Delta and Airbus announced a deal today for at least 100 new A321neo aircraft to be delivered in the first half of the next decade. And, believe it or not, the most significant factor in that decision might not be the planes.
Seats & Cabin
Virgin Atlantic’s Fleet Substitutions Detailed
How will Virgin Atlantic handle the extended engine repair times for its 787fleet? Four Airbus A330-200 planes will fill in according to new schedule details released today. And they may be in service longer than expected.
Expect the "Smart" luggage blockade to expand
The big 3 US carriers don’t want your “smart” suitcase in the cargo hold. Expect more carriers to join that effort in the coming days based on comments made this week at the IATA Global Media Day.
An investment Boom from Japan Airlines
Supersonic hopeful Boom Aerospace got a big vote of confidence – and cash infusion – from Japan Airlines this week. The airline will pump $10mm in to the company, supporting the potential return to commercial supersonic flight by the middle of the next decade.
Crushing an upstart travel industry in the name of safety
Your fancy new suitcase might not be welcome on an American Airlines flight starting in January. The company is banning “smart” suitcases in the cargo hold if the battery is installed. That’s great from a safety perspective but also introduces a ton of challenges for an upstart #PaxEx industry in what should be its break-out holiday season.
Joon expands ahead of inaugural operations
Air France’s Joon subsidiary launches operations tomorrow. The company showed off its aircraft interiors today and announced new destinations for the not-quite-LCC and also not-quite-really-Millennial-targeted services.
Virgin Atlantic’s 787 woes continue
Virgin Atlantic’s 787 fleet will be grounded longer than expected. The carrier cannot get its Rolls Royce Trent-1000 engines replaced quickly enough and is now set to lease additional aircraft to fill in the shortfall. This means a decidedly different passenger experience for some flights and routes.
Details Emerge on Lufthansa’s new Business Class Seat
Lufthansa released more details on its new Business Class seat launching on the 777X fleet in 2020, plus changes to the existing offering, starting in 2018.
American Airlines highlights Basic, Premium successes
Is Premium Economy or Basic Economy a bigger deal for American Airlines? The short answer is “yes” though President Robert Isom offers some interesting stats to consider about the profits the company is seeing from the two products today and where they are expected to go.
Lufthansa shows off new Recaro CL6710 business class seats for 777X
Catch a glimpse of the new Lufthansa Business Class seat set to fly in 2020 on the 777X fleet. The carrier shared some images today, featuring the new Recaro product.