When Starlux takes delivery of its first A350 this weekend it marks several milestones, including the launch of a dimmable window option for the first time with Airbus.
A350
Emirates picks AVANT Up for next generation IFE on A350 fleet
Emirates’ next generation of planes will show off the next generation of the airline’s ice inflight entertainment solution, delivered on the Thales AVANT Up platform. The update entertainment solution is part of a $350 million investment by the airline in the passenger experience on the upcoming fleet.
Iberia taps Recaro for new A350 business class suites (with doors!)
Iberia’s next generation of A350 aircraft will offer business class suites, including a sliding door for privacy. Recaro will provide the seats for the carrier.
Cathay Pacific plans a return of JFK-Vancouver flights, with a catch
In late 2019 Cathay Pacific announced plans to halt flying from Hong Kong to JFK via Vancouver. Next month, however, the carrier seems keen to bring back the service, likely driven at least in part by COVID-related policies.
Lufthansa picks FlightPath3D for long-haul fleet maps upgrade
The in-flight moving map just got a bit more interesting for Lufthansa passengers. The carrier announced a deal with FlightPath3D to implement the 3D map solution across Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet. The new service flies first on the A350, with future integrations planned on 787, 747-8i, and A330 aircraft.
Qantas confirms Project Sunrise; flights planned from 2025
Come the end of 2025 no two cities on earth will be too far apart for a nonstop flight. Qantas officially confirmed its plans to purchase A350-1000 aircraft in an ultra-longhaul configuration capable of flying from Sydney to London or New York City or anywhere else on earth without a stop on the way. The carrier will eventually take delivery of a dozen planes for this effort.
Finnair selects Stockholm in transatlantic shift
Norse Atlantic won’t launch service across the Atlantic until early next year, but competition is still on the horizon for Stockholm’s transatlantic traffic. Finnair announced plans to launch a trio of new routes this winter connecting the Swedish capital and the United States.
Airbus bullish on recovery, plans production boost
Airbus sees a recovery on the horizon and plans production adjustments to meet that need. The aircraft manufacturer provided a formal update on planned production levels, with potential for nearly 100 aircraft built per month by the middle of the decade.
LATAM scraps A350 fleet
LATAM never could really figure out what to do with its fleet of A350s. And now the fleet is no more. The company plans to remove the A350 from its Brazilian operations effective immediately.
Ansat helicopters add Ku-band satellite connectivity
In-flight satellite connectivity is now available on Ansat helicopters in Russia. The Mku30 system from Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, received regulatory approval for in-flight operations.