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.
seating
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.
Delta plans "High J" config for A350 fleet
Delta Air Lines appears set to add more business class seats to its A350s in an upcoming layout, set to fly in mid-2024.
Alaska Airlines welcomes complexity with Hawaiian Airlines acquisition
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.
Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
Safran secured a (not really) billion dollar commitment from Emirates to fit the carrier’s fleet over the decade ahead.
Thompson Aero inaugurates Dynamic Test Facility
Thompson Aero is the latest seat maker to launch its own crash test operations. The facility, announced just last December, officially opened earlier this month at the company’s Northern Ireland headquarters in Bainbridge.
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.
Global Airlines taps Hi Fly for A380 maintenance and retrofit
Global Airlines contracted with Hi Fly to handle maintenance and retrofit work for its first A380 going through the necessary processes before it can carry travelers.
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.
Larger planes key as United boosts Airbus, Boeing backlog
United Airlines added to its new jet backlog this week, with 50 more Boeing 787s and 60 more Airbus A321neos set to fly between 2028-2031, focusing on larger planes to increase capacity for both domestic and international operations.