Last month Southwest Airlines announced plans to install in-seat power on its 737 MAX fleet. Now we know that Astronics will provide its EMPOWER solution to the carrier.
737 MAX
Alaska Airlines to speed retirement of Q400, A320-family aircraft
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.
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.
New lavs coming to the 737
New, modular lavatory designs will arrive on the Boeing 737 family, thanks to a new, long-term contract secured with Collins Aerospace.
Allegiant picks Boeing 737 MAX for fleet expansion, refresh
Allegiant is mixing up its fleet plans. The carrier announced an agreement to purchase 50 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, diversifying from its current all-Airbus A320 family operation.
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.
SpiceJet online later this year with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight wifi service is expected to come online over India later this year, with SpiceJet as the launch carrier.
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.
Jet2 adds Airbus A321neo for fleet renewal, expansion
UK holiday carrier Jet2 is the newest Airbus A321neo customer. The carrier announced an order for 36 of the planes, to be delivered from 2023 to 2028. The airline currently operates a fleet of 737NG and 757 aircraft.
United’s major IFE move
“We here at United do not think streaming to your own device is good enough.” With that statement United Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist upended the company’s take on in-flight entertainment for its single-aisle fleet, mapping a new path for the company’s future.