Developing a new route to profitability often takes months, if not years. United airlines is pulling the plug on its nonstop service between Los Angeles and Singapore after just one year, a quick decision that reflects the challenges of ultra long-haul flights as new, longer services are poised to launch.
Singapore
Singapore Airlines brings back the nonstop to Newark
Singapore Airlines is reclaiming the role as operator of the world’s longest flight. The carrier confirmed today that it will serve Newark nonstop from its Changi Airport hub using the Airbus A350-900ULR starting in October 2018. That’s nearly 19 hours on board, a trip that requires certain accommodations to keep passengers sane.
Biometrics: Real value or gimmicky crap?
Is the current biometrics push in aviation a gimmick or a real improvement for passengers and airlines alike? Likely a bit of both. Let’s look at two recent demonstrations of the technology to see how the benefits play out.
An investment Boom from Japan Airlines
Supersonic hopeful Boom Aerospace got a big vote of confidence – and cash infusion – from Japan Airlines this week. The airline will pump $10mm in to the company, supporting the potential return to commercial supersonic flight by the middle of the next decade.
Air New Zealand gets its GX on
Air New Zealand is finally sporting an inflight connectivity radome on one of its aircraft. Ship ZK-OKS, a 777-300ER, returned to service last week after a month in Singapore where the Inmarsat Global Xpress (“GX”) kit was installed. The carrier announced last December that it will fit its entire fleet with the GX service.