We’re still nearly three years away from service launching, but Qantas continues to tease out how it plans to make 20+ hours on board comfortable for passengers flying on its longest routes.
A350
Air India’s major order: A first step in rebuilding, but not the most important one
Air India, now under new ownership, has grand plans for growth. And now it has a line on aircraft to fulfill those goals. The carrier (finally) announced Letters of Intent for 470 planes, plus 70 options, from Airbus and Boeing in a blockbuster move.
Air China launches new A350 business class cabin
An updated business class cabin is now flying with Air China. The carrier’s newest A350 has the Recaro CL6720 business class “minisuite” on board, offering increased privacy for passengers.
Emirates selects Inmarsat GX for A350 inflight WiFi
The newest Emirates aircraft will fly with Inmarsat’s GX Aviation inflight internet solution on board. The incoming fleet of Airbus A350s will offer the high speed WiFi solution across all 50 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024.
United dreams big with massive 787 order
United Airlines is dreaming big for the next decade. The carrier announced an order today for 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, plus 100 more options, to fuel its widebody fleet replacement and growth strategy. By the end of the decade, assuming the options are exercised, more than 80% of United’s long-haul flying could be on 787s.
Dimmable windows coming to the A350 with Starlux
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.
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.