Aer Lingus continues to roll out details on its A321LR fleet plans ahead of delivery later this Spring. The LR will kick off a brand revitalization effort in 2019 extending the carrier’s premium offerings. Even as it seeks to join some parts of the IAG framework, including the (long anticipated) transatlantic fares joint venture, Aer Lingus will keep a streak of independence from its IAG overlords.
Seats & Cabin
Delta Flight Products brings disruption to the aircraft interior market
No longer in stealth mode, Delta Flight Products wants to own large portions of cabin interiors projects across the industry. A purpose-built, streaming IFE solution is just one of many DFP products passengers will interact with on board.
Singapore Airlines launches new A350 regional service with updated IFE/C solutions
Singapore Airlines pressed its latest A350 configuration into service this week. Adelaide is the first destination to see the mid-haul plane and its new Thales AVANT entertainment and Inmarsat GX connectivity systems on board.
La Compagnie expands to Nice with a smart fleet play
Looking for a nice flight to Nice? La Compagnie is launching seasonal non-stop service between Newark and the South of France this summer. The new route will operate for the all business-class carrier five times weekly from 5 May 2019 through to the end of October. Promotional fares start at $1200 return with regular fares […]
United Airlines begins its Premium Plus era
Passengers on United Airlines will be able to purchase tickets for the carrier’s new Premium Plus cabin starting on Monday. Flights across 21 routes and 13 destinations will be the first to offer the additional class of service. Premium Plus flights begin on 30 March 2019, with some routes extending into May 2019 for the new service. Initial premium economy operations will center at the carrier’s hubs in Newark, Washington-Dulles and San Francisco.
Geven’s ESSENZA seats now flying on flyNAS A320neo
Fewer moving parts, significantly reduced weight and improved structural reliability. These are all key factors for airlines in selecting seats for their planes and Geven’s ESSENZA offering excels on all fronts. It is also now finally flying on board flyNAS’s first A320neo, delivered earlier this month.
Tiny lav market gets more crowded
Passengers and cabin crew hate them. Airline accountants love them. And this month the market for new, compact aft galley/lav combos became a bit more crowded. The Diehl Aviation SKYPAX offering will soon take to the sky. Delivery of the first shipset (for an unnamed Latin American carrier) took place recently for customer airline installation..
Delta adds A330s, shakes up cabin amenities
The add-on order for ten more Delta A330-900neo aircraft is not nearly as significant as a couple of the cabin amenity changes it includes.
UON takes first flight on a Saudia A320
The first UON-equipped aircraft entered commercial service this week. The Saudia A320 HZ-ASB began passenger service with the new inflight connectivity kit installed on 10 November 2019. The aircraft serves Geneva from Saudia’s hubs in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Qantas quits the startup world
Airlines want to invest in emerging technologies. They want access to the startups and to foster those relationships. This is the message delivered around the world as investment funds, incubators and accelerators sprout up. Many of these programs claim success and continue to grow. For Qantas, however, the message is different. Its dedicated venture group dissolved in recent weeks and the accelerator shuttered.