Come the end of 2025 no two cities on earth will be too far apart for a nonstop flight. Qantas officially confirmed its plans to purchase A350-1000 aircraft in an ultra-longhaul configuration capable of flying from Sydney to London or New York City or anywhere else on earth without a stop on the way. The carrier will eventually take delivery of a dozen planes for this effort.
Seats & Cabin
Norse Atlantic’s four inaugural routes on sale
Norse Atlantic will bring its 787 “Longships” across the Atlantic Ocean beginning in June. The carrier formally launched its first four transatlantic routes, with New York City, Los Angeles, and Florida connecting to Oslo from this summer.
American selects suites for new 787-9 design
American Airlines plans a dramatic revamp to its 787-9 fleet. The carrier will introduce new premium cabin seats on board, including sliding door suites, according to documentation shared with employees.
Air New Zealand to launch Business Premier Luxe on reconfigured 787s
Look for a new business class seat flying on Air New Zealand in the months ahead. It includes an option dubbed “Business Premier Luxe” at the front of the business class cabin.
Delta’s premium A321neo for transcon service opens new opportunities
Over the next few years the A321neo will also help Delta Air Lines launch a new premium transcon offering. The new layout offers an advantage in the highly competitive markets between New York city and Los Angeles or San Francisco, and potentially other routes as well.
Alaska Airlines to speed retirement of Q400, A320-family aircraft
Chester will fly on fewer aircraft types sooner than planned. Alaska Airlines’ accelerated fleet harmonization plan will drop the Q400 and Airbus A320 family aircraft from its operations by the end of next year.
Air Canada to fly the A321XLR
Air Canada announced plans to acquire 26 A321XLR aircraft, updating its long-haul offerings. The aircraft will be used for flights within North America, as well as some Transatlantic markets, pending approval from Transport Canada regulators.
A renewed push for accessible toilets on single-aisle planes
More than 30 years after the US Department of Transportation required airlines to provide accessible lavatories on twin-aisle planes the agency might finally be ready to mandate similar on single-aisle aircraft. But even if the new rules take effect, the impact will not be felt for a long, long time.
Stelia Equinox flat beds to fly on China Airlines’ A321neo fleet
The China Airlines A321neo fleet will feature a freshly customized flat-bed product on board. Premium travelers will find the Stelia Equinox seat up front, delivering a fully flat bed and other comfortable amenities.
The unexpected fun of Breeze’s new long-haul routes
In many was the massive route expansion announced by Breeze Airways this week delivered exactly as expected. But a trio of unexpected bits are far more interesting to consider.