Global Airlines had a spectacular opportunity, with the travel media world in attendance as the carrier hosted its “Welcome Aboard” party in London on 28 July. Instead, CEO James Asquith took the opportunity to once again highlight a bunch of brands that Global Airlines does not yet have a formal partnership with.
Seats & Cabin
Korean Air plans mini-suites for 787-10, 777-300ER
Korean Air will introduce a new business class suite as part of the 787-10 induction, with service entry planned for November 2023.
DOT finalizes single-aisle accessible lavatory rules
Some new single-aisle aircraft will be required to have an accessible lavatory. While this is somewhat good news for accessibility on board, it remains limited, both in aircraft size covered and in timing.
United launches new first class seats for single-aisle fleet
First class passengers on United Airlines might soon be flying in newly designed seats. The new seat features upgrades to the inflight entertainment system, as well as improved comfort and privacy for travelers, with plans to install it on more than 200 (mostly brand new) single-aisle aircraft by 2026.
Southwest selects MOST for inflight retail revamp
Paying for drinks on Southwest Airlines became much easier in recent months, thanks to the deployment of more than 20,000 iPad mini 6 devices, loaded with MOST’s retail solution.
HAECO proposes mini-suite installation for MAX 8
Another airline plans to install lie-flat beds for premium passengers on its 737-8 fleet. HAECO has requested permission from the US Department of Transportation to modify the cabin configuration on the 737 MAX 8 for an unnamed customer with “mini-suites” on board.
KLM’s new 777 World Business Class seat enters service
KLM’s first 777 with its new World Business Class seat has returned to service. The seat offers increased privacy, direct aisle access for all travelers, and other improvements to the overall passenger experience.
Airline safety cards work, but you’re still not reading them
Behold the airline safety card, that humble piece of paper or plastic wedged unceremoniously into the seatback of every commercial airplane you’ve ever been on. When was the last time you picked it up and gave it a good browse?
InteliSence aims to boost premium cabin service with seat monitoring, analysis
What if a flight attendant received an alert as your seat emerged from sleep mode, prompting a timely breakfast service? These can convert a good on-board experience to a great one. They’re also examples of what Collins Aerospace believes it can deliver with its InteliSence platform.
Recaro to extend seats into Embraer catalog
E-Jet customers will soon be able to select seats from Recaro as part of their order from Embraer. Recaro’s SL3710 and BL3710 models will become part of Embraer’s Supplier Furnished Equipment (SFE) catalog from 2024.