Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
lie-flat beds
Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
Ethiopian Airlines plans a big boost to its fleet, with multiple orders announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. The carrier will add both Airbus and Boeing jets to its fleet as it pursues significant growth through its Vision 2035 Strategy.
flydubai spreads its wings with 787 order
Flydubai is ready to grow in a new direction. The carrier will add wide-body aircraft to its fleet for the first time, with an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners announced at the 2023 Dubai Air Show.
Beond sets sights on premium Maldives traffic
Take what you know about the premium cabin air travel experience today and throw it away. That is, at least in part, the message of Beond, the upstart all-premium airline set to launch operations from the Maldives next month.
LOT reveals (eventual) new 787-8 interiors
With its 787-8 fleet now pushing past 10 years of age LOT Polish Airlines is ready to update its interiors. The carrier announced plans for a nose-to-tail refresh of the cabins, covering the seats as well as inflight entertainment and connectivity on board.
Space, sound take center stage in JAL’s A350-1000 cabins
Japan Airlines’ flagship A350-1000 will enter service later this year with all new cabins nose-to-tail. For premium cabin travelers both space and sound feature heavily in the offering, while even in economy space is part of the plan.
Swiss pushes premium economy in A350 layout
Swiss will grow the premium economy cabin on its A350s as part of its “Swiss Senses” interiors program. The new design,will be delivered on the A350 fleet direct from the factory beginning in 2025.
Korean Air plans mini-suites for 787-10, 777-300ER
Korean Air will introduce a new business class suite as part of the 787-10 induction, with service entry planned for November 2023.
HAECO proposes mini-suite installation for MAX 8
Another airline plans to install lie-flat beds for premium passengers on its 737-8 fleet. HAECO has requested permission from the US Department of Transportation to modify the cabin configuration on the 737 MAX 8 for an unnamed customer with “mini-suites” on board.
KLM’s new 777 World Business Class seat enters service
KLM’s first 777 with its new World Business Class seat has returned to service. The seat offers increased privacy, direct aisle access for all travelers, and other improvements to the overall passenger experience.