Emirates continues to celebrate the expansion of its Premium Economy offering, including three press releases so far this month. Yet aircraft retrofits appear to be progressing slower than expected, with no signs of improvement on the horizon.
777-300ER
American Airlines gets DOT approval on Flagship Suites
American Airlines moved a step closer to bringing its new Flagship Suite Premium cabins into service this week.
Qatar Airways enters its Starlink era, accelerates deployment plans
Qatar Airways’ first Starlink-equipped 777 entered service on Tuesday, marking several milestones along the way.
Starlink sees Qatar Airways, airBaltic both online by end of year, architecture changes beyond
Both Qatar Airways and airBaltic expect to have their first few planes flying with Starlink internet before the end of the year. Expectations beyond that are even more interesting.
Emirates boosts cabin retrofit program nearly 60%
Expect more A380s and 777s to remain in the Emirates fleet a little longer. That’s the message out today, as the company expands its cabin retrofit program to another 71 aircraft, joining the original 120 planes.
Korean Air plans mini-suites for 787-10, 777-300ER
Korean Air will introduce a new business class suite as part of the 787-10 induction, with service entry planned for November 2023.
KLM’s new 777 World Business Class seat enters service
KLM’s first 777 with its new World Business Class seat has returned to service. The seat offers increased privacy, direct aisle access for all travelers, and other improvements to the overall passenger experience.
United, Saudia sign on for Astrova IFE
The newest inflight entertainment platform from Panasonic Avionics scored two key wins at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 as long-time customers United Airlines and Saudia both selected the system for upcoming installations.
Air France brings suite doors to 777-300ER business class cabin
Air France plans to retrofit a dozen 777-300ER aircraft, including a new business class seat with privacy doors. The cabin retrofit is part of the carriers efforts to “move upmarket” and “offer its customers the best of France and take elegance to new heights.”
Qatar Airways poised to lease/operate Cathay 777s
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.