This is certainly not how Vistara expected its 787s to be flying as it launched the new fleet and expanded its global footprint. Still, the on-board experience offers several bright spots as the company adapts to the COVID-19 era of service.
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Qatar Airways upgrades 787-8 IFE to Thales AVANT
The Qatar Airways 787-8 fleet is getting an upgrade. The carrier will swap out the in-flight entertainment system on board its oldest Dreamliners to the Thales AVANT platform.
Norwegian abandons long-haul operations, refocuses on 737 routes in Europe
Chalk up another major long-haul LCC failure. Norwegian will abandon its fleet of 37 787 Dreamliners, refocusing on the short-haul European market served with single-aisle aircraft.
ANA plans new long-haul LCC airline
ANA plans a long-haul LCC operation as it overhauls is operational structure in the wake of COVID-19. The company sees an irrecoverable shift in demand profile and is adjusting in kind.
ETOPS challenges hamper Surinam Airways’ 777 launch
ETOPS certification challenges could see Surinam Airways flying hours out of the way if it presses its 777 into service next month as planned.
British Airways continues to diversify its inflight connectivity portfolio
British Airways’ newest long-haul planes will not be fitted with the Gogo 2Ku solution. Instead, the company will diversify its vendor portfolio, though passengers shouldn’t notice the difference.
United’s long-haul operations focus on a new "workhorse"
United Airlines is not formally retiring any aircraft yet, but the company hinted at what its future fleet will look like in a memo to pilots identifying where bases will close and aircraft will reposition.
Vistara takes delivery of first 787-9, plans long-haul expansion
India’s Vistara took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 twin-aisle jet over the weekend, kicking off its expansion into long-haul service. The aircraft is the first of six Dreamliners expected to join the fleet through the end of 2021 as the carrier seeks new intercontinental destinations.
KuKa is coming…but where??
Satisfied customers that want to take their inflight connectivity experience further afield appear to be driving the Ku/Ka offering from Viasat. And it should be online sooner than not, according to President & COO Rick Baldridge.
ZIPAir brings a basic cabin configuration to life
Fully flat beds are coming to the Asian LCC market in mid-2020. But that’s about the only thing exciting in the new ZIPAir cabin configuration unveiled last week. And some of the finer details straddle the line between disappointing and concerning.