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.
Seats & Cabin
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.
Booze, fresh food return to JetBlue flights
JetBlue will bring back liquor and fresh food on board from the middle of March. The carrier will also update its Eat Up Cafe menu as part of the product relaunch.
A fresh take on the Breeze in-flight experience
Yes, Breeze Airways flies under the low cost carrier concept. But executives hope the airline will be seen more as a “Nice Low Cost Carrier, a niche of its own where we really focus on treating guests the right way.” Here’s how that’s playing out, nine months into the airline’s operations.
JetBlue boosts A220 order book, E190 retirements
JetBlue upped its order book on the A220 to 100 frames, converting 30 options from its existing portfolio. Under the expanded order book the carrier will now take delivery of 92 new A220-300s through the end of 2026.
Finnair long-haul revamp: New business class and premium economy cabins on offer
Finnair unveiled a revamped long-haul offering, including the introduction of a brand new business class seat and the company’s first foray into premium economy. The 200 million euro investment will see the first planes fitted with renewed products flying later this Spring. The full complement of A350 and A330 aircraft will carry the new product within two years.
Frontier, Spirit announce plans to merge
Frontier Airlines and Sprit Airlines intend to merge, creating a new 5th largest airline in the US.