The ninth C919 for China Eastern arrived last week, carrying a bit of a passenger experience boost. It is the first C919 for the carrier to feature a streaming entertainment solution on board.
China Eastern
China, Las Vegas feature in Gatwick summer 2024 slot allocations
Norse Atlantic may bring its flying longboats to Las Vegas this summer. The route is noted in the initial slot allocations for Gatwick, released today.
Virgin Atlantic is now a part of SkyTeam
Virgin Atlantic officially joins the SkyTeam alliance today, just five months after announcing its intention to affiliate with the group.
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
China Eastern launches local live TV on board with Panasonic Avionics
Live television in flight is coming to China. Panasonic Avionics will deliver multiple channels of live TV service to China Eastern as the launch customer of its expanded channel selection, adding multiple Chinese broadcasters to its portfolio.
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.
COMAC delivers for three new ARJ21 operators
China’s COMAC added a trio of new airline operators for its ARJ21-700 aircraft over the weekend. China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China each took delivery of their first aircraft during a joint ceremony. And, still, COMAC’s grand ambitions to challenge Western manufacturers remains years away.
US retaliates against China, blocking all flights
Nonstop service between the US and China will terminate later this month, ending 24 years of direct links between the countries. The move comes as the two governments escalate rhetoric on many fronts, covering trade, human rights and more.
China Eastern takes an interesting angle for new premium seating
Putting flat bed seats in single-aisle aircraft is hardly a new phenomenon. As the planes fly farther and passengers appear willing to pay for increased comfort that trend will likely continue, with seat manufacturers continuing to innovate in the space. Or, perhaps, taking a step backwards from time to time.
Biometrics expand in Asia, Europe and the Middle East
Where will travelers find biometric systems next? As the technology continues to evolve and expand new airport implementations are coming online around the globe. Here are a trio of recent activations that span the range of services and values to passengers.