Qatar Airways is looking to partners to help augment its long-haul fleet. Cathay Pacific is next up, with a couple 777s likely moving west early in 2022.
Seats & Cabin
Norwegian brings back the MAX 8, with a twist
Norwegian agreed to lease a pair of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing the type back into service at the carrier. The two planes will join the carrier’s operations “shortly” with a focus on meeting the Summer 2022 goal of serving approximately 270 routes.
Emirates (re)commits big to Premium Economy
Emirates will add premium economy seating to 105 aircraft in its fleet, joining the handful of 380s delivered with the product on board. The retrofit program is expected to begin at the end of 2022 and take 18 months to complete.
Singapore Airlines unveils new 737 MAX cabins
As Singapore Airlines resumes 737 MAX flights later this year passengers will see a new product on board. The carrier unveiled its new premium cabin today, including lie-flat seats, as part of the overall offering.
Ethiopian, Aero HygenX partner to deploy UV-C cabin disinfection
An autonomous robot may soon be part of the aircraft cleaning process. Ethiopian Airlines Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Aero HygenX outlining a plan for fleetwide deployment and regional marketing of the autonomous UV-C light disinfecting robot: RAY.
flyDubai launches HAECO Eclipse business class seat
flyDubai launched the HAECO Eclipse business class seat over the weekend, bringing the new product to life and adding diversity to its 737 MAX 8 cabin layouts.
British Airways targets 2022 for 777 Club Suites roll-out completion
British Airways will install its updated Club Suites business class across its Heathrow-based 777 fleet. Retrofits are expected to complete by the end of 2022.
Breeze bets big on premium with new A220s
Breeze Airways expects strong demand for premium seating up-sells on its new A220 fleet. The carrier chose to fit 36 “Nicest” first class seats on board, filling the front half of the cabin. It is a massive bet on premium demand and ancillary sales for the company’s new service.
United plans five new routes, MAX service transatlantic in 2022
By the time Summer 2022 rolls around United Airlines will serve more transatlantic destinations than ever in its history. The carrier announced five new transatlantic markets this week, plus increased service to another five. The company will also finally launch seven routes waylaid by the pandemic.
Oh, and the 737 MAX will join the oceanic fun.
Singapore Airlines brings back the A380
Singapore Airlines is the latest carrier to bring back the A380 super jumbo. Citing strong demand – and customer preference for the type – as the country expands its vaccinated traveler lane (VTL) program, London will be the first market to see regular A380 flights resume.