Lots of cabin and connectivity news bits to catch up on as the week comes to an end…
A350
Qantas extending free Wi-Fi to international fleet from late 2024
More than a decade after its first attempt, Qantas will bring inflight internet to its long-haul fleet. And it’ll be free for everyone on board.
Air India picks Thales for IFE update
Air India’s major content boost will be shown to most passengers on the Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, a major upgrade for the carrier and for passenger experience.
Air India makes a massive shift with inflight entertainment upgrade
Content is king (or is it Maharaja??) on Air India’s new A350s, as the IFE system gets a massive upgrade and library of movies and other entertainment to choose from.
Delta snags A350-1000, the only move that makes sense
Delta Air Lines will take deliver of another 20 A350s beginning in 2026, the obvious move for fleet expansion for many, many reasons.
Delta plans "High J" config for A350 fleet
Delta Air Lines appears set to add more business class seats to its A350s in an upcoming layout, set to fly in mid-2024.
Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet
Egyptair’s new long-haul fleet will fly with updated entertainment and connectivity services from Panasonic Avionics on its new A350 fleet. The carrier ordered 10 of the A350-900s at the 2023 Dubai Air Show, with deliveries expected from 2025.
Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
Ethiopian Airlines plans a big boost to its fleet, with multiple orders announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. The carrier will add both Airbus and Boeing jets to its fleet as it pursues significant growth through its Vision 2035 Strategy.
Delta activates inflight internet on ex-LATAM A350
With the single-aisle fleet conversion coming to a close, Delta Air Lines is now moving forward with installations of the Viasat inflight internet system across the long-haul fleet. The first A350 to carry the hardware entered service over the weekend.
Space, sound take center stage in JAL’s A350-1000 cabins
Japan Airlines’ flagship A350-1000 will enter service later this year with all new cabins nose-to-tail. For premium cabin travelers both space and sound feature heavily in the offering, while even in economy space is part of the plan.