Is there a better way to get a good night’s sleep without splurging for a business class bed? The 2024 collection of Crystal Cabin Award applicants certainly think so, with several nominations covering that segment.
economy class
PaxEx Bits: Week ending 5 April 2024
Lots of cabin and connectivity news bits to catch up on as the week comes to an end…
Upstarts get creative in economy class for 2024 Crystal Cabin Awards
The economy cabin is typically optimized for airline profit over customer comfort, but that doesn’t mean all creativity is lost. Here are a few upstarts looking to move the market and win a 2024 Crystal Cabin Award.
Expliseat launches new economy class seat with Hop! E190 contract
Expliseat will launch a new version of its lightweight TiSeat, targeting the Embraer E-Jet family of aircraft. Air France’s HOP! is the launch customer.
Frontier’s UpFront Plus brings EuroBiz to North America
Blocking the middle seat in a row is a staple of the European business class travel market. Now a similar offering will fly in North America, as Frontier Airlines introduces UpFront Plus.
British airways adds free messaging Wi-Fi option
British Airways will add a free tier to its inflight internet offerings, becoming the latest airline to tie internet service to its loyalty program.
Southwest shifts seating supplier in interiors revamp
Southwest Airlines will fly with new seats from 2025, part of an aircraft interiors update for the company.
Interior refresh coming for Delta’s 737-800s
Photos have emerged revealing the next round of Delta’s 737-800 interior upgrades is underway. Approximately 40 aircraft are expected to see the refresh over the next two years, with new seats and updated in-flight entertainment coming on board.
Alaska Airlines takes first 737 MAX 8, plans further cabin retrofits
Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this week, adding additional range and flexibility to its fleet. In an unusual twist, the interior of the new plane is not what the carrier expects to fly longer term.
Lufthansa Group flexes with A220, MAX orders
The Lufthansa Group plans to add the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet before the end of the decade. It will also expand its A220-300 operations and added A320neo options.