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.
business class
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.
Air Canada brings back inflight meals, lounges, middle seat passengers
Travelers on Air Canada flights will soon have a few more of the creature comforts they’re used to when traveling. But they’ll also be sharing them with more creatures. The carrier joins a growing list of airlines halting the process of blocking middle seats.
JetBlue’s crazy summer of new routes
If ever there were a time to try something completely crazy in the route planning department, this is it. JetBlue’s new route plan brings the carrier deep into competitor hubs and away from its own as the carrier aims to bring planes and crew back to the skies.
United’s long-haul operations focus on a new "workhorse"
United Airlines is not formally retiring any aircraft yet, but the company hinted at what its future fleet will look like in a memo to pilots identifying where bases will close and aircraft will reposition.
Airport lounges shutter as airlines slash capacity
The lounges are closing. Not every airline and not every location, but for the trickle of passengers still flying opportunities to duck into a private space in the terminal for a bit are starting to disappear.