamliner, growing our global connectivity to Australia, New Zealand and Asia. For more on the launch of the flight, check out our Stories. #Gatwick #Qatar #QatarAirways #Airline #Aviation

A post shared by Gatwick Airport (@gatwickairport) on May 23, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

Returning to Gatwick, Qatar Airways now flies a daily link from Doha to Gatwick with its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

WestJet 737 MAX

This year WestJet are operating their new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft into London Gatwick, alongside the larger 767-300.

Heathrow

Air Canada 737 MAX

Replacing the Airbus A319s used in previous years on the short links to Halifax and St. John’s Newfoundland, this year the carrier is flying its brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Gulf Air Dreamliners

Newly delivered, these 787s will be flying the Bahrain to Heathrow link from June 15, wearing the carrier’s new livery.

Malaysian A350s

The white elephant Malaysian Airbus A380s are now history at Heathrow and have been replaced by the airline’s new A350s on its twice-daily link to Kuala Lumpur.

Oman Air 787s

Another carrier introducing its Dreamliners to Heathrow is Oman Air, starting 1 July.

Qantas Non-Stop

Started in March this year, Qantas now flies to Heathrow daily non-stop from Perth with its 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, including VH-ZND in the fantastic indigenous scheme.

Luton

Wizz Air UK

Now growing its presence at Luton is the recently-formed Wizz Air UK, which looks the same as its parent carrier on the outside, but has G- registrations and brand new aircraft.

Stansted

Emirates

A new daily link to Dubai with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be launched from Stansted in June by Emirates, complementing its services from other London airports.

Primera Air

A new base for this airline has started at Stansted. As well as flying to European holiday destinations, the Danish carrier has also started using its new Airbus A321LRs on transatlantic low-cost flights.