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.
Airbus
JetBlue pick Paris for Transatlantic growth
Next up across the Atlantic for JetBlue: Paris. The carrier announced the French capital as its second transatlantic market, with service planned to launch in Summer 2023. Flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport will initially operate from JetBlue’s main hub at New York’s JFK airport, with flights from Boston following.
A first look at Spirit’s new seats
Looking for a more comfortable seat on your next Spirit Airlines flight? Starting in January passengers on the carrier’s newest planes will see new seats throughout the cabin, adding width, padding and even a head rest for travelers. The seats, manufactured by HAECO, also reduce weight on board, helping the company save on fuel and emissions
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.
Air Canada boosts A220 fleet plan
Air Canada will add another 15 A220-300 aircraft to its fleet. The carrier announced it will exercise options expanding its commitment to 60 A220s, with 31 currently in service.
Stelia Rendez-Vous brings new flat-bed option to business class
Airlines have another flat-bed option to choose from, as Stelia Aerospace launches the RENDEZ-VOUS® business class seat to the market. The company calls it one of the widest beds on offer, and it includes an option for the center pair of seats to function as a double bed on board.
JetBlue shifts some Boston-London flights to A321neo
Three weeks ago JetBlue confirmed that some of its flights between New York City and London would be operated on the A321neo owing to delays in delivery of new A321LR aircraft. Those troubles continue to grow, with the Boston-London routes now impacted.
JetBlue further boosts London capacity, with a catch
JetBlue’s Gatwick service will carry more passengers than originally planned in Q4, but dinner won’t be as good.
JetBlue outlines Mint, TATL growth for 2023
New planes are on the way, and JetBlue plans to resume growth in 2023. But the company anticipates a bit of turbulence along the way. With its A220 and A321neo fleets expanding (10 more expected in 2022, 32 in 2023) the company needs to plan for where they will make the most impact on operations.
Chinese airlines place massive Airbus A320neo family order
China’s three state-owned airlines will boost their combined fleet by more than 300 planes, with a major Airbus A320neo order announced today. Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern will each take about 100 single-aisle aircraft, all expected to be delivered between 2024-2027.v