KLM formally introduced its Premium Comfort cabin this week, bringing a premium economy option to its long-haul fleet. The new seats, designed in partnership with Collins Aerospace, will be available for travel starting in July 2022 and eventually rolling out across the 777 and 787 fleets.
Air France
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.”
KLM, Transavia tap Airbus for single-aisle refresh
Chalk up another 100 aircraft order for Airbus (plus 60 options). Air France-KLM announced a firm order to refresh the KLM, Transavia, and Transavia France fleets with A320neo family aircraft.
Air France introduces A220, shows off new cabin
The first Air France A220 arrived at the airline’s home base in Paris this week, offering an opportunity for the carrier to show off its new short/mid-haul flagship.
Air France adds new North America routes from Guadeloupe
Air France plans a pair of new Caribbean routes this winter, but perhaps a bit outside the normal range of operations. The carrier will connect Montreal and New York City with its mini-hub at Guadeloupe.
Air France picks WiFi for A220 fleet
Air France selected the 2Ku solution from Intelsat to fit its A220 fleet, adding a bit of variation to the carrier’s connectivity configurations.
France bans short-haul flights, minimal route impact expected
Short flights are no more in France. A new climate-focused bill is on the path to becoming finalized, and among the new policies is a prohibition on air service for domestic routes that can be served by train in less than 2.5 hours.
Air France secures €4 billion, (maybe) cedes Orly slots
The French government likely just spent the most money ever on airport landing slots. A €4 billion deal to recapitalize the Air France-KLM group will see a token divestment of operating slots at Paris-Orly airport, assuming a competitor is keen.
Turkish Airlines completes first Global Eagle IFC installation
Global Eagle is ending the year on a high note, at least in one market. Just over a year after announcing a deal to install Ku-band satellite connectivity services on a large portion of the Turkish Airlines single-aisle fleet the company confirmed on Monday that the first of those aircraft is now equipped with its Ku-band satellite connectivity solution.
Global Eagle refocuses on long-term outlook
There is an air of optimism, of relief emanating from the C-Suite at Global Eagle this week. And, to be sure, a realization that massive amounts of work remain for the company to truly succeed, but a conversation with CEO Josh Marks and President Per Noren suggests massive optimism now that the company’s interest payment burdens halve thanks to an agreement to convert debt to equity through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made on Wednesday.