United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby slipped news about a potential new domestic premium economy offering into an investor briefing this morning. What will it look like? When will it roll out? What will it replace? Of course, no answers to these important questions, but here are some interesting ideas to consider as United moves forward on this effort.
Seats & Cabin
Engine selection “core” to Boom Supersonic’s success
Supersonic is sexy as hell for marketing but it is also hard to accomplish. Powering the aircraft is proving to be one of the bigger challenges for Boom Supersonic as no current engine model meets the company’s needs. Can an existing “core” solve those problems? Company CEO Blake Scholl seems to think so, though he also appears dependent on getting new engines faster than Boeing can for its NMA. So that’s an interesting set of circumstances.
Icelandair kills off premium economy offering
Premium economy disappearing from an airline?!? It is certainly uncommon these days but Icelandair appears to have at least two good reasons for making the move.
Emirates drops some business class middles seats
Emirates is finally getting rid of its middle seats in business class. At least a few of them. On some planes. And also scrapping first class on that sub-fleet at the same time. So, is that really a win??
United brings the 737 MAX 9 online
Looking to fly on United’s newest aircraft type? Head to Houston on June 7th to be part of the first day of 737 MAX 9 operations. Alas, nothing particularly now or exciting with the interiors.
Can Norwegian conquer London’s business travel market?
New planes, new inflight services and additional frequencies are all part of Norwegian’s plan to grow in London, seeking to siphon off the premium customers from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and others. But the carrier faces an uphill battle. Can it succeed?
Airbus launches A321LR test flight program
The next generation of transatlantic aircraft took flight for the first time this morning. Airbus’ A321LR will soon be plying the skies between Europe and North America, filling a gap for single-aisle long(ish)-haul service.
Can a new recline reshape long-haul economy travel?
Does the type of seat recline make much of a difference for long-haul, economy class travel? The Quadra from Optimares is a unique seat option that just might change the passenger experience.
A trickle of details for United’s Premium Plus product
A few more details about United Airlines’ new Premium Plus product are now available. Alas, not nearly as much as one would hope given the opportunities the company had this week. Oh, well.
JetBlue’s A320 retrofit finally underway
More than two years after initially announced the JetBlue A320 retrofit program is finally underway. The first aircraft is now in the shop and will exit with at least one previously undisclosed surprise on board.