After two years of planning and construction WestJet’s flagship lounge is set to open at Calgary International Airport. The Elevation Lounge offers a more than 9,300 square feet of space with panoramic views and Canadian-inspired details.
business class
ANA plans new long-haul LCC airline
ANA plans a long-haul LCC operation as it overhauls is operational structure in the wake of COVID-19. The company sees an irrecoverable shift in demand profile and is adjusting in kind.
Air Canada launches all-premium Jetz flights for winter leisure travel
Air Canada is extending its all-premium Jetz service to multiple sun and sand destinations this winter, building on the success of the company’s business travel focus for the planes earlier this year. The dedicated sub-fleet of A319 aircraft will carry passengers to eight warm weather markets from a trio of Canadian gateways.
SAS takes delivery of first A321LR
Sure, it is a few months later than expected, but SAS took delivery of its first A321LR aircraft today. It is the first of three LRs the company expects to join the fleet, offering service in transatlantic markets that are too small to support twin-aisle aircraft.
Stelia launches Opera, new business class seat for single-aisle market
With single-aisle aircraft flying further than ever before, airlines continue to invest in delivering a more compelling premium cabin experience on board. And now they have another choice of seating supplier to help make that happen. Stelia Aerospace launched the Opera business class seat today, bringing a new luxury option to the single-aisle fleets of tomorrow.
Singapore Airlines pivots to ground offerings
With the vast majority of its fleet grounded and passenger flow slowed to a trickle Singapore Airlines, like so many others, continues to search for new ways to generate revenues. Starting in October the airline will run a trio of ground-based experiences, offering “travelers” the Singapore Airlines experience without ever getting into the sky.
JetBlue’s first Mint A321neo breaks cover
A new JetBlue tailfin emerged at the Airbus final assembly line in Hamburg/Finkenwerder this week raising questions about possible changes on the aircraft interior. PaxEx.Aero can now confirm this will be the first A321neo with a Mint interior for the carrier. Delivery and entry into service are expected to occur before the end of the year.
JetBlue goes hunting for revenue with 24 new winter markets
Why is JetBlue planning two dozen new routes this winter in markets that, a year ago, would have been unthinkable? To quote infamous bank robber Willie Sutton, “Because that’s where the money is.” At least, that’s what JetBlue hopes. Head of Revenue and Planning Scott Laurence explains that the moves “advance our revised network strategy, return more aircraft to the skies and double down on our ability to generate more cash sooner.”
Boeing plans for airbags in some 777X seating structures
Airbags on planes are not new. Seatbelts have had them to protect passengers in case of a crash, but for at least some seats on the 777X Boeing intends to change the setup a bit. Rather than mounting them on the seatbelts the airbags will be mounted on structures in the cabin. The Federal Aviation Administration is now soliciting feedback on this new design as it considers the type certification for the 777-9.
Finnair brings back Helsinki lounge, inflight catering
Finnair is the latest carrier to reinstate some additional services for travelers. The carrier will reopen a lounge in Helsinki and expand catering on board most flights, though still with limitations and an eye towards the current operating environment.