Is $50/hour a fair price to pay for upgrading to a business class seat? American Airlines suggested that price to me last week, and after a long couple days of work north of Los Angeles I took the offer. With a transcon flight home ahead, I figured the extra space and comfort would be worthwhile. It was a pleasant and comfortable trip, though the A321T fleet is starting to show its age.
Seats & Cabin
IndiGo selects Recaro seats for A320neo fleet
IndiGo’s newest A320neo and A321neo planes will shave a bit of weight on the seating side. The carrier selected Recaro’s BL3710 seats to fit its next 75 aircraft, with deliveries expected from January 2023.
Dash 8 adds IFE/C with Starlink option
In-flight WiFi connectivity is coming to the turboprop market. De Havilland Aircraft announced a series of enhancements to its Dash 8-400 offering, including integration of a Starlink in-flight internet kit on board.
Delta confirms 737 MAX 10 order
Delta Air Lines confirmed an order for 100 new Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets this morning, the first big order announced at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow. Assuming the plane is really built.
Virgin Atlantic launches "Retreat Suite" in A330neo Upper Class
Virgin Atlantic is the latest airline to offer a differentiated experience for some passengers in its business class cabin. The carrier introduced the Retreat Suite, a more premium version of its Upper Class suite, as part of the unveiling of its new A330neo interior.
Additional details, images for Air New Zealand’s new Business Premier Luxe, SkyNest seats
After five years of design and development work, the new Air New Zealand business class cabin is expected to formally launch this week. This includes the new Business Premier Luxe offering in the bulkhead row, and SkyNest sleeping bunks for economy class passengers
The future of aircraft interiors: Winners of the Crystal Cabin Awards 2022 announced
No one knows what the future holds. But the Crystal Cabin Awards offer a big hint for the world of aircraft interiors. Held in conjunction with the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, and back at full strength after a two year hiatus, this year’s CCA winners touch on sustainability, operational improvements, inflight entertainment, and flight safety.
AERQ brings Welcome Board to Stelia’s Opera business class cabin
STELIA Aerospace and AERQ are teaming to bring the Welcome Board to A320neo-family aircraft. The 32” UHD OLED screen will be integrated into the front row monument at the entry door for STELIA’s OPERA business class seat.
VantageDUO brings a new concept to single-aisle business class cabins
Airlines have a new option for premium cabin seating where a flat bed may be too much to offer. The new Thompson Aero VantageDUO improves on the traditional single-aisle offerings, with similar pitch to traditional recliners but significantly greater levels of comfort, privacy, and personal space.
KLM launches Premium Comfort premium economy cabin
KLM formally introduced its Premium Comfort cabin this week, bringing a premium economy option to its long-haul fleet. The new seats, designed in partnership with Collins Aerospace, will be available for travel starting in July 2022 and eventually rolling out across the 777 and 787 fleets.